A lot of toys for cats nowadays have catnip in them; I have a 4 month old kitten and I don't know when its safe to let im have the catnip. Any sugesstions??
2007-01-17 07:53:48 · 10 answers · asked by Sativa602 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there ...catnip is a safe and great treat for all cats at any age, however with very young kittens they may not respond to it until they are little older "if" they possess the gene for it.
CATNIP: (Nepeta cataria--also part of the mint family of plants) contains a substance called cis-transnepetalactone which when inhaled or eaten is thought to be hallucinogenic through the stimulation of centres in the brain--it gives some cats a europhoric high. Not all cats are responsive to catnip and here's why:
1. Reaction to catnip is genetic (see last paragraph). Cats must possess a gene for it. While most cats do, about 15 percent reportedly do not. Kittens, whether they possess the gene or not, generally do not react to catnip until they are from six to nine months old. Try reintroducing the catnip then and you will probably find that your cat will greatly enjoy it. If your cat is an adult, you may have one of the few adult cats that do not possess the gene.
2. Inferior quality catnip. Many other catnip brands are "cut" with straw, stems and other filler. This may fool the cat owner, but it doesn't fool kitty! Try some Certified Organic Catnip or fresh Catnip.
It's not known why the reaction to catnip seems to occur only among the feline species. What is known is that the ability to react to catnip is a genetic one. Cats that react to catnip possess a gene that programs them to react to catnip. The gene does not develop until after six months of age or so, and not ALL cats possess the gene. About 15 percent of the cat population does not possess the gene, so this may explain why your cat does not react. If they do possess the gene, cats of all sizes - from housecats, cheetahs, mountain lions, pumas, etc. - will love catnip.
2007-01-17 14:19:53 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think it is safe to let any age kitten or cat to have catnip. Sometimes they are not interested until 5 or 6 months, but it won't hurt to offer sooner.
I once had some young kittens I was fostering and couldn't spend as much time as I wanted with them so offered some catnip to see if they would play with some toys and they went crazy. These kittens were only 6 or 7 weeks old.
2007-01-17 08:18:42 · answer #2 · answered by memaw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The catnip is safe, but if you give a cat catnip before 6 months to 1 year, it will not have any effect, and chances are catnip wont have any effect for the rest of their lives.
2007-01-17 07:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catnip doesn't affect cats until they're about 1 year old. There's no harm in exposing your kitten to it now, but really no need to. Something like 10% of adult cats are immune to it.
2007-01-17 09:43:29 · answer #4 · answered by LX V 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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It really doesnt matter, as long as it's above weaning age (4-6 weeks). Cats usally get interested in catnip when they are 6-9 months old. Give a teaspoon- a tablespoon in her toy or food or as a treat. They love it! (Most cats, lol)
2016-04-07 06:16:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At any age, catnip is perfectly safe for a cat.
2007-01-17 08:45:00 · answer #6 · answered by ~MIMI~ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your kitten is fine. Some cats doen't even have an interest in catnip.
2007-01-17 07:58:10 · answer #7 · answered by Jessica 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Any age. Some vets recommend against giving it to kittens but there is no proof that it matters either way. Both my cats like it, one eats it, the other just rubs it all over herself. LOL!
Go cats! Cats rule!
2007-01-17 08:01:45 · answer #8 · answered by rangerbaldwin 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I gave to my kitten at four months and it didn't seem to affect her. Yet again, she does the cutest wild and crazy things anyway. I love her sooo much!
2007-01-17 08:16:46 · answer #9 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
6months
2007-01-17 08:02:57 · answer #10 · answered by Holister 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