Is it possible to give a cat or a cat valerian. Is valerian harmful for cats The cat was afraid how much to give valerian

Many owners have observed that a pet behaves strangely, one has only to open a tube of tincture. And not everyone thinks about whether it is possible to give a cat valerian. Let's see if this herbal medicine is so harmless and safe for health and whether it can be given to calm down.

Valerian officinalis tincture is a well-known sedative and sedative medicine. It is used for nervous disorders, insomnia. However, cats love valerian not for this, they do not feel the relaxing effect.

On the contrary, having felt the pungent smell of the medicine, the cat reacts strangely. She begins to worry, actively rub her head, muzzle on the place where even a drop has got. In addition, he actively drools, rolls on his back and meows.

If you offer to drink valerian to a cat, he is unlikely to drink it. He only likes the smell. The roots and leaves of valerian contain a psychoactive substance - actinidin. It is also found in another plant, to which cats are not indifferent - this is catnip, scientifically - Nepeta cataria.

Plants are not as safe for animals as it seems at first glance.

Often the cat reacts strongly to valerian. Cat breeders distinguish several types of behavior when a pet:

• rubs its muzzle against nearby objects;
• snorts;
• makes movements with his mouth, as if chewing something, licks his lips, shakes his head;
• rolls on the floor, meows loudly, etc.

Potential harm from consumption

The pungent smell of mint or valerian is transmitted to the brain in the same ways that drugs are transmitted to a person (LSD or marijuana). Cats love valerian because it gets a drug-like pleasure.. It does not last long - no more than 5-20 minutes, then the animal can calmly go about its business.

Scientists believe that the smell of valerian has a distant resemblance to cat urine - and the pheromones of mature individuals cause excitement. This is probably why cats like valerian more, having a stronger effect than on females.

Valerian does not work on representatives of some breeds of cats. For example, the Siamese. Do not react and kittens under the age of six months.

Benefit

Veterinarians, breeders and caring owners cannot come to a unanimous answer and argue whether valerian is harmful to cats. In fact, the tincture is not fatal, and sometimes it can even be beneficial.

Valerian has a relaxing effect on the animal. In small doses, breeders use it to calm an inexperienced female.

Veterinarians use it for medicinal purposes. A cat can be given valerian to calm down in the form of a tincture of crushed root for disorders of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, thyroid gland. Water tincture can be recommended for abdominal pain.

How much valerian can you give a cat

Without the need to give valerian to a cat is absolutely impossible. Tinctures are made on alcohol, drops and capsules may contain auxiliary additives that are toxic to the pet.

Alcohol in the tincture can lead to serious intoxication of the body, manifested by impaired coordination of movements. Sometimes such fun leads to convulsions, coma and even death.

The dosage is prescribed by the veterinarian. Do not try to find out by experience how much valerian can be taken without harm to health - this is a game of roulette.

It is extremely dangerous for a cat to take valerian tablets. With this dosage form, the concentration of the active substance is much greater than in the liquid. There are cases when after 2-3 swallowed tablets the animal died.

In veterinary practice, a decoction of the root is useful for fever, convulsions, and poor digestion. Sometimes they wash their eyes with inflammatory processes of the organs of vision. An aqueous infusion of the root is used in the treatment of central nervous system and heart disease.

If the cat behaves inappropriately or falls into a deep sleep after eating valerian, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Symptoms of intoxication are:

• the appearance of white foam from the mouth;
• convulsions;
• eye rolling;
• fall, inability of the animal to move.

Life can be in danger, so do not give valerian to a cat for fun.

Is it possible to give a kitten

Giving valerian infusion to a small kitten should only be prescribed by a doctor. Some pet owners use it to train kittens to the scratching post.

To do this, the column is lightly rubbed with tincture, the smell of which the kitten likes. However, up to 3-4 months they may not respond to such a seductive smell, and the method is ineffective.

What can replace valerian

The main component in valerian is actinidin. It is present in other plants, the smell of which also attracts mustachioed pets:

• catnip (nepeta faassenia);
• catnip (Nepeta Kataria).

