While catnip is very popular, many cats love other things even more, including alternative plants like silvervine, along with essential physical and emotional fulfillments such as food, safety, and affection.
Since not all cats enjoy a catnip high, a recent article in BMC Veterinary Research provides some suggestions of other plants which your cat may safely enjoy.
New Cat? Set Realistic Expectations! You can expect that it will take your cat some time to get used to the new routines and environment. The 'Rule of Three' means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
Silvervine is considered more potent than catnip and affects approximately 80% of cats – even those who don't respond to catnip. Silvervine is available in several options for your cat to enjoy, including sticks, gall fruit, sprays, and powders.
Vegetable soup and boiled carrots. They love those things more than salmon. Also honey, in really small quantities.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often progressing until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart muscle disease, both often showing few symptoms until advanced stages, along with Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver), leading to sudden illness or organ failure if undetected. Early detection through regular vet check-ups, blood tests, and monitoring for subtle changes like increased thirst/urination, weight loss, or hiding is crucial for managing these common, often hidden, feline diseases, says this article.
Cats love to sleep for extended periods, typically 12 to 16 hours a day. Grooming is essential for cats, helping keep them clean, relaxed, and bond with other cats. Cats prefer fresh, nutritious food and enjoy playing in water. Scratching is both a natural instinct and a pleasurable activity for cats.
Catnip is safe for cats, but like any treat or enrichment item, it's best to use it in moderation and under supervision, as veterinarians recommend using it about once every few weeks.
Cats stay engaged with toys that mimic hunting, like teaser wands, puzzle feeders, and electronic toys, plus simple items such as springs, balls, and even cardboard boxes, but the key to preventing boredom is regularly rotating toys to keep them feeling new and exciting, notes The Spruce Pets, Best Friends Animal Society, and Animal Humane Society.
Anise is sometimes called “dognip” because it generates a similar effect to catnip but for dogs.
Cat behavior red flags signal potential medical or emotional issues, including sudden changes in eating/drinking, litter box problems, excessive vocalization, increased hiding, aggression, lethargy, or changes in grooming (like overgrooming or stopping). Because cats hide illness well, any significant deviation from their normal routine, such as increased thirst, appetite changes, or unusual hiding, warrants an urgent vet visit to rule out serious underlying conditions like kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or pain.
The most difficult age for a cat can vary depending on the individual. But generally, adolescence (around four months to two years) is often considered the most challenging phase. During this period, cats undergo significant physical and behavioural changes.
It's catnip! Dogs have catnip receptors in their faces and stomachs, similar to cats. Nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip, binds to the receptors and induces a response that is so relaxing, it's drool worthy.
Use a different bait- For many cats, regular canned cat food will work just fine. But for the “big guns,” we recommend extra-special, fragrant bait. Canned mackerel, canned sardines, or canned tuna are great options! Fresh and warmed fried chicken can also be very enticing.
Chicken and turkey are favorite flavors of cats. They're also high in protein and relatively low in calories. Any poultry offered to your kitty should be thoroughly cooked (baked or boiled are both good options, but deep frying should be avoided!) with all skin and bones removed.
Common Signs Your Cat Is Bored Or Understimulated
Cats get most annoyed by loud, sudden noises (vacuums, thunder), strong smells (citrus, vinegar), changes in routine, dirty litter boxes, and unwanted handling like being picked up or stared at, as these disrupt their sense of security and sensory balance, triggering their sensitive hearing and instincts for control and safety. Unexpected movements, unfamiliar scents, and being forced into costumes also cause significant stress and annoyance for felines.
Schedule interactive playtime on a regular basis
Use a variety of toys, such as wand toys or feather teasers to mimic prey-like movements. Engage in play sessions that encourage jumping, pouncing, and chasing, allowing your cat to release energy and express their natural hunting instincts.
Ans: Yes, you can safely give your cat catnip daily in small amounts. However, overexposure can make cats less responsive to it over time. To keep it exciting, it's best to offer catnip a few times a week instead of every day.
While catnip is not inherently harmful to dogs, there are some risks to be aware of: Gastrointestinal Upset: As mentioned earlier, large amounts of catnip can cause vomiting or diarrhea. Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some dogs may be allergic to catnip.
There can be ethical concerns about keeping cats in captivity, however, providing catnip is definitely not one of them. Not only do I think offering catnip to cats is ethical, but it can be hugely beneficial to reduce boredom that many cats experience indoors.
WHAT CATS AND KITTENS LIKE TO EAT
The 25% Rule for cat food, established by AAFCO, means if a food is named something like "Chicken Dinner," "Chicken Entrée," or "Chicken Platter," the named ingredient (chicken) must make up at least 25% of the total weight (excluding water), but less than 95%. This rule indicates a significant amount of the main ingredient but less than a "Chicken Cat Food" (95%). The named ingredient must also be at least 10% of the total diet when water is included, and if multiple ingredients are listed, they must collectively meet the 25% minimum.
Talking With Your Kitty
Cats are known for their ability to ignore their owners when they choose. That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. According to studies conducted, cats enjoy their owner's voice and even recognize their names over time. Of course, when talking with your kitty, the tone of voice you use matters.