What will happen if the cat is valerian. Valerian and cats: how does valerian in different forms affect an animal, can it be given to a cat? Composition and mechanism of action

Valerian for cats is a real drug. Most felines are very fond of the valerian scent. At the same time, this plant affects different animals in different ways, and on some it does not have any effect at all. Are medicines based on this herb harmful or good for cats? Is it permissible for pets to give valerian and for what purpose to do it? What to do in case of drug overdose?

Valerian - what kind of plant is it, what are its properties?

This term unites more than two hundred species of perennial herbaceous plants of the honeysuckle family, the most famous of which is Valerian officinalis. The name goes back to the Latin valere - "to be healthy." Valerian (otherwise - baldrian, maun) is a plant with:

• rhizomes with a characteristic odor;
• small fragrant flowers from white to deep pink, blooming from late spring to late summer;
• brownish or brownish oblong fruits, ripening in July-September.

Valerian

You can meet this plant in many European countries, central and northern regions of Asia, America. On the territory of Russia, it grows everywhere, except for the Far North and the arid regions of Central Asia. Baldrian is used in two industries:

• Food grade. In America, all kinds of essences, liqueurs and tinctures are made from the plant. It is used as a flavoring agent for the manufacture of Havana cigars and Turkish tobacco. As a spice, it is used mainly in Europe. The British add the fresh leaves of the plant to salads. Sometimes fish dishes are accompanied by a side salad with baldrian greens.
• Pharmaceutical. In medicine, this plant is used as a sedative for sleep disorders, nervous overexcitation, neurotic disorders, heart palpitations, epilepsy, asthma, headaches, etc. It is included in many medicines, such as valocordin, and herbal preparations. Maun is used in tinctures, infusions, extracts, powders, tablets.

The plant has many beneficial properties:

• soothes;
• lowers blood pressure;
• relieves inflammation;
• eliminates spasms;
• has a slight laxative effect;
• enhances the separation of bile;
• has a beneficial effect on the secretory function of the gastrointestinal tract;
• improves coronary circulation and the condition of the heart muscle;
• stimulates the functioning of the cerebral cortex.

What effect does valerian have on cats, is it harmful or beneficial?

It is impossible to answer unequivocally the question of what will happen if a cat eats this plant, since it acts differently on different animals. We can say for sure that the effect of baldrian on cats has nothing to do with how it affects people. Valerian calms the latter, the former, on the contrary, excites.

Valerian is for cats what drugs or alcohol are for people. Usually, having tasted baldrian once, felines will constantly look for this herb during walks.

There are several options for the action of this plant on cats:

• Euphoria. A pet that tastes valerian becomes inadequate. His owner has the feeling that his four-legged pet is under hypnosis.
• Dream. Usually, young animals, after eating grass, are immersed in deep, prolonged sleep.
• Increased physical activity. Under the influence of the substances contained in baldrian, the cat turns into a real energizer, rushing around the house and sweeping away everything in its path.
• Constant purring. Some pets who have tasted the plant become unusually talkative, follow the owner, purring and looking into his eyes.

An animal that has tasted valerian can urinate in corners, howl loudly, spoil interior items or personal belongings of family members, run away in horror from a monster that he sees, and saliva flows profusely. This behavior does not usually last very long. After its normalization, the tired pet falls asleep.

Smelling a dried plant will not harm your cat. Baldrian-based preparations in different forms of release have a different degree of risk to the feline body. If we talk about alcohol tincture and valerian tablets, they can kill the animal. The same can happen with an overdose of a remedy based on this plant. Strong excitement of the nervous system, a surge in hormones, addiction, hallucinations - all this can happen to a cat if you give him a valerian tune or give him a pill to drink.

Why does a cat react so much to the smell of valerian? Zoologists have several options for explaining this phenomenon:

• The scent of baldrian reminds the felines of the scent of pheromones, which appears during estrus in females and sexual heat in males. In this situation, the plant acts as a kind of aphrodisiac. This theory is supported by the fact that pre-puberty animals do not respond in any way to valerian.
• Baldrian cats are used to relieve stomach pains.
• Due to the content of actinidin, the plant causes addiction in the feline.