They are often confused, although the plants are completely different from each other. Kotovnik is a low (up to 70 cm) shrub blooming with light blue flowers. Mint reaches a height of up to 1 meter and has white or light purple flowers at the tips of thin branches.

Most scientists and veterinarians believe that mint is harmless. Despite the fact that the plant affects the cat's brain by stimulating nerve endings, that is, it has the same narcotic effect as valerian, it is less harmful to the body. When under stress, mint has a calming effect, which can be used if a long trip is ahead.

Veterinarians use these properties for medicinal purposes:

• to relieve attacks of urological syndrome;
• as a prophylactic for animals leading a sedentary lifestyle, suffering from obesity.

Catnip can be planted in your home or garden, but don't give it to your pet too often. Dried raw materials can be put in a sachet on the bed of a cat, in a cloth mouse played by a cat.

Any medicine can be both useful and deadly. This is not a means of entertainment, no matter how funny the pet behaves, falling into euphoria. And whether to give a cat valerian for medicinal purposes and how much to give it - only a veterinarian will tell you. Do not risk the life of an animal by experimenting on it.

Surely many of you have noticed the strange reaction of cats to the smell of valerian. The animal becomes excited, begins to meow loudly and demand a "dose". Where does such a reaction come from and why do cats love valerian? Let's look at this in more detail, because it is not for nothing that the grass was popularly called the "cat's root".

Each animal is individual and cats will react differently to valerian fumes. After observing the behavior of four-legged animals, scientists wanted to understand the reasons that contribute to the attraction of cats to grass that is common to humans. There are several versions of this.

1. The aroma of the plant is similar to the smell of hormones that are in cat urine and increase during estrus. Inhaling the vapors of valerian, animals, especially males, increase libido, they think that a female is walking somewhere nearby, ready to mate. This hypothesis is confirmed by the fact that kittens and neutered cats do not react to the smell so violently.
2. The root of the grass contains the substance actinidin, which is love and addictive in cats. Its action is similar to the action of a drug for a person, so the cat is unable to break away from valerian. Habituation occurs quite quickly, after which the cats roam the house in search of a bottle. Not finding it, they become irritable and even aggressive.
3. In history, there is an opinion that valerian for wild cats was like a painkiller. The grass helped well with spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, which is why modern cats treat it so favorably, on a subconscious level, looking for a plant if something hurts them.

Cats whose owners give them a "cat drug" for a long time begin to look like seasoned drug addicts: they lose weight, their coat becomes dull.

How does valerian work on cats

In pharmacology, valerian performs sedative, antispasmodic, hypnotic effects for humans. It is produced in the form of alcohol tinctures, tablets, essential oils, medicines, etc. However, the mechanism of the plant's action on animals differs from the human one. If it calms people, then cats, on the contrary, are excited. Having tasted at least a drop or sniffed valerian, the cat begins to roll on the floor, furiously meow, rub against the owner's leg.

The effect of valerian on cats is similar to that which a person experiences when drinking alcohol, i.e. falls into a state of intoxication. What happens if you give a cat valerian. Animals experience a feeling of euphoria, which manifests itself in the following symptoms:

• fear of any rustles and sounds;
• insensitivity to familiar surroundings;
• shying away from the owner's hand;
• territory marking;
• disorientation in space;
• staggering, incontinence on the legs;
• climbing walls and curtains;
• increase in sexual desire;
• hallucinations.

These or other symptoms develop in all animals less or more pronounced. Cats react especially sharply to the alcohol tincture of valerian, because. alcohol enhances the stimulating effect of the herb. Cats really like this state. They are ready to lick a bottle of tincture or chew pills for days.

If we consider the action of the "cat root" on animals in stages, then it looks something like this:

• an excited state, manifested either by playfulness or aggression;
• a long, sometimes deep sleep;
• lethargy and apathy.

Interestingly, not all cats like valerian. Some are absolutely indifferent to her, although there are only a few such cats.

