A loosely closed bottle valerian tincture quickly attracts the cat's attention. The pet begins to walk in circles, rub its muzzle on the bottle, and lick the cap.
Some owners mistakenly believe that if they give a few drops of valerian to their cat, it will not harm their pet, but will only help them relax a little. But this is a mistake. Valerian is dangerous for cats in large quantities. You need to know when and in what doses to give the drug to the animal .
Effect of valerian for cats
The effect of valerian on animals is great. Having noticed or smelled the grass, they try to damage it, roll on it, extract liquid juice and begin to lick it. Then they go into a rage, start rolling on the ground or jumping, meowing loudly, etc.
Kittens and valerian
For your information! Valerian officinalis has a long history. Its root is used in herbal medicine, pharmacology, folk and official medicine. Translated from Latin, the word means “to be healthy, strong.” For cats, the plant is not a medicine. Rather, it causes alcohol or drug intoxication.
Effect of valerian on cats
The plant was first used as a perfume; it is known that Cleopatra placed its petals around her love bed. Later, noticing that valerian has a sedative, calming, and anticonvulsant effect on humans, it began to be used as a medicine.
Many cases have been described of cats acting wildly if they smelled this grass nearby. However, studies have shown that valerian does not have such a strong effect on all felines. One third of them do not react at all to the herb, the remaining two thirds also vary in sensitivity to valerian. The plant affects the most emotional cats in the following way: they begin to:
- rub your muzzle or nose on a plant or bottle that emits a scent;
- tumble;
- jump;
- shake your head;
- rub against the floor;
- meow heart-rendingly;
- lick fur;
- salivate.
In severe cases, there is a lack of coordination, a hallucination develops, an inadequate reaction, etc.
Even a few drops of valerian causes aggression in animals. It seems to them that they are being attacked, persecuted, so often pets either hide in cramped, dark corners, or behave viciously. They attack the owners, tear furniture and curtains, trying to climb onto the closet or other higher places.
Note! Essentially, valerian is for cats what drugs are for humans.
How much valerian can you give a cat?
And yet, valerian for cats is one of the ways to relieve the animal from stress and boredom, which completely domestic pets often experience. Therefore, it is acceptable to give some crushed dry root to your cat. Manufacturers of pet accessories use this. Thus, pet stores sell toys that contain crushed valerian rhizome. Such products are considered useful because they stimulate the brain through the sense of smell, encourage the pet to act, and occupy and enrich the cat’s environment. Here it is worth considering that if there are several cats at home, then each should have its own toy. After all, even under the influence of valerian, cats do not want to share theirs. And what’s more, they can get involved in a fight to protect their “prize.”
Toys are sold, for example, in the shape of a fish with valerian root hidden in its head and catnip in its tail. By purchasing such a toy, you can understand which grass the cat has a greater weakness for.
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According to research by scientists, it is recommended to give valerian officinalis to felines only with the permission of veterinarians. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct dose of medication or combine it with other drugs.
The benefits and harms of valerian
As an adjuvant, valerian for cats is needed only for:
- diseases of some digestive organs;
- some diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- eczema in cats;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- hyperthyroidism;
- aggressive behavior.
Cats may be given this medicine only if prescribed by a veterinarian.
Important! If the life of animals is valuable, you should not use valerian as fun. The veterinarian has the right to prescribe medication if necessary.
How does valerian affect cats if the animals are not controlled? The harmful and dangerous influence of valerian is obvious. It has been observed that the behavior of pets that regularly consume valerian extract changes noticeably:
- they lose weight;
- the fur becomes dull, sparse, dry, and sticks out in clumps;
- behavior and character traits change.
To the question: what will happen if you regularly give a cat valerian, there is only one answer. Cat owners should understand that forcing their animals to drink valerian for fun can cause their pets to die.
General information about valerian officinalis
Valerian has been known for a long time, since ancient times.
It is believed that the most medicinal parts of this plant are the roots, which have always been used in ancient Greece, Egypt, Rome, the East, and India. But besides the scientific name - valerian officinalis, this plant also has several names that it received among the people - cat grass , cat root, maun - grass. This is due to the fact that the smell of this plant has a special effect on cats.
