These plants contain aromatic oils , particularly nepetalactone, which is responsible for the behavioral effects you might see when you expose your cat to catnip. Catnip has gray-green leaves, and it releases a minty aroma whenyou crush the leaves The plant also has whitish colored flowers. It can be used fresh or dried. The broad blades of grass have some laxative-type properties and may help relieve mild constipation in your cat.
This can be especially helpful if your cat has consumed excess hair that may cause decreased stool motility. Most cats will regulate how much they eat to not cause too many vomiting episodes, but if vomiting is occurring regularly, you need to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Cat grass provides your cat with an extra dose of certain vitamins and minerals, particularly a B vitamin complex referred to as folic acid.
Even the chlorophyll, the green pigment that gives cat grass its color, can be beneficial. This pigment may act to freshen breath and has also been linked to decreased pain responses. You can encourage your cat to be more active with catnip. Sprinkle a little on their scratching post, or put some in a toy for your cat to play with and watch them go to town.
Some cats will drool excessively or rub their faces on the item when they are stimulated by the aromatic compounds in catnip. Overweight kitties who need to lose a little weight may become more active when offered catnip, making it a great adjunct to exercise.
If your cat is in a new area or stressed, such as when introducing a new cat, catnip can relax him. You can even encourage him to use a new litter box by sprinkling some catnip into the litter mixture. Typically very young and senior cats are the ones less likely to be interested in it. Cat grass and catnip are typically quite safe for your cat to have, but moderation is the name of the game. Continue to keep it in natural light and water daily with a spray bottle.
Do not over water, as this causes mold. Allow your cat to eat directly from the container. When the grass starts to wilt or turn color, plant a new container.
Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. Share this article. What did you find helpful? What was not helpful? Say more Sign me up for the PetMD Newsletter. Submit Feedback. Still have questions? One common misconception about cats is that they only eat grass when they are sick, but research shows that this is not the case.
If a cat overdoses on cat grass it could have symptoms like lethargy and lack of appetite, but they should only last for a day or two at max. Hairballs are an unavoidable part of cat ownership, especially if your cat is a long-haired breed or sheds a lot. Cat grass will speed up the process, especially if she consumes a large amount at once. There is no set amount of cat grass that should be planted, but most experts, recommend planting a handful of seeds at a time. If you have several cats, consider giving each one her own patch of grass to avoid competition.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. You might be wondering if cats can digest cat grass because they are obligate carnivores.
Some cats will regurgitate the grass, while others will be completely uninterested. If they eat it, it can serve as a laxative to help them get rid of the waste in their system. Some cats, on the other hand, simply like snacking on it. Even cats on a healthy, balanced diet can benefit from cat grass since the fiber helps to speed up the digestion process. If you find your cat eating a lot of grass, consult your veterinarian to verify they are getting enough vitamins and nutrients.
Cats who have eaten something that does not agree with them, such as allergic or indigestible matter, may eat cat grass to induce vomiting in order to rid their system of any potential toxins and settle their stomach.
Vomiting will not suffice to treat a serious toxic event. Vomiting on a regular basis should always be treated as a medical emergency. More frequent vomiting, for example, more than once an hour, indicates that your cat has consumed something toxic.
You should seek veterinary care right away. Grass eating can aid in digestion and help them cough up hairballs. If your cat eats cat grass on a regular basis, it may help to prevent hairball buildup in their stomach. Cat grass provides your cat with an extra dose of certain vitamins and minerals, particularly folic acid, a B vitamin complex.
Even chlorophyll, the green pigment that gives cat grass its color, has anti-inflammatory properties. This pigment may act as a breath freshener and has been linked to decreased pain responses. Catnip is extremely safe for cats. In the worst-case scenario, if your cat is exposed to enormous doses of catnip, he or she may become irritated or disturbed. Even when ingested, catnip is not toxic to cats. Catnip is not addictive, and no evidence of long-term effects has been found.
Although we may never know exactly how catnip affects cats, there is no evidence that it is harmful or addictive. It is up to you to determine how and when to give your cat a catnip.
If you are unsure, seek advice from your veterinarian. The catnip contains nepetalactone which causes most cats to experience euphoria after smelling or ingesting the herb. Cats typically respond to the herb by sniffing it, rubbing their heads and face on it, rolling around, vocalizing, playing, running, scratching, and even eating it. Following the euphoric experience, many cats will nap.
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