Catnip

@olisaur (1922)
United States
April 6, 2010 2:24pm CST
I have a kitten, that's about 5 or 6 months old now, and we just got her a scratching post toy and it came with a little packet of catnip. I've never used catnip before, and there were no direction of the toy's packaging of how to use the catnip, so I just sprinkled a tiny pinch onto the post to see how my cat would react. She went a little crazy and started rubbing all over the post, and scratching and biting and licking the spot where I sprinkled. It kind of seemed like she was trying to eat the catnip so I got a little worried and didn't put on anymore. My question is, is it safe for cats to ingest catnip? And for those of you who use catnip regularly, what do you suggest I do with the rest of my packet?
2 people like this
5 responses
lynkshadow
@lynkshadow (299)
• Canada
28 Apr 10
Totally safe.
MsTickle
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
13 Apr 10
Catnip has no effect on my cat. I've bought him toys that are supposed to have the stuff inside but he shows no interest whatsoever. I'm a bit disappointed. I'm not sure about the effects on a cat if it eats the stuff...check it out on-line.
deebomb
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
6 Apr 10
Our kitty loves catnip. It doesn't hurt them to eat it. We just sprinkle it around her scratching post.We have given catnip to a number of cats in the past and it didn't hurt them. Just made them very playful. Catnip has been used as herbal remedies in th 1500 before Asian tea was imported. Just give a pinch to your kitty around her scratching post will encourage her to use it. some cats can become aggressive so watch for that.
Kayla Tsukino
@kaylachan (71762)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
7 Apr 10
Catnip is a natural plant for cats. Its perfectly alright for them to eat it. Most like it. It makes them a little hyper at first, and then they eventually nap. You can give her as much or as little as you want. There is no instructions you need to worry about. Cat nip is often used to draw a cat's attention to something you want them to use regurally (ex: the scratching post) and apparently it worked. Just go slowly until you know how your cat will react. Most will roll around in it should an opertunity present itself. But, most just eat it.
xanachikka
@xanachikka (61)
• United States
7 Apr 10
My cat licks it badly and she felt really high after it which makes him really happy. I even have a catnip plant and my cats really like it. Catnip is not harmful to cats the only reason why to don't give him too often because the effect will go away. It's really a great treats to your cats.