Research suggests that catnip targets receptors in their brain to make them feel happy. After an initial bout of stimulation and excitement, the herb helps soothe your cat and calm its aggressive behavior.
Avoid situations that you know make a cat aggressive. Separate cats that act aggressively toward each other and reintroduce slowly with positive reinforcement, as described in the Territorial Aggression section. Food treats are excellent positive enforcers of non-aggressive behavior.
Positive reinforcement
Food treats are an excellent way to reinforce non-aggressive behavior. If you're dealing with cat-on-cat aggression, separate them and reintroduce them slowly with positive reinforcement.
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!).
Separate their resources. Reduce competition between the cats by providing multiple, identical food bowls, beds and litter boxes in different areas of your house. Provide additional perches. More hiding spots and perches will allow your cats to space themselves out as they prefer.
They're Insecure about Territories. Sometimes sudden outbursts are caused by unease about territories in the home. Cats are naturally territorial, but friendly cats have learned to share their space peacefully. If you recently moved to a new home, they may need to work those issues out again.
Don't use catnip because it can make cats more aggressive. If those things don't help, you can ask your vet about medication to help calm the older cat until he's not continually hissing and going after the younger one.
Researchers suspect that catnip targets feline 'happy' receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, catnip tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out.
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.
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.
For particularly violent or aggressive cats, your vet may even prescribe a mild form of cat diazepam. It does work well, but getting them to ingest it can be challenging. Presuming that a difficult cat isn't just going to let you pop the pill into its mouth, try crushing it up and disguising it in their favourite food.
Keep in mind that a number of medical conditions can cause or contribute to your cat's aggression, including toxoplasmosis, hyperthyroidism, epilepsy, abscesses, arthritis, dental disease, rabies, trauma, and sensory decline or cognitive dysfunction in older cats.
Gabapentin and trazadone are recommended as first line choices in ameliorating feline anxiety and aggression as they have both been shown to be safe and effective options to improve feline veterinary visits.
Redirect the behaviour – once you have interrupted an aggressive advance by ignoring and moving away, toss a toy for the cat to initiate appropriate play. You can then reward them for 'good' behaviour. Learn how to predict when play aggression is likely to occur and redirect the behaviour before it happens.
Older cats sometimes seem to be rejuvenated and begin to act like they did when they were kittens. Catnip also seems to make most cats more playful and more interested in toys. After a certain amount of time, cats under the influence of catnip seem to calm down and get sluggish and sleepy.
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.
Male Cats Recovery After Neutering
Cats can also sometimes be aggressive as a result of the discomfort they are feeling, so we also recommend keeping other people and pets away from your furry friend during this time.
While catnip is non-addictive, its effect can dull due to overexposure. So, while the occasional catnip “high” might be fun, it's best to avoid a daily catnip routine with your cat. The effects also start to decline as your cat ages.
Catnip's Benefits
Relaxation: Some cats can enjoy a sedative effect from their catnip when eaten. For pets that exhibit stress and anxiety problems, this benefit may be particularly useful, So, the next time you take your cat to the vet, consider giving them some catnip to keep them calm.
Its calming properties come from its nepetalactone and nepetalactone acid compounds. In animal studies, catnip reduces anxiety. While there isn't enough research to determine if this is the case in humans, the nepetalactone in catnip may reduce nervousness, anxiousness, and restlessness.
Don't be alarmed by hissing or growling. These are normal reactions. Encourage interaction through the door. Place your new cat's food near the door of his room so he stays near it.
The effects of catnip vary depending on the individual cat and how they respond to the herb. For most cats, effects and behaviors associated with catnip will last around 10-15 minutes. Once catnip has worn off, it may take around 30 minutes to an 1 hour for your cat to respond to it again.