Many have heard more than once about the strong influence of valerian on cats, and some may even have observed the process of cat “intoxication.” Why do animals, having felt the aroma of this medicinal product, begin to behave so strangely: they rub their noses against the place where the smell comes from, bite and gnaw the surface, roll on their backs, and purr? Some felines begin to behave aggressively and may even attack their owner.
Every cat owner should understand the question of exactly how valerian affects their animal and why, and whether there is a danger of such an influence.
Reasons for addiction to valerian
Many zoologists and veterinarians are interested in the issue of cats’ strong love for the medicinal plant. Among scientists, there is the following explanation for this issue: the aroma of grass and medicine is very similar to the pheromones of an adult feline.
Having smelled the scent of valerian, the pet comes under the influence of special substances, and, as a result, becomes uncontrollable and “intoxicated.” The smell of the medicine affects the central nervous system of the animal, which is why its behavior sometimes becomes completely inadequate.
There is another theory according to which valerian is a real aphrodisiac for cats. The reaction to it occurs after the animal has fully matured, so kittens are not affected by the aroma.
Is it possible to accustom a cat to a litter box or scratching post using valerian?
There are many negative effects that occur when consuming valerian.
As already mentioned, the drug may cause your pet to experience hallucinations. Because of this, the pet will be very frightened and may remain in a state of panic for more than one day. The animal will flinch because of any sound, and the nervous system will be shaken. The alcohol tincture immediately causes addiction in the pet. In this case, the cat may begin to constantly ask the owner for a new dose. Some animals become extremely aggressive, while other pets become nervous and fearful. At the same time, do not forget about the likelihood of an allergic reaction, kidney and liver diseases, as well as stomach problems. You shouldn’t ruin your pet’s body for fun by giving him valerian.
Animals become more agitated than usual. They can cause chaos in the house, run and jump, attack a non-existent enemy, which is explained by ordinary hallucinations. Your pet's character changes beyond recognition. An early calm and sweet cat can prove to be an incredible rowdy.
In addition to all this, ethyl alcohol occupies most of the volume in valerian tincture. Cats' bodies are unable to process alcohol. For this reason, animals become addicted literally “from the first drink.” In addition, if you overdo the 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 there a danger of exposure of cats to valerian?
Zoologists and veterinarians agree that the smell of valerian does not have a detrimental effect on the body of a pet. But this only applies to smell. It is worth considering that eating drops, as well as parts of the plant, can lead to poisoning and excessive stimulation.
In some cases, valerian is used for special purposes. For example, some owners soak the cat's scratching post or toys with drops to arouse his interest. And if a pet loses vital activity, then experts independently prescribe valerian as a stimulant. But it is worth considering that self-medication in this case is impossible; the veterinarian should always set the norm.
Benefits of Valerian
Scientists still cannot understand why cats react to valerian. A loving owner should keep in mind that there are effective and reliable drugs to calm domestic cats, such as Stop Stress, Fitex, Kot-Bayun and many others. There is no need to risk your pet's health and use a medicine that brings the opposite result.
However, you should not cross out valerian root from the list of medications that can be given to your cat. Practicing veterinarians will give a lot of examples characterizing how beneficial valerian is for cats.
- Due to its effect on the animal’s hormonal levels, valerian is used in the treatment of cats with thyroid diseases.
- It is used as a medicine for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
- In veterinary therapy for the treatment of heart problems and nervous diseases.
Alternative
There is another plant in nature that is very attractive to cats: catnip, or simply “catnip” in common parlance. Smelling the smell emanating from catnip, the furry pet instantly rushes to the bush, rubs against it and rolls on the ground.
In small quantities, such exposure is completely safe, but if an animal eats catnip, severe poisoning is possible, so it is necessary to carefully monitor the pet in the open air.
Overdose
The most dangerous thing for a cat is an overdose of valerian. This can happen when he discovered the drug in the absence of the owners and took several tablets or drops. In this case, you need to urgently take the cat to the clinic. The dose at which death can occur depends only on the individual’s tolerance to the drug, so its reaction to the pet can be unpredictable, even leading to coma and death.
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Can the product be used for medicinal purposes?