Can cats be given valerian and why should they?

It is unacceptable to give your pet valerian so that it feels euphoric. You can give this agent to an animal only for therapeutic purposes if it has:

• fever;
• muscle cramps;
• disorders of the digestive system;
• lack of appetite;
• apathy;
• diseases of the endocrine and nervous system.

For sedation, as in humans, this medication is not used in cats. On these animals, with rare exceptions, it has an exciting effect. It is possible to train a pet using baldrian-based products to the toilet only if it has already reached puberty.

Forms of release of valerian: in what form is the remedy given to cats?

A medicine based on this plant is available in the form of alcohol tincture and film-coated tablets. In both forms, the agent is dangerous to the animal. A tincture consisting of at least 65% alcohol can provoke a burn of the mucous membranes of the digestive organs, severe damage to liver cells, kidney damage, and alcohol intoxication.

As for drugs in tablet form, three-quarters of them consist of synthetic substances and can cause an allergic reaction, constipation and intoxication of the body. If the pet is shown valerian for medicinal purposes, it should be used in the form of a self-prepared infusion or decoction. How much and for how long to give the medicine to the animal, the veterinarian decides.

Why doesn't valerian work on all felines?

This plant has no effect on some animals. It has a pronounced effect on non-castrated males, to a lesser extent on females. Kittens that have not reached puberty are immune to the smell of baldrian, which is why veterinarians do not recommend litter training using products based on this herb. Probably, the lack of interest in immature individuals is due to the fact that, due to the characteristics of the organism, they still do not feel the attractive power of the pheromones contained in it.

According to scientists, the degree of influence of the plant on individual representatives of the feline family is due to a hereditary factor and a genetic predisposition to essential oils that make up its composition. Interest in the smell of valerian also depends on the breed of the animal. So, among Siamese cats there are practically no fans of this aroma.

Overdose Signs and Animal Help

If the pet, in the absence of the owner, got to the home first-aid kit and ate valerian tablets or drank the infusion, he may have an overdose. This phenomenon can be recognized by the following signs:

• Impaired coordination of movements. The animal ceases to control its body, while moving it constantly falls and bumps into corners.
• Tonic and clonic convulsions. In a cat, the muscles of the limbs involuntarily contract.
• Hypersalivation. The main symptom of an overdose is excessive salivation.
• White foam at the mouth.
• Rolling eyes.

In veterinary practice, there are cases of death of animals as a result of an overdose of medicines based on this herb. It is enough for an animal to eat a few tablets or a small piece of a plant root - and only emergency veterinarian help can save it from death.

Content

A well-known human sedative called "valerian tincture" has the opposite effect on cats. Valerian is a drug created from an extract of the rhizome of a plant. The drug is produced in the form of tablets, drops or dry herb for brewing. it is attractive only in the form of a tincture - the tablets do not exude any smell, and the animal is unlikely to chew them.

Valerian in the form of an alcoholic tincture contains 200 g of rhizomes per 1 liter of the drug and 70% medical alcohol.

Why cats love valerian

Zoologists have studied the love of cats for valerian: anyone who has ever seen how this plant acts on purring ones will definitely want to know where such an obsession comes from. So scientists have worked out this issue. It turned out that there is a similarity of the scent of the weed with 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 the inappropriate behavior of the cat, but for the animal it is a real drug. And since the drug causes intoxication, such an effect is to the liking of meowing creatures: as soon as you drip a few drops of valerian on any object, 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 appears to it in cats and cats after puberty and during estrus.

How valerian affects cats

If you offer the cat drops of valerian and observe her, then you can conduct a whole study. Valerian for cats is a special tool: no matter what kind of cat lives in the house by nature - even the cutest quiet man in a couple of seconds can be compared with the noisy rowdy of a night bar.

The effect of the drug on different pets is different: some cat will howl, while the other is simply pointless to roll on the floor for a long time, cats may suddenly start marking corners, and a lazy pet will suddenly begin to climb up the wallpaper and curtains.