Is it possible to give a cat valerian

Not everything is as bad as it seems at first glance. In some cases, valerian can be beneficial for both the cat and its owner. Sometimes the plant helps to correct the behavior of the animal. For example, if the pet does not want to get used to the tray, then you need to spray the tincture in his favorite places. But be sure to thoroughly wash all the marked areas first to get rid of the cat smell.

Is it possible to give a cat valerian to calm down? When you have to move, a long road or a visit to the veterinarian, with the help of valerian, the excited state of the animal is blunted. Of course, first you will need to go through the stage of hyperexcitation, but then you can do whatever you want with the cat. In such situations, it is better to give preference not to tincture, but to tablets at a dose of 1 pc per day.

Some wonder if cats can be given valerian tablets? After all, they do not contain alcohol, and the effect on the body will not be so strong. When offering a pet a tablet form of medication, remember that it contains synthetic excipients that can cause an allergic reaction in an animal. The drug component accounts for only a quarter of the tablet.

Depending on the situation, the veterinarian may prescribe valerian to the cat, but in a clearly defined dosage and only if it is really necessary. Giving a tincture just for fun can achieve very different results. The cat will become uncontrollable without valerian, her mental health will suffer. There are cases when, after another "dose" of fun, the animal fell asleep and did not wake up. This happens due to the processes of inhibition in the central nervous system.

The benefits and harms of valerian for cats

The decision to give your cat valerian is up to you, but first you need to weigh the pros and cons of this plant. The pluses include:

• reduction of pain symptoms and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract when consumed in small quantities;
• tincture helps with problems with the thyroid gland;
• recommended for nervous disorders and problems with the cardiovascular system;
• for eye diseases, valerian infusion can be used as a flushing agent.

Of the minuses, the following are distinguished:

• is addictive like a drug. May be fatal;
• valerian can cause hallucinations;
• an overdose leads to a coma, convulsions appear, foam comes out of the mouth, eyes roll back and death occurs;
• an animal can also die due to diseases that occur while taking a medicinal plant: heart attack, stroke, respiratory arrest;
• uncontrolled actions occur, panic develops, the animal can harm itself. This state may last for several days.

As you can see, valerian can bring more negativity for cats, so if this is not an urgent need, it is better to refrain from taking it.

Are all cats affected by valerian?

Not all felines get excited after smelling or tasting valerian. Some cats are completely indifferent to her. The plant has a stronger effect on males, and not castrated. This is due to the fact that, most likely, this is how the reaction to the content of pheromones in the grass manifests itself.

Less susceptible to valerian in any form are females and kittens. The former are not interested in the pheromones present in the plant, while the latter have not yet fully developed all internal systems, especially the reproductive system. Studies have shown that among cats, only 30% of individuals show interest in valerian, while among cats this figure is 65%.

The effect of valerian on individual felines is ambiguous due to the hereditary factor and genetic predisposition to the essential oils of the plant. Much depends on the breed of fluffies. For example, Siamese cats are more indifferent to the smell of valerian than others.

Cats, especially domestic cats, should not be offered valerian. Make sure that the animal does not get to the coveted bottle on its own, otherwise an overdose can have an extremely negative effect on its well-being. If, nevertheless, trouble happened and your pet "got drunk", take him to the veterinarian to assess the complexity of his condition.

We all have heard about the love of cats for valerian. For some, it was enough to watch a couple of funny videos on the Internet with cats gone crazy, while others begin to experience the funny effect of valerian on their own pets. But before experimenting on animals, it is worth understanding the question: is valerian harmful to cats?

What is valerian?

This drug can be freely bought at a pharmacy, and most often there are 3 types of it: valerian herb, tincture and tablets.

Valerian itself is a perennial herb. The Latin name comes from lat. valere - to be healthy. However, this only applies to members of the human species. Valerian has a calming effect on a person, its extract is used to produce many sedatives that effectively help overcome insomnia.

