All About Catnip And Your Cat
Ever wonder about the effects catnip has on some cats and whether or not the tempting treat is harmful for your pet? Research has shown only about half to two-thirds of felines have a reaction to catnip while it has no affect whatsoever on the rest of the population. That is because the gene responsible for the reaction is inherited and not all cats possess it to pass it on to their offspring.
Many pet owners enjoy watching their cat’s natural high after ingesting or sniffing catnip. The reactions vary from rolling around on the floor, excessive pawing and uncontrolled friskiness. This behavior will last anywhere from five to fifteen minutes before wearing off. It is extremely rare for a cat to have a negative reaction, however, there are some cats who become aggressive and will fight after their exposure to catnip.
If you are unsure of your pet’s reaction, it is recommended you try a small amount on the animal in an isolated area to gage their reaction. Though part of the reason for various reactions to catnip may lie in the individual cat’s upbringing and lifestyle, it is largely unknown why different cats react in different ways to catnip. In addition, cat nip should only be given to adult cats as kittens do not respond to the herb, which is probably a good thing given all the natural energy they have.
Catnip is not harmful to cats, nor can they overdose on it. In addition, most cats instinctively know when they have had enough catnip and will not have anymore. Catnip has also been shown to have natural healing qualities for cats. It has been shown to relieve stress, help scared or shy cats come out of their shell, encourage a lazy cat to start playing.
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