Since the drug acts akin to the 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 rival, or run, as if running away from someone. It doesn't matter if the cat was old, sedentary or nimble: in any case, the behavior of an 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 already rushing to bite his beloved mistress.

Some pussies, on the contrary, become inhibited: even the gait becomes sluggish, wobbly. These cats fall asleep quickly and dream for a long time. This behavior is characteristic as secondary for those animals that, having sniffed the valerian, at first behaved violently and went crazy.

Can cats be given valerian?

We are not talking about giving the cat valerian for the fun of the owner: the medicinal root is used to treat the animal, but not in the form of a tincture, but as a decoction of the plant root against fever, seizures and gastrointestinal disorders.

Drops are sometimes used when you need to accustom your pet to a scratching post, because they love its smell. But if this is a small immature cat, the action will be meaningless - kittens do not react in any way to the smell of valerian.

Some owners treat their cats to valerian during estrus. In this case, the question arises, how much valerian can be given in order not to harm the pet. Since the treatment with valerian root for cats is prescribed by a veterinarian in case of a decrease in the vital activity of the animal, the doctor prescribes the rate of the medicine. Self-medication can seriously harm the cat, moreover, drug addiction to valerian is also developed.

If an overdose of drops is dangerous, then tableted valerian for cats is even more dangerous. Why? Everything is explained by the composition: ¾ of the drug consists of excipients, and the pet may have an allergic reaction to them. It happens that the owner still tries to treat the animal with the help of pills: in case of a long sound sleep, the pet needs to be delivered to the veterinary clinic as soon as possible, since in addition to allergies, a fatal overdose is possible.

The benefits and harms of valerian for cats

On the one hand, valerian for a cat promises several minutes of euphoria, and on the other, negative reactions are possible.

Benefit

Valerian is useful for cats with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, disorders of the digestive process, for the normalization of the thyroid gland, with heart failure. The treatment regimen is prescribed by a specialist, the cat is given a medicine in the form of drops of infusion.

Harm

Despite its limited beneficial effect on the feline body, it is not often prescribed for treatment. Cats easily get used to the medication, and irresponsible owners sometimes do their best to contribute to this: they often give the fluffy lick and sniff the infusion, and now the drug becomes an obsession for the cat.

It is dangerous to keep the vial in the access of the animal: the cat will manage to spill the liquid and give itself a drink - an overdose threatens the beauty with an overload of the central nervous system and death.

Alternative to valerian

There is a safer way to relax the representatives of the feline family: mustaches are simply crazy about catnip.

Catnip is officially called ivy budra, and among the common people - catnip. A tall herbaceous plant invariably arouses the interest of catofees, both domestic and their wild counterparts. Neither a lion, nor a puma, nor a tiger can ignore the catnip, which they love so much. Animals smell catnip, get excited, rush to the bush, and behave like crazy: this is by no means a sedative.

It's not scary that the cat chewed a bush a little, but if he obviously ate plants from the full breadth of the cat's soul, then severe poisoning is possible. Sometimes catnip is added in small doses to toys for cats, scratching posts, sun beds.

Video about valerian and cats

As soon as the owner opens a bottle of valerian tincture, and its aroma reaches the pet's receptors, he immediately finds himself near the object of desire. The animal greedily begins to lick the bottle, and if the owner decides to remove it, the cat will persistently beg for the fragrant liquid back. So, what is the reason for this behavior?

Captured by addiction

Valerian for cats can become a real drug, like alcohol, cigarettes or drugs for humans. And there is nothing surprising here. In fact, pets can experience a real addiction to various plants. Having tasted a small "dose" just once, the cat becomes a drug addict, and with each next use of valerian, he will need a larger portion.

In addition, addiction can be caused not only by the plant itself, but also by alcohol. After all, the drug is based on alcohol. And the size of the feline body is much smaller in comparison with the human body, so only a few drops are enough for the animal to fall into a state of euphoria and be dependent on alcohol for the rest of its life.

