Catnip, known in Brazil as the "cat grass", is a bet to amuse felines. When in contact with the plant, the pussycat manifests several reactions - some hilarious - as an effect of the product. More than promoting fun, what few guardians know is that catnip for cats can also be used to treat issues of coexistence between felines, behavioral problems, such as behavioral problems.anxiety and stress, and even help with depressed and apathetic cats.

We talked to biologist Valéria Zukauskas, who is a behaviorist and owner of the page "Gatos no Divã". She helps guardians to have a good coexistence with their felines, guaranteeing them an enriched environment and quality of life. See below what catnip is for, what it is and the main myths and truths involving cat grass.

What is cat grass and what is it good for?

"Nepeta Cataria" is the scientific name for catnip. Catnip is a herbaceous plant of diverse uses, from the same family as mint and valerian, and was developed in Europe and Central Asia. For those who wonder if catnip is harmful, there is no need to worry: catnip is harmless, does not cause addiction to kittens and has no restrictions on use. That is, the cat can have fun with the catnip.plant that will not go bad - but it is important to know how to use catnip to have the expected effect. To entertain your cat, catnip can be found in pet stores in the dehydrated version or in gardening stores for planting.

Catnip: how to use catnip with your kitty?

There is no mystery to how to give catnip to your cat, just throw a little bit of the herb on the floor and wait for him to interact: the effect of catnip on cats occurs in a matter of seconds. Another option is to invest in toys and other accessories that come with catnip inside, such as scratchers, mice, balls and even caps. But if you choose to plant the catnip, how to use it? The suggestion is to offer the catnip to your cat.flower normally, disregarding the stem.

Can cats eat catnip after all?

True. Catnip gives off a distinctive smell, which to us humans is very reminiscent of yerba mate. This substance is called nepetalactone and helps to encourage the feline's predatory instinct. They may even eat and roll in the catnip, but they can only be impacted by the effects of catnip by sniffing it. So if you want to know how to give catnip to your cat, it's best not to offer it as something for them to eateat or chew, but rather smell.

Cat herbs: are there other options besides catnip to entertain felines?

True. Behaviorist Valéria Zukauskas says there are other plants that promote the same effects and are safe to offer to pussies: "Today we already have matatabi (or silver vine) in Brazil, which is also a stimulant almost 10 times more potent than catnip. Matatabi is a twig of a plant that is a relative of the kiwi fruit and has a higher concentration of the substance nepetalactone." TheThe effect is similar and the routine of use can also be the same as for catnip. Regardless of whether the choice is catnip or matatabi, the cat needs to be supervised during use," she explains.

Is catnip a herb to calm cat?

True. It can be said that yes, catnip is a type of plant that calms cats. This happens mainly because after contact with the herb, cats tend to get tired and lazy because they will have already spent a lot of energy. So, in addition to stimulating natural feline behaviors, there is another great advantage to what catnip is for, as long as the guardian knows how to insert it into the pet's routine. With the useWith the appropriate amount of catnip, cats - even the more reserved or skittish ones - become more sociable, as they will want to play and will become more active.

Cat grass: is the effect on cats always the same?

Myth. The kitten that experiences the effects of catnip has its instincts enhanced, but this does not mean that all felines react in the same way. While some cats feel calmer when they come into contact with the plant, others may growl and attack other animals, as they feel more predatory. That is why supervision during play is important. Valeria, for example, does not like it.recommends its use by cats that are not neutered or in the process of adaptation or socialization. Remembering that for those who do not know what catnip is, the plant serves as a stimulant that can cause changes in the feline's behavior.

With the use of the herb, does the cat feel more euphoric and agitated?

True. The most common effects of catnip are euphoria and excitement, so in addition to knowing what catnip is good for and whether catnip is bad for you, it's also worth keeping an eye on your pet's behavioral changes, such as:

• Running around the house
• Rubbing on cat grass
• Climbing and jumping from high places
• Chasing prey (such as toys)
• Emitting sounds different from the usual cat meows

After playing with the herb, cats can get a little lazy and tired too, so it is normal for them to sleep for a while. After all, they have fun and still spend a lot of energy with catnip.

How to use catnip: does cat grass need special care?

True. Forget the idea that catnip is bad for your cat, but even if you decide to give a little catnip to your four-legged friend, some precautions are essential. "From three or four months, any cat can have contact with the herb, as long as the house is 100% screened and he receives stimuli in the environment before, during and after his contact with catnip", says Valéria.

Are all felines impacted by the effects of catnip?

Myth. Not every kitty is impacted by catnip. There are studies that show that cats' reaction to the herb can be determined by genetic factors, regardless of the sex of the animal, or whether it is neutered or not. If your kitty is not interested in this plant, stay calm, there is nothing wrong with it.

Catnip: do cats stay under the influence of the herb for many hours?

Myth. The play routine, the toys the cat has available, scratching posts and the kitten's activity level can influence the effects. "As a stimulant, the herb can help the cat in its routine, encouraging it to play more during the effect, which is five to 20 minutes. That's why a cat-safe home with a daily play routine is a must-have for anyone who has a cat.The use of catnip does not change the cat's behavior itself, nor its personality," explains the biologist.

Is cat grass an addictive drug?

Myth. This little plant is not considered a drug precisely because it does not cause addiction or dependence in the animal. In addition, it cannot be said that catnip is bad for cats - in fact, catnip has several benefits for pussies. On the other hand, excessive use of this plant can cause the reverse effect on pets, making them more resistant to the effects of catnip. "In excess, cats canlose interest in the herb, automatically becoming immune to its effect for a good period. If this happens, take a break for a month and offer the herb again at 15-day intervals. My suggestion for use is once a week or every 10 days," recommends Valéria

Is catnip bad for dogs?

Myth. Catnip is not considered toxic to dogs or other animals, so if you share a house with other species and have a dog and cat together, you can rest assured: catnip for dogs is far from posing any kind of danger. It is even believed that this plant has no effect on canines. Only wild and domestic felines can enjoy the benefits of catnip for dogs.In humans, catnip also has no effect and is not considered toxic. The only caution should be with children, who may accidentally ingest the plant.

BONUS: How to grow your own cat grass? Your kitties will love it!

Now that you know pretty much everything about catnip - what it's for, what it is, benefits and special care - you must be wondering how to grow your own little plant at home, right? Just buy some seeds in a gardening store and take advantage of the summer to plant them - this is the season when the herb develops best.

It's simple: place the seeds in a pot in a place with sunlight and plenty of wind. It's important to water every day! Don't let your cat get close to the plant while it's growing, to avoid destruction. It's also not recommended to plant catnip in places with other seedlings. Because it's a weed, it can grow on top of other plants. The benefits of catnip tooextend to humans: the plant keeps away rodents and unwanted pests.

Originally published on: 09/10/2019

Updated on: 16/11/2019