As its name suggests, catnip is a grass-grown specifically to meet the vegetative needs of cats. It is most often barley or wheat, and this grass has digestive virtues since it facilitates the transit. Catnip also has a purgative function. It provokes vomiting, which allows the cat to regurgitate the hair it has swallowed while grooming.
CATNIP OR CATNIP: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?
It is common to confuse "catnip" with "catnip". But there is a big difference between these plants. Catnip is composed of grasses: wheat, barley, oats, or rye. Cats will ingest it to meet their plant needs. Catnip refers to Catnip, also called "catmint", or sometimes valerian. And it has very different properties. Its very particular perfume has indeed a euphoric effect for cats. It is also common to use it to garnish their toys.
THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE CATNIP
Why do cats need to ingest plants?
Although cats are large predators, it is common to see them chewing on grass. Vegetables are indeed essential to the proper functioning of their digestive system. They are an important source of vitamins. The first effect of catnip is to facilitate the transit of your animal. The cat has the particularity to be very clean. However, while making its toilet, it ingurgitates a great quantity of hairs. This hair forms balls that can accumulate in the stomach or esophagus of the cat. It is important to be able to eliminate them: this is the reason why the cat makes itself vomit when ingesting catnip.
Is catnip necessary?
Your cat has good instincts: if it has access to the garden, it will have no trouble finding catnip to purge. But you can make his life easier by setting aside a pot or a corner of the garden for him. If your cat lives indoors, growing a pot or planter of catnip is a necessity. Because even if you pamper him and brush him regularly, this does not prevent him from grooming himself and ingesting hair. Your cat will naturally seek out a source of fiber and may attack your houseplants, some of which may be poisonous.
How do I grow catnip?
Catnip is often sold as seeds. You can buy it in bags or in small trays that you will only have to water. Not very demanding, it is very easy to cultivate. The ideal is to have some throughout the year. For this, you can adopt a very simple trick: use 2 pots, which you will plant a few weeks apart. This rotation will allow your cat to enjoy the effect of catnip without interruption.
Why does a cat eat a lot of grass?
If you notice that your cat is eating a lot of catnip, it may be due to his diet. He may be suffering from a vitamin B deficiency. It is also very likely that he is lacking in fiber. It is then advisable to review his diet and choose more suitable kibbles. The ingestion of a large quantity of catnip can also be linked to a specific digestive disorder. Observe your cat's behavior: if these unusual purges are accompanied by diarrhea or bleeding, it is more prudent to consult a veterinarian.
Why and how to use catnip?
Catnip can be used in fresh or dried form, but it is much more potent in its fresh form. It is, therefore, necessary to use smaller quantities in this form. You can use catnip for different reasons because of its soothing effects:
- Playing: toys containing catnip are available commercially;
- Reducing stress: if your cat is naturally stressed or anxious (travel, the new arrival in the family, etc.) and is sensitive to catnip, it can be a good alternative to soothe him;
- Helping a behavioral problem: Some veterinarians may recommend catnip for behavioral problems such as separation anxiety. This is a behavior that the cat adopts when it is left alone for too long at home without the presence of its master;
- Relieve pain.
- Furthermore, catnip becomes less and less effective over time. In order to preserve its freshness, it is therefore recommended to keep it in an airtight box. Catnip sprays are also available and can be sprayed on toys, and scratching posts.
CATNIP: A REAL NATURAL MEDICINE?
Atnip facilitates the transit of your pet by providing the additional fiber it needs. It allows him to regurgitate hairballs and it can even be sufficient to solve a specific digestive disorder. It is therefore tempting to consider it as a natural miracle drug. But be careful: it's not enough to protect your cat from intestinal parasites. It is therefore very important to regularly administer a dewormer.
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