This may sound silly, but I know how kitties get a little wacky on Cat nip, but what does it actually do to the cat? Is it like cat pot? (I guess if so...) Do they get the munchies? Or is it like how after you've been drinking you get a little crazy? It isn't bad for them, right?
OK, I know. 100 clueless questions. My kitten is too young to use it now, but I am just checking out info on it for when he gets older. I don't want to harm him in any way.
TIA for your answers! ;)
2007-09-18 07:06:04 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
This may sound strange, but catnip actually releases a chemical in the cats brain that releases "sex hormones." So, cats that are "high" on catnip are feeling like they would if they were, well, doing it.
As far as I know, it doesn't actually harm the cat. It is kind of like "cat pot," but it's not addictive as far as I can tell. Often times, the cat will rub up against and "love on" things that have come in contact with catnip because they love it so much.
The tip that I would have if you choose to use it is to just rub a little to places that you want your cat to enjoy. Another tip is to not give a cat too much. My cats once got into a full bag of it overnight, and they were both pretty out of it the whole next day. The one pretty much slept like usual, but the male was walking a little wobbly and kept falling off of the couch.
Despite this, I still have no doubts about catnip being unsafe. Everything in moderation. Have fun with your new cat!
2007-09-18 07:32:02 · answer #1 · answered by bride_of_christ728 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I had to laugh a little at your question I can answer both ways I had a cat for 12 years before introducing a dog and the cat hated the dog would run from him Unfortunately he left this earth at the grand age of 16 I now breed large Maine coons as well as Norwegian forest cats and i have a couple of Devon rexs Obviously my dog was already here when i got the cats so they have become great friends because as kittens they had no fear of dogs, They often play together the cats chase the dog LOL I think its harder for an older cat to except a dog as they already have a fear of them as many dog owners will say CAT to a dog dogs will see this word as the word for get it so will chase the cat Cats all so being supreme creature who have never forgotten they were once worshiped as Gods, will sit and wind dogs up Trust me a cat is not stupid enough to put it self in any danger from a dog
2016-05-17 21:37:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your cat is safe. Some cats react only to fresh catnip and some cats don't react at all. But the effects are not bad or bad for them. We got our two cats some toy catnip mice, and they totally ignored the things, in favor of normal toy mice. But then I got a small catnip plant for a project and they loved it! They would walk by and sniff and rub it all the time, and later my mom transferred it to this huge white pot and they actually got in and rolled on it! We got more just for them since they liked it so much. So yeah, it does make them a bit ecstatic, and it's weird to see them being affectionate to a plant, but they are perfectly alright and by no means damaged. Good Luck with your cat! <><
2007-09-18 07:48:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From observing how cats enjoy & respond to catnip, I've always compared it to coffee or really good chocolate (neither of which are good for cats, although catnip is fine). Not all cats respond to catnip & while I don't think they can OD or become addicted to it, they *can* become so used to it that their enjoyment is diminished, so it's best to only let your kitties have it once or @ most twice a week.
For our cats who react to it, catnip usually makes them *much* more active & playful, comically so in fact. Our youngest is nearly the age when catnip usually becomes interesting, so we don't know yet if he'll be into it but our other 3 *love* it. Quality catnip from pet stores or natural food stores are usually much more effective than stuff you can get @ the supermarket, btw.
2007-09-18 07:58:01 · answer #4 · answered by Catkin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its an herb to make cats a little frisky and playful. No harm in it. Some cats dont react with it at all. Some cats get the rips through the house after playing with it. Cats are all different.
2007-09-18 07:14:22 · answer #5 · answered by Lyssa B 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Cats have a special sensory organ that makes cat nip effect them. They will start rolling over, drooling a lot- pretty much acting like they are drunk/high. It isn't bad for them but I would suggest not giving it to the cat very often because it does make them very sleepy/playful at times.
2007-09-18 07:14:35 · answer #6 · answered by Madison 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
haha. i have two cats with two different cat nip toys.
yes it energizes them to get more playful and get more excersize.
I usually say my cat is high, or drunk. but im not really sure if thats the case.
they dont get munchies though, they do eat after they run alot.
no its not bad for them, they wouldnt sell it if its bad for them, like in local pet stores.
i hope i answered your questions right(:
2007-09-18 09:37:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's perfectly safe. it does make them get high & go a little bonkers, but then they just sleep. some cats don't even care for it, you never know how your cat will react
2007-09-18 07:14:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my cats won't even touch it
they don't like it
they're wierd
2007-09-18 08:26:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