Catnip Cat Treats Recipe - Mess for Less (2024)

FAQs

What does too much catnip do to a cat? ›

Some cats will have a euphoric/happy reaction to catnip whereas others will have the opposite reaction, becoming aggressive or aloof after ingestion. "They can develop 'the zoomies,' which can put them at risk for injury at home, and rarely, they can also develop vomiting and/or diarrhea if they ingest too much."

A: Our treats are about 2 calories each, and we recommend feeding up to 15 treats per 10 pounds of your cat's body weight. Like anything else, it's all about portion control and using your best judgment.

Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline "happy" receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, it tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time.

In a food processor, process the oats finely until they resembles a flour-like consistency. Add the pureed meat , egg, catnip, and olive oil, and process until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a ziplock bag, and pipe small mounds onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with a bit more catnip if you like.

While catnip is non-addictive, its effect can dull due to overexposure. So, while the occasional catnip “high” might be fun, it's best to avoid a daily catnip routine with your cat. The effects also start to decline as your cat ages. You won't see the overly exaggerated response you're used to with older cats.

Even so, it's best to know how to use catnip safely, because if they do manage to overdose on catnip, they could experience vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness or trouble walking. To avoid this, make sure you only ever let them have a small amount in one go.

Too many treats will interfere with your cat's appetite for her regular food. This can contribute to a nutritional imbalance in the long term, and can turn her into a 'fussy eater,' making it particularly challenging to use special diets should the need arise later in life to manage a disease nutritionally.

Sniffing catnip has more of a stimulant effect, whereas eating it is more likely to make a cat all sorts of relaxed and sleepy. Some cats can react to catnip with mild aggression, such as low growling or swatting.

Too many cat treats can lead to obesity in cats, due to the high calorie content, and digestive problems such as vomiting or diarrhoea. Filling up on too many treats also means your cat is not getting the required nutrients, vitamins and minerals from their nutritionally balanced cat food.

A human analog that causes similar effects [as catnip on cats], as in a comparable high, would be LSD or marijuana. But without the length of time or possible nasty side effects. [Ainslie: So maybe my brother and the police officer were on to something!] Gus gnawing on his catnip-infused mouse.

Can cats become addicted to catnip? ›

Your cat cannot become addicted to catnip and will not experience an opioid withdrawal no matter how much catnip your pet is exposed to. Frequent exposure to catnip, however, can cause your cat to develop a tolerance to the plant, according to PetMD.

Nepetalactone triggers a sense of euphoria in the brain of the susceptible cat, which produces the “high” that is sometimes described as similar to either marijuana or LSD in humans. The response to catnip typically lasts for about 10 minutes before wearing off.

It contains a chemical called nepetalactone in its leaves and stems that can impact your cat's behavior. When cats are exposed to nepetalactone by smell, it acts as a stimulant, causing some cats to have an uptick in activity. When ingested, nepetalactone has a sedative effect.

It can be sprinkled around your cat's play area or put inside a toy for them to mess around with. If you buy loose catnip, be sure to store it in a sealed container and place it somewhere your cat can't get their paws on it. The temptation will be there!

And it's perfectly safe - there's nothing in it that can harm your cat. If by some chance your cat was to eat a large amount of catnip, it could cause a mild tummy upset, but that's not likely to happen. What is Catnip? Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family.

Cats can't technically 'overdose' on the smell of catnip, however, they shouldn't eat too much of it in one go, as they may experience some mild gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If this occurs, remove the catnip from your cat's environment.

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.

For the most part, it's a fairly harmless indulgence. However, if your kitty eats a lot of it, it can make him sick, so if you see vomiting, then you'll want to relocate the catnip to a spot that's out of reach; then contact us for an appointment.

Nepetalactone is an interesting substance that affects about 50% of cats. When sniffed, it acts as a stimulant, often causing cats to become very playful, rolling over on the ground and generally being hyperactive. But when eaten, catnip acts as a sedative, sometimes causing cats to drool, purr, or fall asleep.