In this brief guide, we will answer the question, “can kittens have catnip?” and discuss how old should a kitten be to have catnip, and when should I avoid giving catnip to my kitten?
Can kittens have catnip?
Yes, kittens can have catnip.
While cats can consume catnip just like humans can, they don’t necessarily get a buzz from it. Instead, the plant’s effects are more related to its smell than anything else.
Kittens’ interest in catnip depends on their age when exposed to it for the first time. If your kitten was born in captivity or has only ever experienced catnip under controlled conditions, then it may not be interested in trying it out again at this point in life.
If a kitten has been exposed to catnip and has been experiencing the signs of catnip intoxication, it should be taken immediately to a veterinarian.
Catnip is a plant that produces oil called nepetalactone and it is usually found in various parts of the plant including leaves and flowers. Cats have a highly developed sense of smell and will often try to find and eat the source of this scent because it has arousing effects on them.
Catnip can also cause vomiting due to its strong smell being similar to that of vomit or diarrhea which might make your cat feel ill if they eat some of this plant while you are not home with them.
What is catnip?
Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a herb that grows in the shape of a fern. It’s what we call an herbaceous perennial and it’s native to Europe and Asia.
Catnip has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, but it was most famously utilized by cats who would eat the leaves or gather them from the garden to get high.
What does catnip do to kittens?
Catnip is a herb that grows in the mint family. It is often used to improve hunting and foraging skills in cats.
Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which is what makes cats act crazy when they eat it. Cats get high from eating catnip and will chase things, play with their paws and rub their faces on the ground.
Is catnip safe for kittens?
Yes, catnip is safe for kittens. The active ingredient in catnip is a compound called nepetalactone, which has anti-anxiety properties.
The most common side effect of catnip is difficulty breathing, though this may be temporary and not cause any long-term problems.
Be sure to consult your vet before giving catnip to a kitten under 6 months old, or if your kitten does not respond well to it.
How old should a kitten be to have catnip?
Catnip should be given to kittens at around 6 months old.
Cats are attracted to catnip by smell, taste, and touch. Cats will typically use their sense of smell when they encounter catnip. Cats can also be attracted to the smell of catnip by licking it off surfaces or chewing on it. The taste of catnip is detected by cats’ palates, which may be stimulated by licking the plant or by touching it to their tongues.
Is too much catnip bad for a kitten?
Yes, too much catnip is bad for a kitten as it may cause an upset stomach, but it’s not necessarily dangerous.
Kittens are naturally curious about things and will try everything, including getting into things that aren’t so great for them. If too much catnip is ingested by your kitten, it could cause some serious health problems.
However, it’s not likely to cause death unless the kitten has eaten too much of it and is unable to pass it through its system, in which case you should contact a veterinarian immediately.
In most cases, though, cats can get more than they need from eating catnip and should be fine. Remember: if your cat is acting strangely or seems to have an upset stomach after eating catnip, you should take them to see their veterinarian immediately!
When should I avoid giving catnip to my kitten?
There are a few times that you shouldn’t use catnip for your kitten.
Catnip is not dangerous for kittens, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. If your kitten swallows too much catnip, it may stop eating and become lethargic. So if you have any concerns about the safety of your kitten’s health, don’t give them catnip!
Catnip has also been known to cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats that have eaten too much. Again, if you notice any symptoms of this kind of poisoning, do not give catnip to your kitten!
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have addressed the question, “can kittens have catnip?” and discussed other questions related to the subject, such as how old should a kitten be to have catnip, and when should I avoid giving catnip to my kitten?
Citations
http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/is-catnip-safe-for-my-cat
