Is Catnip Good for My Cat?
Feed your feline catnip and a positive response is likely. Genetically related to basil and oregano, the catnip plant, or nepeta cataria, contains a chemical stimulant called nepetalactone. It generally doesn’t put pet safety at risk. As for the ethical debate, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) supports using “reasonable amounts of high-quality catnip” along with keeping pets safe using products such as cat doors.
What Does Catnip Do?
The stimulant in catnip is said to produce a marijuana- or LSD-like “high.” Catnip can act as a sedative or trigger intense euphoria when eaten. Seen in about half of all cats, the catnip effect varies from one individual from another and lasts about 10 minutes.1 That’s barely more time than it takes for a cat to go out, do its thing, and come back inside through a sliding pet door.
Is Catnip Safe for My Cat?
Catnip for cats is safe. There’s no risk of overdose, although eating a lot of it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. About 50% of cats are sensitive to the ingredients in catnip.2 The stimulant won’t affect kittens, though; sensitivity doesn’t develop until a feline is at least three to six months old. Cats may no longer respond to catnip if they are frequently exposed to it.
Properly sized pet doors or even a cat tunnel can help keep your feline safe at home and in your yard—but how do you train them to use it? Catnip has been found to be an effective training aid. The herb also helps encourage cats to use a new bed, a scratching post, or their own personal outdoor garden after using your sliding cat door.
How Do I Use Catnip Most Safely?
Although catnip is generally safe, you want to make sure your feline isn’t endangered by venturing outside. A cat screen door can direct them into your yard, avoiding the risks of wandering into traffic or a non-so-friendly person. If you’re looking for a cat or other pet access door with features such as magnetic controlled entry or pet microchip detection, shop at Australia Pet Doors or call +61-437-644-330 today.
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