Viagra for cats

The next theory, which explains the reason for the love of valerian, concerns males. It is believed that cats, smelling the essential oils of this plant, mistake it for the scent of hormones that females exude. It immediately becomes clear why cats, kittens and neutered cats pay much less attention to valerian.

The male believes that somewhere nearby there is a female who is ready for mating games, and his body immediately reacts to this quite naturally - the nervous system is excited, the cat begins to purr affectionately, roll on the floor and rub against the owner's legs.

Let's delve into the question of whether it is harmful to give valerian to cats, why does it affect them so. Zoologists have come to surprising conclusions. The aroma of the plant is extremely similar to the pheromones contained in the urine of an adult sexually mature cat. The stimulating effect of valerian changes the hormonal and emotional background of the animal.

For many decades, mankind has been using valerian as a therapeutic infusion that does not cause fear. Tinctures and decoctions can calm the nerves, improve the quality of a person's sleep, and also relieve pain by relieving spasms in a person. However, with cats, things are different. Now we know that it is not harmful to give valerian to cats.

What happens to the cat after the valerian can be seen after the first minutes of the animal taking the infusion. Always calm and decent pet can instantly turn into an inveterate rowdy. Behavior can vary, but be prepared to see your pet howl, rolling on the floor, tearing wallpaper and curtains, peeing in corners.

Valerian is a real drug for four-legged animals that can even cause hallucinations: the animal attacks an invisible enemy or runs away from him.

Many experienced cat lovers, after reading the article, will not agree with the impending danger from valerian. There is some truth in this, since not all cats react to valerian. Moreover, some animals do not tolerate these smells at all, fleeing from them, like from an evil dog. But even in this case, it is not recommended to give cats valerian, since this will not bring benefits to a healthy animal, but the danger of diseases is possible.

Studies show that cats are more susceptible to valerian by about a third. Kittens of both sexes do not react in any way to the smell; in extreme cases, they try to avoid it. An interesting observation: it is the breed of Siamese cats that is not susceptible to valerian, unlike others.

We hope, after reading the above, everyone made the correct conclusion whether valerian is harmful to a cat. It is not a fact that your pet is affected by this miracle pathogen. However, learning this for fun and interest is still not recommended. Diseases of your pet are best treated under the close supervision of a specialist, fulfilling all his purposes. Then you and your furry will be healthy and happy.

In addition to the name under which this medicinal plant is familiar to everyone (medicinal valerian), it also has popular names: cat root, mountain grass, cat grass. All the names of this plant are related to cats. This is due to the action of the plant on these animals. They instantly react to the valerian scent they hear from afar.

If the cat is allowed to sniff the cork from the valerian bubble, then he will greedily lick it, and when he tries to pick it up, he shows aggression. After that, he will begin to behave as described above, but after ten to fifteen minutes the animal will calm down and begin to behave as usual.

The reason for this reaction is that the smell of the plant is somewhat similar to the smell of pheromones contained in the urine of a cat ready to mate. Therefore, valerian affects mainly cats.

Another reason is that there is a substance actinidin in the root of valerian, which smells like nepetalactone essential oil. Nepetalactone is found in catnip, a herb that cats love.

Valerian is contraindicated for cats, because it acts like a drug. If you give a cat this medicine at least once, it will provoke a kind of addiction in him. The pet starts looking everywhere for this drug. If the animal finds a bubble, it is able to break it. In this case, sad consequences are inevitable - firstly, there is a danger that the cat will get hurt on a broken bottle, and secondly, he risks dying from an overdose.

Overdose symptoms: loss of coordination, limb failure, seizures, foam at the mouth. If the cat still got to the container with the drug and gulped out the contents, the situation should not be allowed to take its course: it is necessary to urgently call a veterinarian or take the pet to a veterinarian.

The amount of the drug at which an overdose occurs has not been established - it depends on the individual reaction of the organism of each animal separately. If you give the cat valerian often, he becomes lethargic, begins to feel bad. This is due to the action of the alcohol contained in the tincture. Alcohol destroys the cat's body and threatens the animal with the occurrence of various diseases, and can even be fatal.

