Today on the Internet you can often see videos of people making fun of the behavior of cats under the influence of valerian. It may seem that many cats adore this tincture. Under its influence, cats seem to become inadequate in their behavior. A bottle of tincture becomes an object of pleasure and mania for the pet. When you try to take the tincture, you may encounter quite serious aggression from your furry pet. The Internet is filled with funny videos on the topic of cats and valerian, but let's figure out whether the sedative medicine is harmless for cats. On our veterinary website we have collected facts about the effects of the tincture.
What changes are happening?
As soon as a feline smells a medicinal herb or drinks a little tincture, a change in its behavior occurs literally immediately. Any domestic cat can turn into a real robber, and along the way he can damage the house by breaking a vase, scratching the wallpaper, tearing curtains, etc.
You shouldn't be surprised by this behavior; it's normal. Your pet may tear and bite various objects. Rarely, cats may even urinate in corners. Simply put, valerian can be safely called a narcotic substance for any cat. Although this is a medicinal plant, it can cause hallucinations in cats, which will definitely not lead to any good.
How does valerian affect cats?
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//data-ad-slot=”2475549904″ $ads_google = empty($ads_google) ? false : true; ?> if ($ads_google == false) {?> $ads_google = true; ?> } ?> If you offer a cat drops of valerian and observe it, you can conduct a whole study. Valerian for cats is a special remedy: it doesn’t matter what kind of cat lives in the house - even the sweetest quiet one can be compared to a noisy rowdy of a night bar in a couple of seconds.
The effect of the drug on different pets is different: some cats will howl, while others will simply roll meaninglessly on the floor for a long time, cats may suddenly begin to mark corners, and a lazy pet will suddenly begin to climb up the wallpaper and curtains.
Since the medicine acts like a drug, it is not surprising that animals experience intoxication, hallucinations and disorientation in space. Sometimes cats feel like house lions and rush at an invisible opponent, or rush around as if running away from someone. It doesn’t matter whether the cat was old, sedentary or nimble: in any case, the behavior of the intoxicated creature will be different.
Animals change before our eyes: the hitherto cute four-legged purr suddenly begins to show aggression, seems angry, insane, and now he is rushing to bite his beloved owner.
Some pussies, on the contrary, become sluggish: even their gait becomes sluggish and unsteady. Such cats fall asleep quickly and dream for a long time. This behavior is also characteristic of secondary behavior for those animals who, after smelling valerian, first behaved violently and went crazy.
Does this have a bad effect on the body?
Cats can easily become addicted to the tincture, it is a truly powerful herb for them. Valerian root is infused with alcohol. Representatives of felines cannot resist alcohol, which means that they can quickly become intoxicated.
It is highly recommended to hide valerian from your pet. You shouldn't give it to your cat for fun. Alcohol is harmful to the human body, and it is even more dangerous for animals. Valerian mixed with alcohol can seriously harm your animal, and alcohol in the medicine can cause:
- stomach ulcer;
- kidney disease (renal failure);
- dullness of actions, motor activity;
- liver disease.
A list of such diseases will definitely not bring any good to your pet, be careful with it.
Why cats love valerian
Zoologists have been studying the love of cats for valerian: anyone who has ever seen how this plant affects purring cats will definitely want to know where this obsession comes from. So scientists have studied this issue. It turned out that there is a similarity between the aroma of weed and the pheromones of an adult cat. Cats, smelling such a smell, come under the influence of special substances, as a result we see the manifestation of an altered hormonal and emotional state of animals. Since the central unequal system is affected, cats experience disturbances in the perception of reality. For an outside observer, this looks like inappropriate behavior of a cat, but for the animal it is a real drug. And since the drug causes intoxication, meowing creatures like this effect: you just need to drop a few drops of valerian onto any object, and the cat will immediately begin to show super-persistent attention to the thing.
There is also a version that valerian root is a feline aphrodisiac - a pronounced reaction to it appears in cats after puberty and during estrus.
There are exceptions
However, despite all the negative aspects, there are cases when a professional veterinarian himself recommends the use of valerian for your animal. These are very rare cases, and the dosage is very small.
The reason for prescribing this medicine to cats may be heart problems or gastrointestinal problems. In such cases, the medicine has a positive effect on the body, but only a minimal dose can be given. Moreover, the veterinarian himself sets the dosage for cats, and valerian can only be used in the form of drops. Health to you and your pets!
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.
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.
Cat and cat: who likes it better?
Which feline species is most 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 are more active.
To study this issue, an experiment was conducted, during which an unmistakable pattern was revealed: kittens of both sexes are not attracted to valerian 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 the smell of valerian with. 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 castration and sterilization react very actively. It's time to figure out whether giving valerian to a cat is harmful.
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.
Valerian as a medicine
However, valerian does not always bring only harm. Sometimes it can be used for medicinal purposes, for example, for :
- Heart failure;
- Spasms in the stomach and intestines;
- Digestive problems;
- Excessive passivity of the cat.
Remember that you cannot prescribe medicine to your cat yourself. The benefits of taking valerian are much less than the harm. Before use (regardless of the diagnosis), consultation with a veterinarian is necessary.
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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.
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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.
Why does it affect behavior?
Valerian officinalis contains essential oils, a mixture of which causes a surge of hormones in a cat, reminiscent of the smell of a representative of the opposite sex , ready for procreation. This fact confirms that cats practically do not react to the smell of valerian, and kittens treat it with indifference or disgust.
