Pet Friendly Gardening

IS CATNIP SAFE FOR KITTIES?

Cat nip (Nepeta cataria) is considered a herb and belongs in the mint family. The agent that causes your kitty’s gratification is called nepetalactone and is detected by smell. Cat nip is completely natural and usually, the effects last for 5 to 15 minutes. Behaviours include licking, rolling, purring, hyperactivity and even aggression in some cats. About 3 in 10 cats will not respond to catnip. So, do not be alarmed if it has no effect on your pet. This is a safe treat to offer your cat. It can even be used to encourage a kitty to use a new bed or become familiar with a different toy.

If you have any questions about environmental enrichment for your cat, don’t hesitate to call Vet House!