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A plant that has a similar effect on cats as valerian is called catnip.
What is it for? It is used to correct the pet’s behavior, and also as a sedative, or, on the contrary, a nerve receptor stimulant.
Its second name is lemon catnip.
This herb has a special, spicy smell that cats really like.
Even in Ancient Egypt, catnip was used as bait for both ordinary domestic cats and wild felines - panthers, leopards.
By the way, the toyger , savannah and bengal cat are considered small copies of real wild animals, and many exotic lovers are happy to have such an obstinate cat at home.
Cats love the smell of catnip
- 2 Why do cats love catnip?
- 3 How can you use catnip?
- 4 Growing catnip at home
- 5 Can I give catnip to a pregnant cat?
Contraindications and restrictions
Veterinarians do not recommend giving catnip to pregnant females. Under the influence of essential oil, the animal may experience severe agitation. This quickly depletes the cat's nervous system. Stress during pregnancy has an extremely negative impact on the condition of the mother of the offspring. Before the kittens appear, it is better to remove the pot with the plant. However, it is worth taking into account the animal’s intuitive sense. If your cat goes outside and starts sniffing mint, you shouldn’t stop her from doing so.
Another contraindication is the animal’s uncontrolled behavior after eating grass. If a cat, after eating or sniffing, becomes agitated and aggressive or falls into a stupor, you should not give it grass.
Benefits of catnip for humans
Skin diseases
Catnip acts as a natural repellent, repelling insects from flowering gardens. But if you do get bitten by someone, catnip essential oil, when applied to the bite site, will help relieve irritation. Catnip will also help with aging skin - women are recommended to drink two cups of “cat” tea a day as a preventive measure against early old age. Catnip leaves contain large amounts of antioxidants.
Hair and scalp problems
The antiseptic properties of catnip make it a dandruff remedy. You just need to apply a small portion of mint to your hair and scalp. It's okay if you leave this mask on for a while. This is what people with irritated scalp do. But if you have coarse and unruly hair, catnip can be used as a conditioner. You just need to apply catnip infusion to your hair after you shampoo it. This will give your curls softness.
Fever and seizures
Catnip can quickly relax muscles. That is why it is used as the first remedy for seizures. Many health professionals recommend using a few drops of catnip oil during steam inhalations for asthma patients. In addition, this herb can also relieve fever through its diaphoretic effect. A person with a high temperature will begin to sweat profusely and will be able to “cool down” a little.
Problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Many people are diagnosed with peptic ulcers - all because of junk food. Consuming catnip helps improve the secretion of gastric juices, thereby improving the functioning of the digestive system. This herb can be used to relieve heartburn - if, of course, you trust folk remedies.
Moreover, catnip was known in the 17th century as a remedy for eliminating flatulence. Using catnip can help remove all gases in the abdominal cavity. This effect will come from tea with catnip leaves and ginger, and from inhaling catnip essential oil - 3-4 drops on a napkin are enough.
Painful and irregular periods
As a natural remedy, catnip helps reduce women's pain and regulates the menstrual cycle. Women with irregular periods and mood swings should brew catnip tea more often. In addition, the sedative effect of catnip ensures control of all symptoms of menstruation - depression and mood swings.
Stress and insomnia
There's a reason why cats are so attracted to catnip. The reason is that it relaxes them and makes them feel better. This effect of the plant can also be experienced by humans, but much more moderately. An infusion of catnip leaves will relieve stress and reduce anxiety. It also strengthens the immune system, giving it more strength to fight disease.
Moreover, for those of you who have suffered from insomnia for many years, catnip can also be a beneficial remedy. Some people say that you should get into the habit of drinking a cup of cat tea before bed.
Kidney diseases
Catnip is a diuretic that increases urination. A cup of tea will promote urination, quickly removing waste from the body. In addition, the kidneys are quickly cleansed, which reduces the likelihood of kidney disease.
Increased sweating and weight loss
In such situations, the diaphoretic properties of catnip come into play. Drinking catnip leaf tea will make you sweat even more, which will remove all the harmful toxins from your body. The amount of toxins in your body indicates the state of your metabolism. With improved metabolism, your body will burn fat much faster. Therefore, it will lead to good weight loss.
Colds and flu
A good sweat is also good for colds. In this way, toxins are quickly removed from the body, which provoke a worsening of the condition if a person is sick with the flu. Anyone with a cold should drink “cat tea” until complete recovery.
Deficiency of vitamins and microelements
Catnip has a rich array of nutrients that are beneficial to the body. The plant contains all the acids, organic compounds, vitamins and minerals necessary for the body. This plant can work wonders.
Other benefits
Catnip contains an important ingredient, thymol, which is known for its antiseptic properties. Thanks to him, this herb is the most effective remedy for migraines and headaches.
Types of catnip
Catnip is sold in pet supply stores and comes in different forms.
Tablets and vitamins
An excellent addition to cat food are tablets and vitamins that contain catnip. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and enrich the body with useful substances. The smell of nepetalactone encourages the cat to eat the whole complex of vitamins with pleasure.
You can easily purchase fortified treats in specialized stores. Various manufacturers offer their products.
Vitamins with catnip
Sprays and drops
Products with a fairly long shelf life are sprays and drops for cats. They are used to attract pets to the required place. These substances can be sprayed as needed.
Incense sticks for chewing
If it is difficult for your cat to get used to brushing its teeth, then a chewing stick with mint will come to the rescue. Over time, you can use regular remedies.
As part of scented toys
Scented toys contain the scent of cat weed. They are very attractive to furry pets. When purchasing, you should study the label. It is good that only leaves and flowers are used when filling, and not tough stems. Low-quality fillers only add volume and do not have the desired effect.
Toys with grass sewn inside can be very different in shape and color. For example, mice, balls, bananas, etc. They promote active play of animals.
Soap bubbles with an extract of mint essential oils are also intended for the game.
Over time, the smell of catnip weakens. To ensure that your animal continues active play with its favorite toy, you can spray mint on it in the form of a spray. The cat will again react to the forgotten item and show keen interest.
You can buy quality weed in bulk and fill the toys with it yourself. You should beware of tough plant stems, especially if your cat likes to chew on them. The animal may get hurt.
Experienced breeders advise buying several fur mice and placing them in a container with grass from time to time. The toys will acquire the smell of real mint, and cats will be happy to play with them.
Toys for cats
Additional Information! There are many different types of catnip. If desired, it can be grown at home on a windowsill or in the garden. The plant is unpretentious, quickly accepted, and reproduces well. Seedlings can be bought at the market or in a specialty store.
Catnip will be fun for your pet on a walk. The owners can have fun watching his behavior. Please note that the plant will also attract neighboring cats.
Reviews
Indeed, this herb works wonders for cats. It’s very good to take it with you on the road when you go to an exhibition.
Asia
https://mauforum.ru/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=3273&start=10
Catnip is “catnip.” The effect of “catnip” begins in the animal with euphoria, and then turns into a burst of energy. Cats should not eat it. Contains hallucinogens.
Nina and Britney
https://www.britishcat.ru/forumnew/printthread.php?t=3632&pp=40
The herb is harmless when ingested by an animal. It is a common component of cat toys, applications for scratching posts, beds, and play complexes. However, you shouldn’t get carried away - for the maximum effect, there should be a little bit of weed - just a pinch for the mood.
Prado
https://mainecoon-forum.ru/archive/index.php/t-40058.html
I bought a bag a very long time ago, wiped some toys - the children didn’t care
