Valerian, while calming to humans, has the exact opposite effect on felines. Even the mere scent of this plant causes pets to become euphoric and their behavior changes, far from positive.
Valerian is as addictive as a drug to cats, and you can be sure that every cat in the neighborhood will flock to your property if a cherished valerian bush grows there. What is it about this plant's scent that attracts them so much, and why does it have such an effect on them?
Why does it influence behavior?
Valerian officinalis contains essential oils, the mixture of which causes a surge of hormones in cats, reminiscent of the scent of a member of the opposite sex, ready to reproduce. This fact confirms that cats have virtually no reaction to the scent of valerian, and kittens react to it with indifference or disgust.
The substances contained in valerian are addictive in cats, so after trying it once, a cat practically becomes an addict, willing to do anything to get a dose of the potion. Even a few drops of it can cause a cat to become intoxicated and begin to behave accordingly. Some cats start to misbehaveSome dogs purr and jump, while others simply need to fight, often choosing their owner as their opponent. The state of intoxication gives way to exhaustion, after which the animal may sleep for several hours.
Valerian in the home medicine cabinet
In a home medicine cabinet, valerian can be stored in 3 forms:
Dried, crushed root. This dried herbal remedy, even if ingested by a cat, will not harm the pet's health. Because the root is dry, the pet won't eat much of it. Instead, after opening the package, it will inhale the aroma, purr, and roll around in the scattered grass.- In the form of an alcohol tincture. Unlike the dried root, the tincture is very dangerous for cats, as not only the plant itself but also the alcohol affects the animal's central nervous system. Since "Murzik" lacks the enzymes responsible for breaking down alcohol, it can become an alcoholic from the first time it's consumed. Therefore, even occasional use of the tincture can lead to illnesses such as ulcers, liver disease, and kidney disease.
- In tablet form. This is the most dangerous form of valerian for cats. The synthetic substances that make up the majority of the medication can cause an allergic reaction and lead to death.
Dried, crushed root. This dried herbal remedy, even if ingested by a cat, will not harm the pet's health. Because the root is dry, the pet won't eat much of it. Instead, after opening the package, it will inhale the aroma, purr, and roll around in the scattered grass.Behavioral problems
Even the most well-behaved cat can start acting out after licking a few drops of valerian tincture. Even a small amount of this liquid affects the central nervous system, leading to impaired motor coordination and agitation. The effect of the tincture on a cat can last for 15-30 minutes., during which the pet will race around the house, performing incredible somersaults. When the valerian wears off, the exhausted cat falls into a deep, narcotic sleep.
Some owners deliberately give their pets valerian root for fun, hoping to laugh at their behavior later, oblivious to the harm it can cause to the cat itself. After all, what the cat feels under the influence of hormonal surges is unknown, and its behavior is only a small reflection of that.
Once a cat sees where its owner pours the tincture, it will beg for a dose whenever it sees a bottle in its owner's hands. After all, every similar bottle will now be associated with the very one that brings such pleasure. if the container with valerian is not tightly closed and emits odors, your pet will inevitably find it, take it out, and open it (or break it, which is more common). This can lead to an overdose and a variety of unpleasant consequences, including death.
A few drops of valerian will send your cat into a euphoric frenzy; it will start purring and rolling around the "tasty" spot, and even defending it by attacking people passing by.
Valerian medicinal
But cats don't always need valerian as a narcotic. Having the ability to relieve gastrointestinal spasms, It attracts representatives of all feline families. As a medicine. The medicinal properties of valerian root are also used in veterinary medicine. A water infusion of valerian in small doses, prescribed by a veterinarian, is used to treat:
- Heart failure
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Nervous system
Heart failureAll domestic cats and wild felines are attracted to the scent of valerian. But if synthetic tablets or tinctures are unavailable in the wild, domestic cats are especially at risk. if "kind" owners occasionally treat them with a pill or pour a few drops of tinctureBefore giving your cat valerian, consider whether you want a drug-addicted cat in the house, willing to beg and obtain the drops it so desperately needs.
Safe replacement
Valerian tincture and tablets, which are harmful to a cat's health, can be easily replaced with harmless cat toys, stuffed with catnip, a herb that is safe for catsThis herb has properties similar to valerian, but is non-addictive. Its effect on a cat is short-lived, about 5 minutes, after which the pet loses all interest and goes about its business calmly.
But even such toys should not be kept by the cat all the time, because catnip, which acts similarly to valerian, excites the nervous system, and its constant excitation can lead to mental illnesses in cats.
