Given that catnip can have a calming, soothing effect, it can be used to: help reduce a cat's stress and anxiety when going to the vet, help reduce stress when traveling, help with urinary issues (note that stress is a major contributing factor to urinary obstruction in cats!).
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are one possible option for treating chronic anxiety in cats. TCAs raise the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the body. These two hormones are involved in regulating mood and anxiety. Clomipramine (Anafranil) and amitriptyline are examples of TCAs used for cats.
Catnip contains nepetalactone, which is similar to the valepotriates found in a commonly used herbal sedative, valerian. This can improve relaxation , which may boost mood and reduce anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness.
Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time. Other cats become hyperactive or downright aggressive, especially if you approach them. Usually these sessions last about 10 minutes, after which your cat loses interest.
Lavender, which has natural sedative properties, may help soothe an anxious cat. Copaiba, helichrysum, and frankincense are also considered safe for cats. Before using essential oils, even in the form of diffused scents, around your cats, check with your holistic veterinarian for recommendations.
The chemical nepetalactone, released or extracted from catnip, has feline attractant and psychotropic effects on most cats — even big cats like tigers and lions! This chemical binds to sensory receptors in a cat's nose and activates a euphoric emotional response in their brain.
In any case, catnip should be offered in moderation as an occasional, fun treat for your cat. Another reason not to go overboard on catnip is that it tends to lose its effect with too much use.
Cats act high when they're given catnip because, well, they are. Researchers say that catnip and another plant, silver vine, produce a chemical that activates their opioid reward systems.
When sniffed, it acts as a stimulant, often causing cats to become very playful, rolling over on the ground and generally being hyperactive. But when eaten, catnip acts as a sedative, sometimes causing cats to drool, purr, or fall asleep.
Give in Small Doses
They will enjoy it for up to 15 minutes before their senses have had enough and they won't be able to catch that buzz again for a few hours. If you have multiple cats, make sure there is enough to go around to avoid any competition for the catnip. Catnip doesn't have to be a daily thing.
Luckily, the effects of catnip only last about 10 minutes. If used too much, a cat can become insensitive to it. Often, a simple sniff of catnip can do the trick, but eating it can also work. If you spray a cat toy or fill one with dried catnip, you'll have to do it again as the oil wears off after some time.
So apart from tasting great in tea, catnip is reputed as having a therapeutic value in treating nausea, anxiety, depression, insomnia, congestion, as well as gastric upset.
Signs of Cat Anxiety
If your cat has anxiety, you may notice pacing or restlessness, hiding, decreased appetite, vocalization, hypervigilance, trembling, salivation, and excessive grooming.
Cat anxiety may be caused by pain or illness, exposure to something toxic or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system. A psychological trigger may be to blame, like a traumatic experience, lack of proper socialization or a history of abuse or neglect.
If you want some cat-friendly air fresheners, there are certain smells that cats love. “Cats love the smell of catnip, olives, non-citrus fruit for the most part and plants like honeysuckle,” Dr. Evans said. A lot of cats like the scent of valerian root, “which induces a similar euphoria to catnip,” Hudson said.
Previously, researchers determined that cats stay calmer when listening to classical music, as opposed to pop and heavy metal. But more recent research published in this month's issue of Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery showed that cats may relax even more when listening to music made with them in mind.
However, from this research, we can conclude that overall, cats are comforted by their owner's presence, but did not appear to get much reassurance from something that smells like their owner, at least during a brief stressful situation. Behnke, A. C., Vitale, K. R., & Udell, M. A. (2021).
Grown in the USA, our catnip plants are safe, pure, and 100% organic. Meowijuana is ALWAYS free of preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients because that's what our feline overlords deserve. Play is a vital activity to relieve anxiety and boredom and maintain a healthy weight in cats.
Catnip is considered safe, and cats seem to have an innate knowledge about when to stop eating or sniffing it. In fact, cats not only instinctively know when they've had enough, but their bodies actually turn off their receptivity to catnip after they've ingested some, which is about the time your cat loses interest.
How Long Does It Take for Cats to Get High on Catnip? Cats begin to feel the effects of catnip within a few seconds. The duration of the effect is variable, but typically lasts around 10 minutes and rarely more than 15.
When ingested, catnip acts as a sedative, reducing anxiety, stress and depression. Catnip can reduce stomach pain and bloat. It's also a great way to get your cat into a bath if they have irritated or inflamed skin.
Your cat cannot become addicted to catnip and will not experience an opioid withdrawal no matter how much catnip your pet is exposed to. Frequent exposure to catnip, however, can cause your cat to develop a tolerance to the plant, according to PetMD.