Not the first generation uses the beneficial properties of a natural sedative. It is believed that valerian was used for this purpose long before the development of modern pharmacology.

The highest content of the active substance is observed in the roots of the plant, from which the extract is obtained. Although this drug is of plant origin, not artificially synthesized at the factory, the tablets still contain ¾ of synthetic excipients, which will be important in a conversation about whether valerian is harmful to cats.

Why are cats and cats so attracted to valerian?

There are several versions why felines like the aroma of this drug so much. One of them is popular and most reliable: the smell of valerian reminds sexually mature animals of a similar aroma of pheromones secreted by cats during estrus. This excites the areas of the brain responsible for reproduction, which is manifested in the violent, sometimes inappropriate behavior of animals.

It is known that wild cats independently seek and use it, but not in order to obtain a narcotic effect, but to relieve pain associated with digestive problems.

Cat and cat: who likes more?

Which of the felines is more attracted to the smell of valerian? In fact, according to the theory that the smell of the extract is similar to pheromones, the greatest effect is observed in animals whose reproductive and hormonal systems work more actively.

To study this issue, an experiment was conducted, during which an unmistakable pattern was revealed: valerian does not attract kittens of both sexes in any form. This is explained by the fact that animals that have not reached puberty do not know about the existence of pheromones, their brain is not yet able to recognize such a signal. Therefore, they have nothing to associate with the smell of valerian. In this case, the question of whether valerian is dangerous for kittens disappears by itself.

As for adult animals, neutered cats are also indifferent to the extract. But young, sexually mature cats and cats that have not undergone a castration and sterilization procedure react very actively. It's time to figure out if it's bad for a cat to give valerian.

The effect of valerian on cats

Despite the fact that in human pharmacology valerian is used as a sedative, on cats and cats the effect is completely opposite. Often, due to lack of awareness, people give their pets this drug in case of transportation, hoping that they will be able to calm the animal and help him sleep. However, from a small dose, cats, on the contrary, become more excited. An overdose can cause a long deep sleep or even death.

Is valerian harmful to cats in small doses, how does their behavior change?

Animals become more agitated than usual. They can arrange a pogrom in the house, run and jump, attack a non-existent enemy, which is explained by ordinary hallucinations. The character of your pet changes beyond recognition. An early calm and cute cat can prove to be an incredible brawler. Not only furniture and interior elements will suffer, but also family members. The effect will last from several minutes to an hour, after which the tired animal will fall into a dream, restoring strength. In this description, one can easily draw an analogy with the behavior of drug addicts.

In addition to all this, in valerian tincture, ethyl alcohol occupies most of the volume. The body of cats is not able to process alcohol. For this reason, animals become addicted literally "from the first glass." In addition, if you overdo it with a dose or pamper your cat with alcohol too often, his liver may not be able to cope at all. You will have to resort to the help of veterinarians and expensive treatment.

Is valerian dangerous for cats in heat?

When your kitty is sexually aroused and ready to mate, her sensitivity is greatly increased. The natural impulse for many owners would be to give the cat some relaxing tincture, which is fundamentally the wrong decision. The already strong tension is worsened by an invigorating extract, the pet can endure such manipulations extremely poorly.

Even if it is not possible to provide her with a mating cat, it is better to wait out this moment without any medication. From valerian, the cat will become even more active, and the nightly “meows” will not let you fall asleep. If you do not plan to breed kittens, it is better to carry out the sterilization procedure altogether.

It is also worth figuring out whether valerian is harmful to neutered cats. As mentioned earlier, this drug is of greatest interest in animals with maximum sexual activity. Since castrated cats are not interested in mating, for them the smell of valerian is even unpleasant and not at all attractive, although there are exceptions everywhere. In any case, you should not give the extract to cats on your own.

As for kittens, their body is most sensitive to toxic substances, so giving valerian is dangerous for their lives.

Speaking about how harmful valerian is for cats, it is worth remembering that not only the extract itself is dangerous in valerian tincture, but also ethyl alcohol. With pills, the situation is even worse. In addition to the active substance, the pills contain auxiliary synthetic chemical compounds that can affect the animal's body in a completely unpredictable way.