The substances contained in valerian are addictive in cats, so after trying it once, the cat practically becomes a drug addict, ready to do anything to get a dose of the potion. And having even received a few drops of it, he gets drunk and begins to behave accordingly. Some cats begin to misbehave , purr and jump, others simply need to fight, and they often choose their owner as an opponent. The state of intoxication gives way to exhaustion, after which the animal can sleep for several hours.
Does valerian calm cats?
Valerian does not act as a sedative or hypnotic on cats, unlike it does on humans. On the contrary, it has a strong stimulating effect on their nervous system. After a half-hour period of hyperactivity, which begins as soon as the animal smells valerian, chews the root or drinks the infusion, apathy sets in. Cats become weak, lethargic and indifferent to everything. They can lie calmly in the arms of their owner or sleep for a very long time, not reacting to noise or touch. Such a dream is not the result of the calming effect of valerian, but only a consequence of the depletion of the cat’s body.
You should not give your cat valerian to calm it down - most likely, the result will be the opposite of what you want.
If it is necessary to calm or euthanize an animal, for example, in order to transfer it somewhere, it is better to use another remedy other than valerian. Medicines for humans and animals are very different, so only special medications can be given to them. Only a veterinarian can say which remedy will help calm the cat without causing harm to it.
The exception when valerian can actually have a calming effect on a cat is during estrus. If the cat constantly meows and calls the cat, she is sometimes given valerian to smell. 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 exactly the opposite, and the cat begins to behave even more excitedly. In general, if a cat is walking, it will not be possible to wean it off with valerian.
This is interesting
During heat, a cat's hormonal levels change, which affects her behavior. To calm the animal, special herbal infusions are used, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy. Veterinarians do not recommend the use of hormonal drugs, as they are harmful to the health of the animal.
Experiments with valerian
Most owners do not see any danger in their cats consuming valerian. After consumption, the cat “has fun” and behaves inappropriately. When the euphoria ends, loss of strength and lethargy are observed. During this period, the animal can easily fall asleep for several hours.
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Experiments with valerian are not recommended to be repeated, as it is addictive to the cat. Without it, the cat begins to experience withdrawal symptoms, which affects its mood and behavior. Males are especially affected by this: they associate the smell of the medicine with the smell of cat fluids. Valerian has no effect on kittens under four months of age, since they are not sexually mature. It only affects those individuals who have passed the stage of puberty.
Safe replacement
Valerian tincture and tablets, which are harmful to a cat’s health, can be easily replaced with harmless cat toys filled with herb that is harmless to cats - catnip . This herb has properties similar to valerian, but is not addictive. This herb will not have an effect on the cat for long, about 5 minutes, after which the pet loses all interest in it and calmly goes about its business.
But even such toys should not be with the cat all the time, because catnip, acting in the same way as valerian , excites the nervous system, and its constant stimulation can lead to mental illness in the cat.
The action of valerian and its types
Valerian is a sedative that provides a person with healthy sleep and emotional calm.
It affects cats in a completely different way, causing severe agitation, hallucinations, and inappropriate behavior. Usually, after 10–15 minutes of such euphoria, the cat falls asleep in a very deep, long sleep. The worst thing is that in some cases he may never wake up. Veterinary control over the situation is necessary. First, it’s worth getting to know this drug better.
Valerian is available in the form:
- alcohol tincture;
- tablets;
- dry collection for decoctions and tinctures.
Each type should be kept out of reach of the cat. If your pet comes across a bottle of tincture, he may break it and latch it out, which is doubly dangerous due to broken glass.
Valerian tincture contains ethyl alcohol, which makes the cat intoxicated, causing addiction after the first dose. The cat's body lacks the enzyme that breaks down alcohol. With regular use of the tincture, the alcohol destroys the animal’s liver, and ulcers appear in the stomach.
Valerian tablets are no less dangerous, since they contain a large amount of synthetic additives that cause allergies in cats. Often the composition indicates the presence of an aqueous-alcohol solution, polyvinyl alcohol, and dye. In this case, the cat receives, in addition to the main effect of the plant, alcohol intoxication and an allergic reaction (which can result in serious complications).
Dry collection contains dried parts of the plant. This is the most harmless type of valerian that a cat might encounter in a medicine cabinet. He can rip the packaging, scatter the contents and have a good time falling out in it. This is most harmless for the cat’s internal organs, but is harmful to the body as a whole.
The fact is that the smell of valerian reminds cats of the smell of a female during heat, which triggers strong arousal. Cats also react to this aroma, begin to rub, purr, and then become aggressive. Such artificial awakening of sexual desire can lead to hormonal imbalance and emotional exhaustion. That is why you should not give your pet access to this grass; it is better to replace it with a toy stuffed with catnip.
Valerian medicinal
But cats do not always need valerian as a drug. Having the ability to relieve spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, it attracts representatives of all cat families as a medicine. The medicinal properties of medicinal valerian root are also used in veterinary medicine. An aqueous infusion of valerian in small doses, selected by a veterinarian, is used to treat:
- Heart failure
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Nervous system
All domestic cats and wild representatives of the cat breed are attracted by the aroma of valerian. But if there is no access to synthetic tablets or tinctures in the wild, then domestic cats are at risk. Especially if the “kind” owners occasionally treat them to a tablet or pour a few drops of tincture . Before giving your cat valerian, you need to think about whether you need a drug-addicted cat in the house, ready to beg and get the drops he needs so much by any means possible.
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.
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.