Owners of cats and cats are often interested in the question that concerns valerian tablets: is it possible to give them to cats. It is impossible, because valerian tablets are more potent, and, therefore, more dangerous than drops. The reason is that the chemical composition of the tablets is very different from the drops. One tablet contains only a quarter of valerian, the rest of the components are excipients that contain a lot of chemistry, and therefore can cause severe allergic reactions. If the pet has eaten several pills and is in a drowsy state, an urgent need to seek veterinary help.

Cats are often neutral about the smell of medication. But during the period when the female asks for the cat, the valerian may also have an exciting effect on her. In this case, the effect is superior to that produced by the drug on the cat. The cat can become uncontrollable, show aggression. Therefore, during estrus, the cat should not be given valerian, even for medicinal purposes.

How valerian works in cats

Modern veterinarians are sure that for cats, valerian is the strongest dissociative that significantly distorts the perception of visual and sound images. If we talk about specific examples, then the drug marijuana has a similar effect on a person. This opinion is supported by the fact that under the influence of valerian, cats often attack invisible enemies, hide from an imaginary pursuer, or catch non-existent prey. In this state, cats react sharply to extraneous sounds and may panic for no reason.

Therefore, before you "please" your pet with Valerian for your own amusement, it is always better to think about what harm such a treat will cause to the physical and emotional state.

What is the reason for such an unusual love of cats for valerian?

According to veterinarians, the fault is the specific reaction of the nervous system of representatives of the feline to one of the components contained in this plant - actinidin. Because of it, at first glance, harmless weed becomes a real drug for these pets. This reaction is at the genetic level, so cats cannot resist smelling the smell of valerian. With frequent use of the drug, they may well earn a real addiction.

There are two theories that explain the unusual effects of actinidin in cats. According to the first, this substance is similar in structure to the sex pheromones of cats, produced during the mating season. This theory is supported by the fact that immature kittens, as well as castrated cats, are indifferent to the smell of valerian.

Another theory is that actinidin, in combination with other essential oils contained in valerian, is a natural narcotic anesthetic for cats. That is why, smelling valerian, cats completely ignore all other needs, wanting to get to her as soon as possible.

Reaction types

To begin with, any substance has an effect on the body. This effect can be both positive and neutral, but when it comes to valerian root or preparations from it, there is no need to talk about the benefits.

The reactions are most often predictable, they are natural, but sometimes an individual response happens. The body does not interact with the substance like others. In this case, there may be anaphylactic shock, edema, and systemic consequences at the organic level.

The relationship of these organic compounds with estrogens (estrus hormones) further enhances the attractiveness of valerian, because the reproductive instinct is one of the strongest in nature. Males, smelling this smell, prefer ritual "dances" and a state of euphoria, and females strive to destroy an imaginary rival and fall into aggression.

The relationship between the hormonal status of a pet and its response to valerian has not yet been investigated, but the fact that males more clearly demonstrate the response in 70% of cases is a fact.

Crazy Cat

The rampage that the drug causes, first actively increases, driving the cat to frenzy and unmotivated aggression, and then abruptly forces the animal to calm down. This is easily explained by the fact that the nervous system, unable to withstand excessive excitation, triggers a mechanism - inhibition.

Relaxed cat

In this case, the nervous system does not allow itself or is not capable of hyper-arousal, and the inhibition program starts immediately. Hence - delayed reactions, a relaxing gaze, swaying and long sleep.

Real addict

A drunken cat has no control over its behavior. The nervous system "shows" him hallucinations and makes him perform bizarre movements. It's fun to watch, but the animal's health is at serious risk.

For the sake of a drop of valerian, a pet is able to overcome all obstacles, while showing aggression and signs of neurosis. Aggression accompanying the stage of excitement can cause death in a provoked fight with other animals. Despite the apparent activity and mobility, the animal loses the speed of reaction and the connection between the existing experience and the known forms of adequate safe behavior.

