If your cat overdoses on catnip, it’s essential to administer a dose of the medication.
Catnip’s chemical properties can reach your cat’s bloodstream through spraying it on his paw or mouth.
When a cat ingests enough of the herb, his symptoms might include vomiting, shaking, and a slow turbulence in the flow of his his face.
So, can cats overdose on catnip? There are many misconceptions about cats.
Many people believe that cats can’t overdose on catnip. However, this is not true.
Catnip is a plant that can induce a strong reaction in cats, including rolling in catnip, drooling, and drooling more. If a cat takes too much catnip for too long, it can have serious negative side effects.
It can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea and can make the cat very sick. Therefore, it’s important to monitor your cat while taking it catnip.
For cat owners concerned about their cat’s safety, it’s best that they avoid giving their cats catnip.
Contents
What Exactly Is Catnip?
Catnip is a native plant of the mint family that is native to northern Europe, Asia, and parts of North America. Catnip is an herb and has a pungent smell and flavor that cats find irresistible.
Using catnip for medicinal purposes is a centuries old tradition, and though there is no scientific evidence to back up its use, many pet owners swear by its efficacy.
The leaves of catnip are green, fuzzy, and oval-shaped. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 18 inches in height. Catnip grows in a bushy manner and grows best in moist and shady conditions.
Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is released when cats interact with it.
This chemical causes cats to drool, roll around, and rub against things. It also causes them to experience mild euphoria. The smell of the catnip plant is one of the main reasons it attracts cats.
Catnip tea is made from dried catnip leaves. You can make the tea by pouring water over dried catnip leaves.
The tea has a pungent aroma and flavor similar to mint. The tea can be made by boiling the catnip leaves in water for 10 minutes.
Catnip oil is also made from catnip leaves. The oil is distilled from the leaves and has a strong and pungent aroma, similar to mint or thyme oil.
Catnip oil can be used externally or internally. It can be used to treat skin problems and as a flavoring agent in food.
Cats also love catnip in dried form. When dried catnip is rubbed on a cat’s fur, it triggers the same response as when a cat chews on fresh leaves of the plant. Cats also love catnip infused toys.
Catnip oil can be mixed with other ingredients to create catnip flavored treats for cats, like cat cookies. Catnip flavored foods are sold in pet stores and pet specialty stores.
Catnip is typically used by cat owners to treat behavioral problems in cats, like excessive meowing, hyperactivity, and destructive behavior.
It is also used to relieve stress and anxiety
Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?
Yes, cats may overdose on any type of medication, including herbs like chamomile, eucalyptus, valerian root, etc.
The strongest catnip products may contain up to 20% nepetalactone concentration.
A smell of it alone can cause excitement in some cats and can lead to them chewing on the product or even ingesting some of it.
According to studies, catnip is non-toxic to pets; however, it can cause vomiting if ingested in large quantities or if the product contains toxic compounds like pyrethrins or pyrethroids.
It may help to prevent your cat from licking off medicine from his or her paws if you mix the medicine with a small amount of wet cat food.
Most cats roll, flip, and pounce on the plants in an attempt to get the stimulating effects from the chemicals contained in them.
It’s conceivable they’ll both ingest the leaves as well as rub them on themselves to get the same effects they normally get from consuming the plant.
What Is the Effect of Catnip on Cats?
Catnip is best described as a tool for calming down hyper-active or anxious cats and giving them a happy and relaxed feeling.
Having said that, some individuals feel that persistent use of it can diminish their feline friend’s desire to play and give them some “numbness” to their personality.
Catnip should only be used for short periods of time as it may diminish your cat’s natural curiosity and playfulness.
The general guideline is to give your cat no more than two doses per day of any product containing cat nip.
Catnip toys are harmless, and most pet owners consider these to be a great treat for their kitties.
If your cat seems to be fascinated with one of these toys, you can safely let him or her play with it.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip So Much?
Once breathed, the volatile oil in the plant gets absorbed through the nasal membranes of the nose and stimulates the olfactory system in the nose.
These are supposed to work on “happy receptors” in the olfactory system of the brain to produce a euphoric reaction in the user.
The impact, however, is short-lived, and the effect wears off within an hour after the substance has been inhaled.
Catnip does not seem to be as appealing to young kittens and older cats as it is to younger ones. Some even tend to ignore it completely.
Is it Dangerous to Give Cats Catnip?
There is no indication that catnip is dangerous for cats, but they may respond differently to it to other animals like dogs or humans.
They may get used to it, and develop tolerance, which may lessen its effect over time.
Some cats, especially young, energetic felines, might become very hyperactive if they ingest large amounts of catnip.
If this is the case for your kitty, it’s best to stop giving it to him right away and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about its use.
How Do I Prepare Catnip For My Cat?
Catnip can be an addictive plant for cats, but it’s important to know how to use it properly. When properly prepared, catnip can be a useful tool for your cat’s physical and mental well-being. Here’s how to use catnip properly:
Make Sure Your Cat Does Not Suffer From Any Health Problems
Before giving your cat catnip, check for any health conditions such as allergies or thyroid issues. If your cat has any health issues, avoid using catnip altogether.
Give Your Cat 5 to 10 Minutes of Attention
Your cat will be attracted to catnip if you give it some attention first. Prepare the catnip before your cat gets there and let your kitty sniff it while its mom and dad are around.
Use Small Bits
Catnip can be irresistible to cats, which is why you should give them small bits at a time. Catnip users have reported using spray bottles to administer small amounts to their pet cats.
Never Use Too Much Catnip
Cats can become addicted to catnip, which is why you should only give your cat small amounts at a time. Overdosing your cat with catnip can be toxic and could cause death.
Never Use Catnip With Your Cat
If your cat is allergic to catnip, don’t use it and never use it around your cat. Remember that cats can die from catnip exposure.
Also Read: What Does Catnip Smell Like?
Final Words
Catnip is a mint-like herb that grows in moist soil in temperate regions around the world.
You may produce your own catnip or purchase dried or fresh varieties at pet stores.
You might buy refillable catnip toys at pet stores as well, which your pet will enjoy for hours without eating the plant itself.
Keep an eye on your kitty while he’s enjoying his toy and make sure he doesn’t choke on it.
If your cat is allergic to catmint, keep him away from this herb entirely and consult with your vet if you think he might have a reaction to it at all.