Valerian is a plant that belongs to the family of perennial herbs . This grass grows near water bodies, as well as in wetlands and lowlands. The plant consists of the following parts:
- A thick and tall stem that can reach a height of up to two meters.
- Pinkish flowers collected in an umbrella.
- A small, short and loose root that has many branches.
As soon as cats hear the smell of this plant, they will immediately gather near this place. It has been proven that cats can hear this smell at a very long distance. The reaction of cats to this medicinal plant is unusual: they roll around, trying to damage the plants, then lick the juice .
This leads to the fact that they begin to roll and roll on the ground, they can still jump, but, most importantly, they meow very much . The stimulating effect of valerian only affects cats; for humans, this medicinal plant is used as a sedative.
Cat alcoholism
Why cats love valerian: the main reasons for their sympathy
The composition of valerian roots is quite diverse. It contains alkaloids, esters, tannins, resin, sugar, glucosides, etc. In addition, ethyl alcohol quickly causes alcohol intoxication and addiction. The animals' heartbeat quickens, their blood pressure rises, and after a while they become lethargic and cannot stand on their feet.
Cat alcoholism
Therefore, the expression “cat alcoholism” is not an empty phrase. Animals cannot resist alcohol. As soon as they smell valerian or take a pill, they immediately become drunk, that is, cats “get drunk.” Often, many of them fall into a deep, drunken sleep, which is typical for people.
Is it possible to give cats medications based on this herb?
Valerian, like any medicine, can be dangerous to a cat’s health, so it is not recommended to give it without a veterinarian’s prescription. In veterinary medicine, the drug is also used rarely and in very small doses.
Valerian is prescribed to cats for:
- Diseases of the digestive tract;
- Diseases of the nervous system;
- Diseases of the endocrine system;
- As a general tonic and appetite stimulant if the cat is lethargic and does not want to eat.
The sedative or hypnotic effects that valerian has on humans do not appear in cats. In them, the drug, on the contrary, causes nervous excitement.
In rare cases, when veterinarians prescribe valerian to a cat, they recommend giving the animal only natural preparations. This is a decoction or infusion of valerian rhizomes and roots, or the raw material itself in dry form. In this case, you must strictly follow the specialist’s recommendations regarding dosage.
On a note
In veterinary medicine, preparations based on Schisandra chinensis root are used as a tonic and stimulant. Special medicines are prepared from it for cats, the use of which is much safer than the use of valerian.
An overdose of valerian for cats is very dangerous. In this case, severe poisoning, disruption of internal organs and death can occur. If for a person 1-2 tablets or 30 drops of tincture are a normal single dose of the drug, then for a cat such an amount can be extremely dangerous. This is due not only to the high concentration of active substances, but also to the fact that drugs intended for humans have a completely different effect on animals.
It is also useful to read: Valerian officinalis: interesting facts about this plant
It is generally not recommended to give valerian extract in tablets to cats. They contain a large dose of the active substance, which is only 25% of the mass of the drug, while the remaining 75% is occupied by additional components. Chemicals are very dangerous for cats. They can cause intoxication and a severe allergic reaction.
It is also not recommended to give cats tincture. It contains 70% ethyl alcohol, and any alcohol is toxic for cats. Their body does not absorb it, so even one-time use can cause liver and kidney damage.
In rare cases, when there is really a need for this, the cat can be given a sniff of valerian root or given 2-3 drops of infusion to drink. In this case, you need to take into account all the possible risks associated with this.
If a cat eats a lot of valerian, it may become poisoned.
Valerian is completely contraindicated for kittens, pregnant cats and animals with liver and kidney diseases.
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According to research, 30% of cats do not react to the smell of valerian. An autosomal gene causes an addiction to the plant. Meanwhile, the action of this gene causes a lack of reaction to valerian.
Note! Kittens no more than six weeks old also do not become euphoric from this substance. The fact is that they lack sexual desire, which is stimulated by pheromones, since the hormonal system has not yet formed.