The danger for your pet is that this drug is highly addictive. If a cat can get to a vial of valerian or pills, he is unlikely to leave them alone. Your pet will turn into a tireless beggar who will not calm down until you provide him with the coveted "dose".

Cures or heals?

Veterinarians still cannot agree on whether valerian is harmful to cats. In large quantities, it has an irreparable effect on the nervous system, but in a small dosage it can be a real medicine.

Doctors often prescribe valerian to animals to treat heart failure, gastrointestinal spasms, or other digestive problems.

It is important to remember that only an experienced doctor can calculate the desired dosage. On the question of whether valerian is harmful to cats, the opinion of all veterinarians is the same - it is unacceptable to give valerian to a cat on your own. If necessary, consult a specialist.

Safe Ways to Use Valerian

By following the advice of veterinarians, you can still test your pet's reaction to this interesting substance. It is important to be careful not to overdo it with the amount. The maximum that you can do to please the cat is to grease a plate or floor with 1-2 drops and watch. If you are the owner of a young, unneutered cat, then he will most likely lick this place and rub against it with his whole body.

Valerian can even help you train your cat to scratch.

To do this, it is also necessary to lubricate the surface with a couple of drops of tincture. After such a procedure, the scratching post will become your pet's favorite toy. So you protect your furniture from regular attacks by the sharp claws of the animal.

Valerian can be given to cats for certain diseases and in very small doses that only a veterinarian will correctly determine. It is not recommended to do this without indications, since the drug affects the nervous system of the animal and causes a strong hormonal surge. The period of hyperactivity in cats, which lasts no more than half an hour, is replaced by lethargy, apathy and prolonged sleep. Such fluctuations are stressful for the animal's body, and do not bring anything useful to it.

Deliberately giving valerian to a cat or cat to make fun of the animal's euphoria is like simply mocking him.

Valerian is not a safe remedy to pamper your pet. The belief that all cats love her equally is also wrong. No more than 70% of domestic cats are sensitive to the drug, or rather its smell. It seems most attractive to cats of reproductive age, while kittens and cats have almost no effect.

Is it possible to give cats valerian?

Valerian in some cases can be given to cats and cats as a medicine. Valerian is considered a mild and fairly safe sleeping pill and sedative. However, if it affects a person in this way, then it affects cats in a completely different way.

In veterinary medicine, valerian is used:

• As an aphrodisiac, if the cat refuses to eat, looks unnaturally lethargic and weak;
• With some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Diseases of the endocrine system;
• Diseases of the nervous system.

The dosages of the drug in these cases are used very small so that the medicine does not harm the animal, instead of benefiting. A few drops of infusion or decoction of the rhizome added to food will help feed the cat and restore his appetite and vigor. However, it is still not worth using the medicine without the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Valerian has a strong effect on the nervous system of cats and acts like a drug on them. It is also believed that it can be addictive, as a result of which the behavior of cats changes greatly, and this causes great discomfort to both the animals themselves and their owners.

The state of a cat that develops in the presence of valerian near it is neither pleasant nor beneficial for the animal.

For certain diseases, veterinarians are allowed to give pets only a decoction or infusion of rhizomes with roots. They do not contain impurities that can be no less dangerous to the health of cats than a large dose of the active substance. It is precisely because of the content in valerian tablets, in addition to the plant extract, that 75% of additional components cannot be used in the treatment of animals. They can provoke allergies and other side effects in cats.

Valerian tincture is also contraindicated. It contains ethyl alcohol, which the body of cats cannot process. Alcohol is toxic to them, and most animals often do not even approach the valerian poured with it until it has completely evaporated.

In no case should valerian be given to kittens, pregnant cats and animals with liver or kidney disease. If you give them even a small amount of valerian to drink, this can lead to poor health and death.

