Valerian officinalis, popularly called cat herb, has been used in medicine since ancient times. The calming properties of the plant help cope with stress and relieve painful spasms. Despite its sedative properties, valerian causes the completely opposite effect in the cat family.
Without knowing how valerian affects cats and whether it can be given without harm to health, you risk harming the animal. To answer this question, it is enough to analyze the features of the effect of grass on the cat’s body.
Why do cats love valerian so much?
Felinologists have still not come to a consensus why cats love valerian so much. To answer this question, they are guided by 2 theories:
- The smell of the grass is similar to cat pheromones released by females during estrus. The aroma is achieved thanks to the volatile substance contained in the extract.
- The smell of the grass is similar to the odorous marks left by all males of the cat family. This theory is confirmed by the fact that the behavior of domestic and wild felines is identical.
In both theories, love for the plant is explained by stimulation of sexual desire. This fact is confirmed by the fact that kittens are not at all interested in valerian.
How does valerian affect cats?
In addition to stimulating sexual desire, the plant causes narcotic intoxication. Because of this, it is important to understand the boundaries of what is permitted and the possible harm from using a human medicinal product.
Animal behavior
It is impossible to say exactly what will happen if you give a cat valerian. The body's reaction is individual, but in most cases it is accompanied by:
- strong sexual arousal;
- loss of coordination and disorientation;
- aggressive behavior;
- rolling on the floor, scratching or rubbing against an object that retains traces of the tincture;
- copious flow of saliva;
- hissing and trying to hide due to a sudden panic attack;
- hallucinations (catching invisible prey or escaping from a non-existent enemy).
The state of euphoria and excitement lasts up to half an hour. All this time, the central nervous system is actively working, so when the effect ends, the animal falls into deep sleep due to severe nervous exhaustion.
The intensity of a cat's reaction to valerian depends on gender, age and breed. A longer lasting effect is typical for sexually mature males, including castrated ones. Of the females, only 30% react. Kittens either ignore the smell or are afraid of it. Also, little interest is typical for representatives of the Siamese breed.
Harm or benefit?
Due to the way valerian affects cats, its use is only permissible as prescribed by a veterinarian. Medicinal tincture is prescribed for:
- heart pathologies;
- hyperthyroidism;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- eczema;
- frequent outbursts of aggression.
Harm can only be avoided with the correct dosage. In all other cases, the substance quickly causes addiction, behavioral disorders, loss of weight and coat quality.
Can a cat become an “alcoholic” or a “drug addict”?
Valerian for cats is a real drug. With regular stimulation of CNS receptors, they become dependent. In search of a new dose, the animal begins to look into the cabinets and constantly scream, demanding the drug from the owner.
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.
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.
Valerian tablets
Valerian tablets are much more dangerous compared to 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 sound sleep, it is necessary to urgently take him to the veterinarian.
It is these factors that explain the negative attitude of veterinarians to such jokes from owners of furry pets. So, is valerian harmful for cats? Too much infusion can even kill the unfortunate animal, plunging it into a state of sleep from which there is no awakening!
What to choose: roots, drops or tablets
The drug has 3 dosage forms: roots, drops and tablets. If you choose valerian for cats, then it is better to avoid tablets and alcohol tinctures. Ethyl alcohol contained in drops can burn the mucous membrane, cause alcohol intoxication and harm the kidneys and liver. The danger of tablets lies in their fillers. The abundance of synthetic substances (75% of the total composition) is fraught with allergic reactions and constipation.
If the doctor recommended a plant for treatment, then it is given to the animal in its natural form - that is, in the roots. You can also prepare a decoction or infusion from the roots, but without adding alcohol.
Can an overdose happen?
In addition to an allergic reaction, the animal may experience an overdose. It is accompanied by:
- complete loss of coordination;
- falling on the side;
- rolling your eyes;
- convulsions;
- copious discharge of foam from the mouth.
If these signs appear, you must immediately take your pet to the veterinary clinic. Otherwise, he may die from cardiac arrest.
To avoid overdose, strictly follow all doctor's recommendations and do not self-medicate. Remember that all medications should be kept out of the reach of pets.
Conclusion: to give or not to give?
The use of valerian for cats for medicinal purposes is practiced very rarely and only as part of auxiliary therapy. In most cases, it is safer to use alternative medications and herbs.
When is Valerian good for cats?
The use of roots and decoctions is permissible for thyroid dysfunction, fever, intestinal spasms, neuroses and muscle atony. In addition to preventing serious pathologies, the herb can help increase activity and restore appetite.
The disadvantages of the plant outweigh its advantages. When treating pets, it is better to use safer drugs, the reaction to which is easier to predict.
Alternative plants
Instead of valerian, it is better to buy catnip (catnip) for cats. It has a similar stimulating effect on the body, but its effect is more gentle. To get the effect, it is enough for the animal to sniff and not swallow the mint. This eliminates the possibility of dependence.
Most often, dried mint is added to toys. After switching attention to another object, the pet comes to its senses within 10-15 minutes. Training with mint is less effective, but safer. The disadvantage of this plant is that a very small percentage of cats experience euphoria from it.
As a sedative, it is recommended to use drops and sprays with pheromones (No Stress Spot On, Feliway). These drugs are made from natural ingredients, so in the absence of allergies, they can be used to modulate behavior.
Knowing all the possible dangers, you should not check what will happen when a cat and valerian meet. This meeting can leave a lasting impression on a mustachioed pet, making him addicted to a harmful tincture. Remember that this practice can result in death. It is better to buy your pet a toy with catnip or consult a doctor for a prescription for a safer drug.
The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!
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.
Valerian for cats is a real drug. Most members of the cat family love the smell of valerian. At the same time, this plant affects different animals differently, and on some it has no effect at all. Are medications based on this herb harmful or beneficial for cats? Is it permissible to give valerian to pets and for what purpose? What to do in case of drug overdose?