Basically, valerian has a dangerous effect on males, and in cats the smell of pheromones is associated with a rival, with a female smell.
It is known that Siamese cats and British cats practically do not react to the drug. And in some cats it causes fear and disgust. Animals want to go away, to hide in a corner. This mainly depends on the nervous state of the animal.
How to influence a cat with valerian
In addition to treatment, some owners use the plant to accustom them to scratching posts and litter boxes, as well as to calm their pets during estrus. Due to the possible harm, the safety of these actions remains a big question.
Training to a scratching post or tray
It is better to accustom him to the toilet and scratching post from childhood. The plant has no effect on kittens, so it is better to choose safer and more effective drugs. Drops are suitable for adult animals, but it is better not to abuse such a training tool.
Is Valerian good for calming cats?
Reducing sexual desire by stimulating it is a disastrous idea. After valerian, cats become even more excited. Their behavior is very difficult to predict, and an incorrectly selected dosage can cause addiction in the animal.
If the smell of a volatile substance can deceive the pet, creating the illusion of the presence of the opposite sex, then such an effect will be short-lived. It won't solve the problem, so it's best to see a veterinarian.
In all cases, sterilization remains the most effective solution. The operation not only eliminates sexual desire and the ability to conceive, but also prevents the development of cancer.
Will the product help calm a cat during heat?
When cats begin puberty, between 7 and 12 months, there is screaming in the house day and night. Estrus is a regular process in the life of any unsterilized cat. During this period, the cat desires a male and experiences physical pain.
Euphoria in cats
Usually this period lasts 2-3 weeks, and in some cats it lasts a whole month. Veterinarians recommend calming your cat using the simplest means. For example, if there is a cat, keep it at home or invite a male for mating. But you need to take into account that she may not like her partner, and she will have to look for another cat, give them time to be with each other.
Note! Even if the first two heats pass without mating, the third and fourth times the cat will have to go through the cat, otherwise illnesses may occur. During this period, many owners give their cats valerian or its solution, keep them warm, and often pet the cats. This brings reassurance, but does not solve the problem.
Another option is sterilization. Often such cats live 5-10 years longer than unsterilized ones. They don’t go outside, they don’t get dirty, and they have no sex drive.
What explains the reaction to valerian?
One explanation for why even one drop, or even the smell of a bottle standing nearby, affects a cat breed is alcohol dependence, which occurs from a few drops taken once.
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Another explanation for the interesting fact that the drug attracts more cats than cats is as follows. It is believed that their smell is associated with sex hormones emanating from cats.
Cats after valerian: changes in behavior
If the gene does not mutate in a cat’s body, then the smell of valerian causes euphoria in him and affects the nervous system of males, as it is similar to the smell of pheromones in the urine of females. A strong sexual instinct awakens in the males, and the cats begin to hunt.
Changes in behavior in cats
Typically, the symptoms of a cat under the influence of drugs or alcohol are as follows:
- they purr loudly;
- rubbing their head on the floor and other objects;
- meow loudly;
- running around the house.
Then comes the relaxation phase:
- cats become uninitiative;
- huddle in a corner, hide under the bed;
- falls asleep quickly.
In this state, animals should get as much sleep as necessary. You shouldn’t wake them up, and they won’t wake up voluntarily. The next day, the pet will forget about the drink and will again become a cute kitten. This is what happens if you give a cat valerian.
Dosage
In certain cases, a cat can use valerian. The main thing in such a situation is not to overdo it with the dose of medicine. The maximum dose for a cat is a couple of drops, which can be placed on the cat’s nose or diluted in a small amount of water and given to drink.
Valerian tablets, in addition to the extract, contain a large amount of unnecessary chemicals, and therefore their effect will be zero . In addition, chemicals can seriously harm the animal. The conclusion from this is that cats should not be given valerian tablets.
© shutterstock
Why are different valerian preparations dangerous for cats?
As you know, valerian comes in the form of tinctures, tablets, capsules, drops, and vitamin supplements. The tincture is also dangerous because it contains alcohol, which has a detrimental effect on four-legged animals, causing them to become dependent on alcohol.