How does the drug affect animals

Representatives of the cat family are attracted not by the valerian itself, but only by its smell. The essential oil, which is contained in the rhizome and roots of the plant, contains one specific substance - actinidin. It has a pronounced smell, which is very similar to the smell of another biological substance - felinin, contained in the urine of cats.

Interestingly, the thickets and flowers of valerian do not exude the smell that the rhizomes have and which drives cats crazy.

It is felinin that retains for a long time the smell of cat marks, by which animals can recognize each other. It is also perceived by cats as a pheromone and causes them sexual arousal.

It is interesting

Felinin is found in the urine not only of domestic cats, but also of large felines. Most of all, domestic cats, lynxes, ocelots and some other species emit it. At the same time, the content of the substance in the urine of males is 4 times higher than that of females.

Due to the similarity of the smells of the two components, valerian has a strong stimulating effect on cats. As a result, the behavior of pets changes even if they could only smell grass or valerian rhizomes. The same effect can be produced by accidentally spilled drops or a left bag of herbal tea, which includes a few roots.

When used internally, valerian has an even stronger effect on cats. It affects the central nervous system and activates many processes in the animal's body. Under the influence of the drug (or just its smell), they experience a strong hormonal surge. All this leads to the fact that the behavior of animals changes.

After valerian, cats become hyperactive. Some begin to run around the apartment and meow loudly, show aggression, hiss and scratch. Other animals begin to fawn over the owner, asking for hands to be stroked. At first, the behavior of cats may differ, but after about 20-30 minutes, all animals weaken and fall asleep. The period of activity is replaced by severe fatigue, exhaustion, because of which pets can sleep for many hours in a row.

Some animals may not be affected by valerian. The most sensitive to it are males of reproductive age, including castrated ones. A kitten under 12 months of age most likely will not approach valerian and will not drink it, even if the drug is poured into a bowl in liquid form. Cats can also be indifferent, except during estrus. At this time, they can also succumb to the influence of valerian.

It is interesting

Catnip has a similar effect to valerian on pets. However, not all cats love this plant either. According to scientists, catnip attracts only those animals that have a certain gene.

Does valerian calm cats?

Valerian does not act as a sedative or hypnotic in cats, as it does in humans. On their nervous system, on the contrary, it has a strong stimulating effect. After a half-hour period of hyperactivity, which begins immediately, as soon as the animal smells valerian, gnaws the root or drinks the infusion, apathy sets in. Cats become weak, lethargic and indifferent to everything. They can lie quietly in the hands of the owner or sleep for a very long time, not reacting to noise or touch. Such a dream is not the result of the sedative effect of valerian, but only a consequence of the exhaustion of the cat's body.

Do not give your cat valerian to calm down - most likely, the result will be the opposite of what you want.

If necessary, calm or lull the animal, for example, to transfer somewhere, it is better to use not valerian, but another remedy. Medicines for humans and animals are very different, so you can only give them special drugs. What kind of remedy will help calm the cat and at the same time will not harm her, only a veterinarian can tell.

An exception where valerian can actually have a calming effect on a cat is in heat. If a cat constantly meows and calls for a cat, she is sometimes allowed to sniff valerian. The smell of the medicine can calm the cat a little, deceiving it that there is a cat somewhere nearby. However, in some cases, the effect is just the opposite, and the cat begins to behave even more excitedly. In general, if a cat walks, it will not work to wean it from this with valerian.

It is interesting

During estrus, a cat's hormonal background changes, which affects its behavior. To calm the animal, special herbal infusions are used, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. Veterinarians do not recommend using hormonal drugs, as they are harmful to the health of the animal.

What is dangerous valerian for cats

Different preparations of valerian when used in animals are associated with varying degrees of risk. They are dangerous because:

• cause a strong excitation of the nervous system;
• provoke a surge of hormones;
• may be addictive;
• can lead to hallucinations in cats;
• can provoke allergies and poisoning;
• overdose can be fatal.

