Can Cats Eat Catnip Plant?

Introduction

Catnip is a plant that is commonly associated with cats. Its scientific name is Nepeta cataria, and it belongs to the mint family. Some cats are known to exhibit strange behaviors when they come into contact with this plant, so it鈥檚 natural for pet owners to wonder if it鈥檚 safe for cats to eat catnip. In this article, we will explore whether it is safe for cats to consume catnip plant.

What is Catnip?

Catnip is a plant that contains a volatile oil called nepetalactone. This oil is known to trigger a reaction in some cats, which causes them to behave strangely. Many cats get excited, start rolling around, and exhibit playful behaviors when they smell or ingest catnip. It鈥檚 not entirely clear why some cats react this way, but the common belief is that the plant contains a chemical that triggers the release of feel-good hormones in their brains.

Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), catnip is non-toxic to cats. This means that it鈥檚 safe to allow your cat to play with, smell, or even eat catnip. However, pet owners should be aware that some cats may become aggressive when they ingest large amounts of catnip. This is because the calming effects of the plant can wear off after a while, leaving the cat feeling irritable and agitated.

Can Cats Eat Catnip Plant?

While it鈥檚 safe for cats to consume catnip, it鈥檚 not clear whether it鈥檚 safe for them to eat the entire plant. Some cats may develop an upset stomach or vomit if they eat too much catnip plant. Ingesting large amounts of the plant may also cause your cat to become lethargic and sleepy. If you notice any of these symptoms after your cat has eaten catnip, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

In summary, cats can safely consume catnip, but pet owners should be cautious about feeding them the entire plant. While the plant is non-toxic, it can cause stomach upset and other unpleasant symptoms if ingested in large amounts. If you鈥檙e not sure whether your cat should be allowed to ingest catnip plant, you should consult with your veterinarian.