Catnip is an herb that, when smelled by a cat, can affect behavior. About 60% of cats will have a behavioral reaction to catnip. The effects of catnip varies from cat to cat, but can include signs of happiness, hyperactivity, or even aggression.
Consuming catnip does not produce the same psychoactive effects in humans as it does in cats, but it may offer relaxation benefits. In humans, the effects of catnip are generally mild and may include feelings of relaxation or calmness, similar to those produced by other herbal teas or aromatherapy products.
Plant cat-repellent plants: Certain plants have strong odors that cats dislike. Examples include lavender, rosemary, coleus canina (also known as the ``scaredy cat plant''), rue, and pennyroyal. Consider adding these plants around the perimeter of your garden to discourage cats from entering.
While our feline friends are often natural models of poise and grace, some of them can turn into giddy kittens just by getting a sniff of catnip.
Catnip is the most widely used and well-known of the plants that can cause a mood change in cats.
Predatory Instinct
A house cat that doesn't have to hunt for its food still needs to burn its pent-up energy, and it may be in the form of what appears to be crazy behavior. Toys, such as catnip mice, laser pointers, food puzzles, and feather wands encourage a cat to use its instincts to grab, chase, and jump.
As a general rule, cats are sensitive when it comes to smells, but there are a few scents they hate that might just surprise you. They can't stand citrus and as much as you might love the smell of fresh herbs, cats hate rosemary and thyme. Banana and mustard are a big no-no too, as well as lavender and eucalyptus.
Popular options for calming herbs for cats with cat anxiety are catnip, chamomile, hops, valerian root, lemon balm, skullcap, and California poppy (don't worry: it doesn't have any opiates).
The effects are generally mild and can include a sense of calm or slight drowsiness, however smoking catnip also carries some side effects and risks, including respiratory irritation, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort if smoked in large quantities.
While catnip is predominantly associated with cats, other animals, such as raccoons, may show interest in this herb. Raccoons, known for their curious nature and omnivorous diet, may be attracted to the scent of catnip. However, unlike cats, raccoons do not exhibit the playful or euphoric behaviors seen in felines.
While catnip is generally safe for dogs, consuming large quantities can lead to gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog ingests a significant amount of catnip, monitor them closely and contact us if symptoms persist. Dogs may also experience mild sedation after eating catnip.
Nepetalactone triggers a sense of euphoria in the brain of the susceptible cat, which produces the “high” that is sometimes described as similar to either marijuana or LSD in humans. The response to catnip typically lasts for about 10 minutes before wearing off.
One way to help calm a cat down is to actively play with them. Use a fishing rod or something for them to catch and ensure they always have access to toys and a scratching post. Your aim is to help them burn off their excess energy, so ideally you want to play with them until you notice them getting tired.
Can my cat overdose on catnip? Cats can't technically 'overdose' on the smell of catnip, however, they shouldn't eat too much of it in one go, as they may experience some mild gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If this occurs, remove the catnip from your cat's environment.
Texture: Sticky paper, aluminum foil, heavy plastic or a plastic carpet runner (knubby side up) can be placed in areas you want to be off limits. Cats hate walking on these surfaces. Smell: Citronella, perfumes, solid air fresheners, citrus, aloe, eucalyptus oil and oil of wintergreen are all aversive smells to cats.
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.
Relying on humans to meet their basic needs relates to how, today, domesticated cats often choose to bond with one person.
On top of roses, other plant and flower scents cats like include sunflowers, grass, chamomile, valerian and olive trees, oils, or leaves. Keep in mind olive can produce similar effects to catnip. Before you go wild in the garden or home, remember to read up on poisonous plants.
Cat Adulthood: When Cats Start to Settle Down
Many of our precious felines calm down considerably from 1-2 years of age on. They may still enjoy the occasional “zoomie” but tend to not get into as much mischief. Young adulthood continues until about 10 years of age, when most cats are still active, but much calmer.
There are a few reasons why your kitty might be prompted to wake you up in the dead of the night. It may not be getting enough stimulation, enrichment, and exercise during its active periods, so while you're starting to fall asleep, your cat may be fully awake and looking to play.
If the cat has tags, contact the owners. You can also bring her to your vet or a shelter to scan for a microchip. It's the fastest way to identify her owner and help her get back home. If the cat's family can't be located, consider fostering her yourself and looking for a forever home.