The active ingredients of valerian have a very strong stimulating effect on the central nervous system of cats. As a result, various processes are activated in their body, hormones are produced, which leads to an increase in the load on all organs and systems. Hyperactivity, which is replaced by exhaustion and a very long sleep, is stress for the animal's body, and it is difficult to say what consequences it can lead to in the long term.

The most dangerous for cats is an overdose of the drug. An accidentally spilled bottle of tincture, spilled tablets or left valerian decoction that a cat can drink are life threatening. Just a few tablets or a couple of spoons of tincture can poison an animal. When receiving a very large dose of the drug, a fatal outcome is likely. In this case, the cat may simply fall asleep and not wake up for a long time, and it will be difficult to notice that the animal is not in order.

Do not leave a cat alone with a bottle of valerian tincture.

Symptoms of an overdose of valerian in cats are:

• loss of coordination;
• the appearance of seizures;
• secretion of saliva and foam from the mouth;
• falling asleep 5-10 minutes after taking the medicine.

If any side effects appear, you need to urgently take the cat to the veterinarian or call a specialist at home, after telling him what the problem is.

It is also impossible to drink tincture for cats because of the alcohol content in it. Cats have very weak livers and kidneys, and alcohol is toxic to their bodies. Even a single use of alcohol harms animals, and can lead to disruption of the functions of internal organs and general intoxication of the body. Of course, something is unlikely to happen to a cat from a few drops, but a teaspoon of tincture may be too much for him.

Another side effect of valerian is the appearance of hallucinations in cats. This is what explains their inadequate behavior, when cats begin to hiss looking at an empty place and rush into a fight with an enemy visible only to them.

It is also believed that valerian can be addictive in cats even after they have tried it just once. Animals can then begin to behave more aggressively, rush at the owner or keep meowing, begging for medicine. You should not do this, because this can form an even stronger addiction, and the cat will ask for valerian every day. If such a problem arose, it is better to ask the veterinarian how to wean a cat from valerian.

Valerian is rarely used in veterinary medicine, so there are practically no scientific studies on the effect and safety of the remedy for cats. Scientists have found out only the reason why cats are not indifferent to the smell of valerian. It is also reliably known that the drug affects the feline excitatory, and its large dose can lead to the death of the animal. Whether valerian is addictive in cats and whether they suffer from hallucinations is not known for certain. Despite everything, veterinarians still sometimes prescribe small doses of valerian to cats, but owners are not recommended to do this without the permission of a specialist.

Interesting video: what happens to the cat who smelled valerian

Cat's reaction to valerian

Valerian officinalis is often referred to by the people as "Cat Grass", "Meow Grass" and "Cat Root". It is well known that valerian for cats works in a special way - it contributes to overly excited behavior.

Interestingly, some zoologists equate the effect of valerian on cats with the effect of drugs on humans. What is the reason for the strong love of furry pets for this plant? Is it harmful to give cats valerian or does it have some healing effect?

What happens if you give a cat valerian? It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this question, since in each individual case the effect can be exactly the opposite.

However, in most cases, cats are drawn to a fragrant tincture, so after tasting it once, they will tirelessly ask for it from a kind owner, again and again.

So, what can be observed after giving the cat valerian?

Consider several possible options for the action of valerian on cats:

1. In most cases, the cat experiences euphoria - a completely inadequate state, during which it is scary to look at a previously calm beloved pet. He seems to be under hypnosis, he can constantly gnaw on a bottle of "naughty" tincture and roll on the floor.
2. Younger animals are more likely to fall into sleep, in which they can stay for several hours.
3. Some cats begin to run around the house without stopping, raising dust into the air, and with it bedspreads, tablecloths, and carpets.
4. Other pets can purr and meow loudly, playfully looking into the owner's eyes, as if asking for something.

Already in the first minutes after the pet has taken the desired infusion, you can clearly see how valerian affects cats. Always a decent and obedient pet with lightning speed can become an avid brawler.

Therefore, be prepared for the fact that your beloved cat will howl loudly, tear curtains and wallpaper, roll on the floor, write in the corners. Indeed, valerian is not a joke drug for four-legged animals, which can even cause hallucinations in the unfortunate animal: the cat either attacks a non-existent enemy or runs away from him in horror.

