Cats are domestic cats that have not lost their hunting instincts, hence their independent, explorer and adventurous character that often drives owners crazy, who must remain alert and informed, for example, about plants toxic to cats.
However, virtually everyone who has chosen to have a cat in their home knows that there is a plant that, far from being toxic, is much loved by cats and their reactions provoke various, we speak of cat grass or catnip.
- If you want to know more about this plant.
- In this animal expert article we talk about the properties of cat grass or cat grass.
A erva do gato conhece-se com o nome botânico de Nepeta cataria, embora também receba outros nomes como por exemplo catnip.
It is a plant similar in appearance to mint or mint, its leaves are green, with toothed ends and its length is between 20 and 60 centimeters tall. Although native to Europe, it also grows wild in North America and West Asia.
One of the properties of cat grass is that it is very rich in essential oils and this causes 7 out of 10 cats to react to its presence, showing an unusual interest in this plant.
Podemos observar principalmente como o gato se aproxima da planta, se esfrega contra ela, a lambe, a mastiga e emite sons semelhantes aos sons que as gatas no cio fazem, mas as reações não terminam aqui, posteriormente são muitos os gatos que começam a salta de um lugar para o outro e a correr desenfreados, ou também podem rodar sobre si mesmos para caçarem ratos imaginários. Sim, sem sombra de dúvidas que a erva do gato exerce um efeito narcótico, mas porque isso acontece?
This narcotic effect is due to an active substance called nepentalactone, this substance is able to bind cells whose function is to stimulate sensitive neurons and the reaction that the cat has to this plant is due to an overstimulation that does not occur naturally in the front of other stimuli.
In addition to the narcotic effect, cat grass induces behavior similar to that that occurring during courtship and mating.
For its properties, cat grass offers several benefits to your cat
Therefore, it should come as no surprise that several cat toys, in addition to the scratching poles, include cat grass. In addition, it can currently be found in spray form. You can use the spray by applying it to some of your cat’s toys or directly in part of its fur, giving it an immediate reward that can be used as a positive reinforcement.
Catgraal is not toxic to cats and is not addictive, so there is no problem in exposing our cat moderately to this plant, and yes, moderation is important here.
A cat continuously exposed to the narcotic effect of catgraus can be dangerous, although it is unusual, it can even exhibit aggressive behavior, as well as overexposure can endanger the animal’s health if there are open terraces or windows.
Cat grass is ideal for our cats, so they love it so much, however, we emphasize that moderation and follow-up are important.
This article is for informational purposes only, in Animal Expert.com.br we cannot prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Prevention section.