Catnip Cat Treats Recipe - Mess for Less (2024)

FAQs

Can you put catnip in cat treats? ›

And it's perfectly safe - there's nothing in it that can harm your cat. If by some chance your cat was to eat a large amount of catnip, it could cause a mild tummy upset, but that's not likely to happen.

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a blade attachment, combine drained tuna, oat flour, egg, olive oil and catnip. Blend until mixture is smooth. It will be thick but pliable and not terribly sticky. Roll dough into 1/2 teaspoon balls and place on prepared cookie sheet.

The main ingredient in catnip is called nepetalactone, that stimulates certain brain chemicals related to mood and happiness. This sense of euphoria has been compared to that of a hallucinogenic drug on humans.

Be mindful of overindulgence though—cats are unlikely to overdose on catnip, but they can get sick if they eat too much. Trust your kitty to know when they've had enough. Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about keeping your cat healthy and happy.

While catnip is non-addictive, its effect can dull due to overexposure. So, while the occasional catnip “high” might be fun, it's best to avoid a daily catnip routine with your cat. The effects also start to decline as your cat ages. You won't see the overly exaggerated response you're used to with older cats.

"If you believe your cat has ingested too much, you should just give your cat some time. Effects of catnip are typically short lived, up to 30 minutes. But if your cat develops vomiting and/or diarrhea that is persistent, you should have them checked out by a veterinarian," she told Newsweek.

It contains a chemical called nepetalactone in its leaves and stems that can impact your cat's behavior. When cats are exposed to nepetalactone by smell, it acts as a stimulant, causing some cats to have an uptick in activity. When ingested, nepetalactone has a sedative effect.

It's safe to say that cats get high from catnip. However, the effects are subtle. Most of the effects of catnip (such as euphoria and mewing) can be considered the same effects a human can get from alcohol.

The effects of catnip vary depending on the individual cat and how they respond to the herb. For most cats, effects and behaviors associated with catnip will last around 10-15 minutes. Once catnip has worn off, it may take around 30 minutes to an 1 hour for your cat to respond to it again.

Cats can safely eat catnip, and it may even be helpful for their digestive tract. The catnip plant has actually been used in people for its antidiarrheal properties. With this said, it is important to prevent your cat from ingesting large amounts of catnip, as this can cause digestive upset.

What does it mean if a cat licks you? ›

To show affection

Licking is not only a grooming mechanism but also a way cats show that they love you. Your cat is creating a social bond by licking you, other cats, or pets. This sign of affection may stem from kittenhood when your cat's mother licked them to groom them and show care and affection.

Catnip's Benefits

Relaxation: Some cats can enjoy a sedative effect from their catnip when eaten. For pets that exhibit stress and anxiety problems, this benefit may be particularly useful, So, the next time you take your cat to the vet, consider giving them some catnip to keep them calm.

Fresh catnip

Catnip plants are pretty easy to grow at home and can provide you with a constant supply. It's also the freshest version of the herb, so it can be more potent than when it's dried. Simply trim a few leaves off and give it to your cat to eat, chew, sniff or rub against.

Catnip is a member of the mint family and is commonly used as an insect repellent. Its active component triggers a chemical response for fleas (and mosquitoes) that makes them feel pain or itchiness. With catnip, fleas are the ones scratching. And not to mention, cats love it.

There's also no official guide for how often you should give a cat catnip. Cats can become less sensitive to it when exposed to it too often though, so it's best to keep catnip as an occasional treat, given on a weekly basis or on special occasions.

There's also no official guide for how often you should give a cat catnip. Cats can become less sensitive to it when exposed to it too often though, so it's best to keep catnip as an occasional treat, given on a weekly basis or on special occasions.

Dried catnip can be safely chewed or ingested by cats, and may be inserted into toys, or simply sprinkled around your cat's play area in a small amount (e.g. approximately one tbsp, or 0.5 oz). If you buy loose catnip, be sure to store it in a sealed container. Put the container in a high cupboard away from your cats.

Many cat products have catnip built right into them for an instant attraction. It is usually stated on the packaging, but if you're unsure, just give it a sniff! Cat towers, scratching posts and cat toys of all varieties often come pretreated with catnip.

For the most part, it's a fairly harmless indulgence. However, if your kitty eats a lot of it, it can make him sick, so if you see vomiting, then you'll want to relocate the catnip to a spot that's out of reach; then contact us for an appointment.