Veterinarians do not recommend treating a cat with valerian. Any medicine must be prescribed by a specialist. In some cases, doctors advise giving a few drops of valerian to animals with lack of appetite, depression, and apathy. The medicine will have a stimulating effect, but only if the veterinarian’s instructions are strictly followed.
A safer alternative to valerian is catnip or catnip. Its bioactive substances do not cause addiction or side effects. A few mint leaves will help your cat cope with stress from visiting the veterinary clinic, moving, or performing at an exhibition.
Some people advise training cats to use a scratching post or litter box with the help of valerian. But there are special products that contain the essential oil of the plant. They are safer than tincture.
Dry catnip herb is placed in toys and pillows to improve cat sleep. But the use of plants that are attractive to the cat breed must be coordinated with a specialist so as not to cause pathological nervous inhibition and “burnout” of nerve receptors.
How does the drug work on people and animals?
Valerian is widely used as a sedative for insomnia and nervous conditions in people. But the drug acts completely differently on animals. By the way, dogs do not react in any way to the smell of valerian. But the cat family has different reactions to smell:
- euphoria;
- drowsiness;
- indifference;
- riot.
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If you give a cat valerian, the cat begins to roll on the floor, rubbing against the place where the tincture was. And if you leave the bottle at the disposal of the animal, it will continuously lick it and gnaw on the lid.
Sometimes the cat immediately falls into a long sleep that can last the whole day. This reaction is often caused by the effects of alcohol. After all, a cat weighs only a few kilograms, so even a small amount of alcohol has an intoxicating effect.
After consuming even a few drops of valerian tincture, cats can become violent. It is impossible to calm them down or bring them to their senses until the effect of the medicine wears off. In this state, cats rush around the apartment, tearing wallpaper on the walls, hanging on the curtains. But the greatest danger is that they can, for inexplicable reasons, attack people and grab them in the face.
Why do cats love valerian?
Valerian is a cat drug
One version of scientists is the assumption that cats, like people, can have drug addiction. If you observe the behavior of a cat who was given a sniff of valerian, then his behavior can be compared with the behavior of a person who uses the drug.
In most cases, valerian causes drug intoxication syndrome in cats. Cats absolutely love this effect. They are ready to lick and sniff objects without stopping if they are dripped with tincture of valerian.
They rub against objects while purring or meowing loudly.
In this case, the behavior of cats can change dramatically. They become aggressive, angry, inadequate, and can bite their owners. Even old, sedentary animals, under the influence of valerian scent, can tirelessly jump, run, and climb to previously unattainable heights.
Often, cat owners let their cats smell valerian for their own amusement. It's interesting to watch how the animal's behavior changes. However, the state of increased excitability soon passes and there is increased drowsiness and a state similar to that of an alcoholic.
The cat falls into a lethargic state. She staggers, moves slowly, and then falls asleep and can sleep for a long time.
Often, a cat who has been given valerian to try develops an addiction. She will look for an attractive smell and don't be surprised if you find your first aid kit or medicine cabinet turned upside down.
Cat hormones
According to another version, the alluring aroma of valerian reminds cats of the smell of hormones released by the opposite individual. This may explain the increased interest of cats in this smell. If you let a small kitten smell valerian, in most cases he will not react to its smell. But at the age of 3 - 4 months, the kitten will already show interest in the treasured bottle with an alluring liquid. This suggests that the closer a cat is to sexual maturity, the more the smell of valerian essential oils reminds him of the smell of sex hormones during the cat's heat. This smell attracts and excites the animal. A cat’s body produces a large number of hormones, under the influence of which the animal experiences sexual arousal or falls into a kind of ecstasy.
Not all cats react the same way to the smell of valerian tincture. Thus, a cat during the period of estrus actively reacts to the alluring aroma, and a cat during the period of sexual rest does not show any particular interest in the cat potion.
Can cats be given valerian?
In small quantities, valerian will not harm.
Valerian has not found widespread use in veterinary practice. However, a decoction of the root is used to treat animals for fever, convulsions, and poor digestion.
. In case of eye disease, animals' eyes are washed with a decoction of the root.
I used valerian as a means of training a cat to use a scratching post. If you rub the post of the scratching post a little with valerian tincture, the cat will remember this smell for a long time and will approach the place allocated for it for the claw point.
