Catnip is known by various names – catmint, catwort, catswort, and more. This herb can make a cat roll, flip, rub, and even zone out. You might also notice your furball exposed to catnip mew and growl simultaneously. Some other cats can become downright aggressive and extremely hyperactive when people or animals approach them.
These signs last for a couple of minutes, after which your cat’s usual temperament will be restored. The primary ingredient that causes this cat frenzy is “Nepetalactone”. It stimulates the production of some brain chemicals that trigger a sense of euphoria in a munchkin. Also, it is true that catnip doesn’t affect all feline pets.
On sniffing, catnip acts as a stimulant; however, when eaten, it acts as a sedative making your furball purr, drool, or fall asleep. Regardless, don’t overexpose your cat to anything that can impact its mood and happiness. Seek your vet’s advice and do as suggested by them. Excessive eating of catnip can cause stomach upsets, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Having a medical backup in terms of kitten insurance in NZ can help in times like these and many more. Kitten insurance gives your furry baby a ticket to availing of quality medical treatment with little financial hassle, which is why you must consider buying a policy. Meanwhile, if you are looking for other herbs that may work on your kitty’s mood, check the below-mentioned list of herbs.
1.Indian nettle
Commonly known as “Cat grass” or “Acalypha Indica”. This plant can have a stronger effect on your cat than the typical catnip, making it more enjoyable for cats. Cats find the root of this plant more appealing, so why not give your cat this part and keep it happy?
2.Silvervine
It is known as “Japanese catnip” or “Matatabi”. This herb can enhance your kitty cat’s mood and make it feel happy. Cats exposed to this herb have been found to react positively to it. Plus, many feline fur babies that don’t react to catnip may respond to this plant. So, if your furball’s state of mind remains unaltered even after smelling catnip, try giving it a silvervine.
3.Valerian root
It is one of the cat-safe herbs you can consider exploring. Most cats exposed to this plant are known to react. This plant efficiently relieves stress and anxiety in cats and can have a calming effect after it stimulates your cat.
You can buy dried valerian roots similar to dried catnip, stuff them in your cat’s toys, and allow it to sniff and play with them.
4.Tartarian honeysuckle
This is another good alternative for catnip; however, there is only a fifty percent chance that a munchkin reacts on exposure to the Tartarian honeysuckle plant. Some cats like this herb even better than catnip, so it is worth a try. Suppose you get a piece of wood from this plant, give it to your cat after wetting it for better impact.
Introduce these new herbs to your kitty in small portions (after consulting your vet first) and observe its reactions. Once you are sure that a particular herb suits your cat, consider giving it to your cat more than once, and as with any other thing, eating these plants excessively might not work in favor of your cat’s health and happiness.
Gastrointestinal upsets can’t be ruled out, suppose your kitty nibbles these plants on the go without you knowing. Kitten insurance NZ helps tackle pet health emergencies like this with minimal economic troubles. Contemplate purchasing kitten insurance so unplanned vet bills are more manageable.