The consequences of taking feline drugs are headaches, drowsiness, lethargy, loss of appetite or bulimia, and so on. If odor stimuli are used as a means of forming behavior, then it is better to attract a cat to certain places or to certain objects with the help of catnip, and not valerian. Catnip is more beneficial when used in moderation.

General information about drug valerian

It has been known about valerian 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, in the East, in India.

But besides the scientific name - medicinal valerian, 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 perennial herb family. Such grass grows near reservoirs, as well as in wetlands, and in lowlands. The plant consists of the following parts:

1. A thick and tall stem that can grow up to two meters in height.
2. Pinkish flowers collected in an umbrella.
3. 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. Cats have been proven to hear this smell at a very great distance. The reaction of cats to this medicinal plant is unusual: they ride, 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 strongly. The stimulating effect of valerian acts only on cats; for humans, this medicinal plant is used as a sedative.

Before you understand how valerian affects cats, you need to get acquainted with its composition in more detail. The main ingredient of the drug is a perennial plant, valerian, which grows in lowlands, on marshy soils and near some water bodies. Its stem can reach two meters in height, and the inflorescences form umbrellas with a pinkish tint.

But for pharmacological purposes, valerian root is used, which is very branched and has a loose structure. It contains many active type substances:

• several types of acids;
• valepotriates;
• triterpene glycosides;
• free amines.

Among the many acids it contains, isovaleric acid is worth highlighting. This substance is not so harmless, as it can cause chemical burns if it ends up on the mucous membrane of the intestines or mouth.

Despite the fact that valerian is harmful for cats and cats, sometimes veterinarians prescribe it to animals in a small dose as a medicine.

If the cat is lazy, passive, lack of appetite, he is prescribed this medication to increase his vitality.

Treatment with valerian is useful for the following diseases:

• Nervous system problems.
• Heart disease.
• Diseases associated with the thyroid gland.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

In what cases are used

There are times when the use of valerian for cats is recommended. Veterinarians prescribe a remedy in the following cases:

• Heart failure;
• Digestive problems, intestinal cramps;
• Passive lifestyle, apathy.

In any case, the treatment is carried out under the supervision of a physician, who determines the permissible dosage and duration of treatment.

Catnip can be used not only as a filling for toys. The dried spice is often used in animal training and education. The dried leaves become a reward for the actions done by the cat correctly.

If the cat's reaction to catnip is unusual, the animal becomes aggressive or uncontrollable, you need to get rid of the dried plant in the house. You should not provoke and indulge outbreaks of aggression, and even more so make your pet get used to the plant.

Valerian is a remedy that cats really like. However, it is unacceptable to allow the use of the drug by animals without a doctor's recommendation.

How harmful is valerian for cats

Valerian for cats is a kind of drug, and a drug is never useful. Veterinarians believe that you should not joke with the health of cats and give them this drug for fun.

There is another way out: you can buy a special stuffed toy for cats, which is already impregnated with a substance called "catnip". This herb can be found everywhere, its action does not have the same effect on the cat's body, and many cats are simply indifferent to it.

For example, it is believed that kittens do not react in any way to the action of this drug until they are six months old. In addition, there are several breeds of cats, for example, Siamese, which are also immune to valerian.

If the cat at this moment is still ready for mating, then you should not give her valerian, because she is already in an excited state, and the remedy from the medicinal plant will only strengthen this desire.

And then it is still unknown how this adventure will end for the cat. At such a time, it is better to give "cat Bayun", which will act soothingly. But in the event that you do not expect pedigree offspring from her.

But sometimes valerian is given to a cat for medicinal purposes. It is known that in small doses it will be useful in the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in the treatment of nervous diseases. Veterinarians claim that valerian drops are good for the cat's thyroid gland and normalize its work, but such treatment can only take place when prescribed by a doctor.

Do not get carried away to give your cat valerian drink, otherwise the consequences can be the most dire. By the way, an overdose can also negatively affect the health of the feline.

There are cases when a cat was able to get to the valerian on its own, and even managed to eat a package of tablets or open a bottle with a medicinal tincture.