Usually, the duration of such oddities does not exceed half an hour, and then, when the effect of the tincture is over, the tired animal may fall asleep or go outside.

Peculiarities

Experts for a long time could not figure out why valerian attracts cats so much.

Currently, zoologists put forward the following assumptions:

1. The aroma of the plant reminds a fluffy pet of the smell of sex pheromones, which are contained in the urine of adults ready for mating. Therefore, for cats, valerian is a kind of aphrodisiac. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that kittens that have not reached puberty (up to approximately 5 months), and neutered cats, absolutely do not react to cat grass.
2. Valerian is used in cats as a remedy for stomach pain. That is why four-legged friends who live outside the city try to find meow grass in this case.
3. Actinidin is a substance found in the root of valerian that resembles the scent of nepetalactone essential oil found in another of their favorite herbs, catnip. Actinidin acts on cats like a real drug, causing addiction.

Interesting: cats are less susceptible to intoxicating odors. A third of adult felines, both male and female, are completely indifferent to cat grass .

Harm to cats

Is it possible to give valerian to a cat? Veterinarians say that it is forbidden to give such a drug to four-legged friends for fun. Recall that since the extract is similar to the action of a hard drug, in some cases it can even cause hallucinations.

For some pets, the fright can be so strong that the poor cat will be in a panic for several days, trembling in fear at the slightest sound.

It is noteworthy that the dry natural herb of valerian will not cause any harm to the cat, but other forms of this drug can even kill!

So, the most terrible damage to the mental and physical health of a cat can be caused by alcohol tincture. The fact is that the body of animals is not adapted for resistance to alcohol, therefore, after a single sample of this liquid, a tailed pet becomes addicted like an alcoholic.

He can importunately follow the owner, demanding a new portion of the potion; in case of refusal, the cat does not hesitate to express his protest with aggressive behavior. As a result of this, the character of the pet changes far from for the better: it becomes nervous and shy.

But the matter does not end there either. Those animals, which "caring" owners from time to time pleased with alcoholic infusion of valerian, subsequently suffered from liver diseases, kidney failure, and stomach ulcers. Hardly anyone would wish this for their pet?

Valerian tablets

Valerian tablets are much more dangerous than drops.

The fact is that one tablet contains only a quarter of this drug, and the rest of the contents are synthetic excipients that can cause a severe allergic reaction.

If an inexperienced owner gave the cat one tablet, after which the animal fell into a deep sleep, it is urgent to take him to the veterinarian.

It is these factors that explain the negative attitude of veterinarians to such jokes of the owners of furry pets. So, is valerian bad for cats? Too much infusion can even kill the unfortunate animal, plunging it into a state of sleep from which there is no awakening!

The benefits of valerian

Undoubtedly, the harm that valerian brings to your beloved pets is considerable. However, there are cases when veterinarians prescribe it to animals as a medicine.

Valerian extract treats:

1. Diseases of the thyroid gland.
2. Heart disease.
3. Diseases of the nervous system.
4. Diseases of the stomach and intestines.

In this case, the doctor should choose the dose.

Important: on the Internet you can find dubious recipes for infusions and decoctions from the root of cat grass, which are offered to drink a sickly animal. Never do this without first consulting your veterinarian.

Overdose symptoms

There are cases when a cat independently got to valerian, having eaten a whole package of tablets or drinking a bottle of alcohol tincture. As a result, an overdose of the drug occurs, which requires the immediate intervention of a veterinarian.

In this case, the life of the animal is at risk.

Signs of an overdose:

• white foam comes out of the mouth;
• convulsions in a cat;
• the cat fell on its side;
• eyes roll back.

Therefore, the use of valerian is justified only as directed and under the supervision of a veterinarian, since each animal tolerates such a medicine differently. So, take care of the health of your furry pet from stupid experiments. After all, short-term fun can end very tragically - up to death.