Most people are well-aware that cats are high-maintenance pets. However, that doesn't stop cat lovers from caring for them because it's part of their charm. For this reason, cat owners go the extra mile in ensuring that their cats are taken care of. Their basic needs, such as food, are given, but some cat owners give their cats catnip.
Catnip is an herb that has a calming effect on cats. One question on most people's minds regarding catnip is whether or not they get high. You see, it's not just the ordinary housecat that can feel euphoric effects—even big cats such as lions and tigers. Furthermore, studies have shown that not all cats react to the herb, but some breeds are more predisposed to do so.
For this reason, we'll discuss everything to know about catnips and how they affect cats in this article. Read on below to get started.
More about Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is part of the mint family Lamiaceae, including aromatic herbs such as mint and basil. It's also sometimes known as catmint. It also contains the compound nepetalactone, the main active ingredient that cats respond to.
Cats enjoy the scent and taste of catnip due to this compound, although some may feel high. Its scent can make many cats feel relaxed, playful, and sometimes invigorated. There's also a commonly held belief that cats that don't like catnip can become aggressive when exposed to it.
How Cats Respond to Catnip
For humans, consuming alcohol or drugs such as cocaine or heroin stimulates the brain to produce endorphins and dopamine. These chemicals are responsible for feelings of euphoria. As for cats, the effects of catnip are less understood, but there's a lot of speculation about them. While some people think that catnip produces a euphoria similar to that of marijuana, others believe catnip causes cats to hallucinate. Others believe it has relaxing effects on them.
Cats that like catnip tend to roll, touch, and eat it. Catnip also changes the position of their ears and sometimes causes them to meow constantly. Cats exposed to catnip are usually less shy, and dogs exposed to it may become aggressive.
Long-Term Effects of Catnip on Cats
We've covered the short-term effects of catnip on cats, but what about its long-term effects? Long-term use can indeed make cats high, but the effects are minimal. Cats exposed to catnip may become less responsive to it after their exposure is too frequent. It can also make cats less tolerant of catnip.
Additionally, catnip doesn't seem to have any adverse side effects on cats. Its active ingredients are also not known to be toxic to cats, even in high doses. However, you should consult a vet before giving it to your cat. The vet will be able to tell you whether or not your cat can have catnip and how much you can give your cat.
If your cat can react to catnips, you can give it as an occasional treat. However, you should make sure that the catnip is fresh to ensure the health and safety of your cat.
Do Cats Get High from Catnip?
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.
Should You Give Catnip to Your Cat?
You should give catnip to your cat, but please make sure that the catnip you give to it is fresh. This ensures that you don't give your cat harmful chemicals or other compounds that can harm your cat.
If you're concerned about your cat getting high, don't worry. Your cat won't get high because the active compounds in catnip are only released when the leaves are crushed. If you want your cat to enjoy catnip, make sure that you give it to them when they have nothing to do. You should also make sure that you only provide them with a catnip once in a while to prevent them from not being able to respond to it.
Conclusion
Catnip gets cats high, but it's nothing you should worry about. Giving catnip to your cat is safe as long as you provide it to them sparingly. However, you should also make sure that the catnip you give to your cat is fresh. To make things easier, you should consult a vet before giving catnip to your cat.
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