When it comes to giving catnip to a feline, there are no hard and fast rules. Some experts recommend giving catnip in its various forms twice to thrice a week. Others say that you should give catnip no more than once daily.
How often can you give catnip to your cat?
Only give catnip to your pet when you are playing with it. Otherwise the catnip toy secent will disappear and also more often you give catnip to your pet, the sooner he becomes desensitized. Over time, the effects will not be as strong as the first time you give catnip to your feline.
How does catnip affect cats?
These effects can be attributed to nepetalactone, a volatile oil that can be found in greater concentrations in the herb’s leaves, stems, seeds, and to a lesser extent, the roots and flowers.
Cats that are sensitive to catnip exhibit a variety of behaviors when they sniff the herb. These include euphoria, zoomies, affection, staring blankly into the distance, and rolling on the floor.
The effect of ingestion is remarkably different. When your cat eats catnip, he will become sedate and calm.
Take note that catnip does not affect all cats. According to experts, about 70 percent of cats are sensitive to catnip and its effects. If your cat is not a fan to catnip, wait sometimes and try again.
Can you give catnip to kittens?
Catnip is safe for cats of all ages, including young cats. However, you cannot expect the same results in young cats. In fact, a kitten may initially be repelled by the scent of the herb.
Sensitivity to catnip does not appear until a cat has reached sexual maturity. Usually, this is around six months.
Once a young cat has developed a sensitivity to catnip, he will show interest in the herb as well as items that are laced with oil from the herb.
Over time, as your cat grows older, you will notice that he does not like catnip as much as he once did. Some older cats can even hate catnip. Do not worry, this is just normal for cats.
How do you store catnip?
Like the dried herbs you use for cooking, dried catnip also expires over time. After some time, dried catnip loses its scent and efficacy. This is why you should avoid buying catnip in bulk. It is always better to buy in small quantities rather than throw away a substantial amount of unused catnip.