Why is Catnip so special for cats? In fact, it’s not a planet at all but the leaves and flowers of a member of the mint family called Catmint. Besides being used to make catnip products, Catmint is also used to relieve itching in the paws.
Catnip should be available from garden centers, shops and even pet stores. The best way to locate Catnip is to read up on its use, especially in cats, and consider it for your cat or kitten.
What Do We Mean By Catnip
Catnip is classified as non-intoxicating and contains no intoxicating effect on cats. To use it safely, apply small doses only at first and not more than fifteen percent. As a rule, start with a small amount and then gradually increase it to see if it doesn’t result in adverse reactions in your cat.
Catnip is not addictive. However, a little goes a long way and you should use it wisely and sparingly. If you abuse your cat by overusing it, your cat may become more sensitive to other things in its environment.
Catnip may also have an effect on some allergies in cats. When your cat eats Catnip, the pollen found in the plant can get into its system and trigger an allergic reaction. If your cat has an allergy, she will probably react to some other cat’s allergies as well. You can’t completely eliminate allergic reactions in your cat but it will not cause any other problems.
Catnip Will Help Your Cats
People who live with a very active cat and are concerned about the cat acting like an addict should try using some of the many products available that contain Catnip. Some of these products are manufactured for cats and kittens only. They work much like a spray bottle in a machine to release a mist that is almost identical to catnip. These products are available at pet stores as well as online.
It is also possible to teach your cat napping in bed as a useful cat behavior. Simply take your cat to a quiet place such as your bedroom and put a soft cloth on the floor. Place some catnip on the cloth and bring the cat close to the cloth while stroking its ears.
Your cat nap will soon follow. It’s fun and helps train your cat to take regular, soothing naps. Be sure to keep a few other materials in the room that can be used to train your cat such as fur-trimmers, carpet squares and toothpaste.
Stay Calm While You Train Them
While training your cat, be sure to remain calm. Do not show anger or frustration if your cat refuses to go to bed on time. You can spend an hour or two trying several methods until the cat finally obeys.
As you train your cat, you may find that your cat has already learned to recognize the smell of Catnip. If this is the case, you can gradually replace the Catnip with a scent that is similar in smell. Keep in mind that your cat will be reluctant to eat the new scent until it gets used to it.
Catnip can also be used to control jumping when the cat is outside on a walk. The best thing to do is give a catnip treat when the cat jumps up into the air and then leave the area immediately. This technique, although a bit drastic, is also effective.
Bottom Line
There is nothing wrong with giving your cat some Catnip because it is natural and safe for it. A little bit of the stuff a day will help your cat’s health and decrease her medical bills. Good luck!