How do valerian tablets work on cats and how many pieces can you give them at one time? This question is often asked by inexperienced cat owners. It turned out that the latter are much more dangerous than the tincture. This is explained by the fact that the tablets contain only one-fourth of valerian itself, the rest are auxiliary substances that can cause severe allergies in cats.
Important! If your pet immediately falls asleep after swallowing the tablets, then it should be taken to a veterinary clinic immediately.
Overdose symptoms
As soon as you drink the medicine, the cats will ask for it again and again. Even if the owner does not give his pet valerian on principle, it may accidentally fall and break. Your four-legged friend will not hesitate to rush and lick this “delicacy”, and they may experience the following symptoms:
- cats lose coordination of movement;
- the limbs do not yield to him, do not serve him;
- the cat falls on its side;
- eyes roll into the forehead;
- strong convulsions run through the body;
- copious foam flows from the mouth.
All of these signs indicate that your pet is overdosing on medication. In such cases, you cannot hesitate; you need to urgently take him to the clinic.
Overdose symptoms
There are cases when a cat independently reached valerian by eating a whole package of tablets or drinking a bottle of alcohol tincture. As a result, an overdose of the drug occurs, which requires immediate intervention by a veterinarian.
In this case, the animal's life is at risk.
Signs of overdose:
- white foam comes from the mouth;
- convulsions in a cat;
- the cat fell on its side;
- eyes roll.
Therefore, the use of valerian is justified only as directed and under the supervision of a veterinarian, since each animal tolerates this medicine differently. So, protect the health of your furry pet from stupid experiments. After all, short-term fun can end very tragically - even death.
What can be replaced
Since valerian causes drug addiction in cats, it should not be given to animals without a doctor’s permission. If you want to please your pet, you can buy catnip. This grass is often stuffed into the insides of cat toys. You can also buy some dried mint and make a toy for your pet yourself. Such substitutes have a gentler effect on the nervous system of cats. After 15 min. the animals will forget about her.
To avoid trouble, every owner of felines should be aware of the effect of this medicine on four-legged animals. It can be given with the permission of a veterinarian without exceeding the dosage. Otherwise, serious health problems for cats will arise, which can lead to the death of the animals.
Analogue products for maintaining tone
Since valerian can be harmful for cats, when treating neurological disorders, according to veterinarians, it can be replaced with natural tonics - brewed strawberry leaves, rose hips and petals, St. John's wort and plantain leaves. The infusion should first be dripped onto the wrist and allowed to be licked by the animal to make sure there is no allergic reaction. The optimal dosage for an adult cat is 50-60 drops. You can give your pet something to drink using a syringe without a needle. Dietary supplements with cordyceps also provide a tonic effect. However, it is harmful to give the drug in uncontrolled volumes in case of serious neurology, because it can aggravate the negative symptoms of the disease.
Heat
Often, owners do not know how to cope with their pet during heat. The cat begins to rush outside, screaming loudly not only during the day, but also at night. And if you don’t try to introduce her to the cat during this period, then, of course, a difficult period is coming for you and all the residents of the house. Since the animal begins to behave completely inappropriately.
He always needs supervision. Otherwise, the cat may simply run away and you will not find it. At night the owners stop sleeping. Because loud meowing can be heard throughout the house. In such cases, the owners begin to give the animal some kind of hormonal drug. It often has negative consequences for the pet's health. Owners also use antihistamines. But they can also harm the health of their pets.
And in search of harmless and effective drugs, many owners resort to their favorite cat arphrodisiac, without thinking at all about whether it is possible to give a cat valerian during estrus. Of course, this absolutely cannot be done. Since the cat already experiences a strong sexual attraction to the opposite sex, and then you and your valerian. All her symptoms will simply begin to manifest themselves more aggressively. Therefore, if you are trying to achieve a calming state in an animal, then it is not advisable to give this remedy. The most effective method and more or less safe for the health of cats is sterilization, unless, of course, you are breeding kittens for sale.