As a result, an overdose of the drug occurred, and immediate intervention of a veterinarian was required, because the life of the animal was in danger.

Signs of an overdose are the following indicators:

• the cat falls on its side;
• white foam comes out of the mouth;
• convulsions;
• eyes roll back.

It is always worth remembering that veterinarians give a positive answer to the question of whether valerian is harmful to cats. Therefore, its use can only be prescribed by a doctor and under his supervision, since each animal is individual and they can tolerate the medicine in different ways.

It is extremely difficult to say unequivocally whether valerian is harmful to cats. So, for example, it can significantly reduce pain in a pet in the case of treatment of the gastrointestinal tract.

In addition, the root is often added in small amounts to animal sedatives. The dosage in them is minimal and does not harm the cats, and also does not cause them addiction.

If you believe the veterinarians, then in small doses and under the condition of not too frequent use, valerian does not harm cats. However, remember that pharmacy valerian tinctures can cause the following negative effects:

• quick addiction to the active substance (due to increased concentration);
• hormonal disorder;
• metabolic disorders (due to ignoring the need for adequate nutrition);
• allergic reactions;
• addiction to ethanol (when it comes to alcoholic tinctures).

As already noted, cats are unable to resist the desire to use valerian, and if a careless owner does not limit them in this, then pets quickly turn into real drug addicts. They ignore food and other natural needs, wanting to get another portion.

In addition, the situation is aggravated by the fact that the composition of valerian tinctures includes ethyl alcohol, which causes hangover in cats and has a devastating effect on the liver, kidneys and stomach. This is fraught with a real danger to the life and health of the pet.

If the owners really wanted to pamper the pet with valerian, it is better to use not concentrated pharmaceutical tinctures for this, but fresh or dried roots of the plant grown at home. The content of the active substance in the roots is relatively small, however, eating valerian roots, cats get no less pleasure than from tinctures. The degree of intoxication and the negative consequences for cats from eating roots is several times less than from alcoholic tinctures.

In addition, catnip is substituted for valerian. Its active substance nepetalactan also causes euphoria in cats. Having reached the catnip, cats lick this plant, after which they roll on the floor, and sometimes even fall into a stupor. It is curious that, as in the case of valerian, some cats are absolutely indifferent to catnip. Perhaps, this is due to the individual characteristics of the nervous system of the animal, and this is rather an exception to the rule.

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Some owners offer this tincture to their pet just for fun. But not every one of them thinks about whether a cat can be given valerian. But in fact, this extract is capable of causing harm.

As for the human body, this drug does not pose a danger to it, of course, in reasonable doses. From time immemorial, folk healers have used valerian root to prepare medicinal potions that can improve sleep quality, calm nerves and relieve stress.

So, is valerian bad for cats? This extract is like a hard drug - it radically changes the behavior of a furry pet, and in some cases it can even cause hallucinations. It is believed that the cat sometimes sees an invisible threat, which either attacks violently or flees. For some, the fear can be so strong that the animal will be in a panic for several days and shake in fear from any rustle. This explains the inappropriate behavior of many pets.

For these reasons, veterinarians are more than negative about this kind of jokes of the owners and do not advise offering valerian to cats. Too much of it is capable of killing an animal, having previously immersed it in sleep, but awakening will never come!

How much valerian can you give a cat when an analgesic effect is needed? Not at all! In this case, it is best to seek the advice of a specialist. Only an experienced veterinarian can determine the appropriateness of a drug. Remember, animals react to this remedy in different ways, and this reaction will depend on a genetic predisposition - a susceptible pet can die even from a couple of drops of the extract!

Be careful and protect your cat's health from silly experiments. Inappropriate fun can end very tragically - up to and including death. After all, your pet is a living being that completely trusts you and loves you infinitely! Always remember this!

Many owners of domestic cats have repeatedly noticed the unusually violent reaction of their pets to the sedative tincture of valerian. Some of the poor fuzzies were specifically given medicine to play with their behavior. But they should first study whether valerian is harmful or useful for cats.

Why do cats love valerian?

If you have a mustachioed family member at home, be sure to read the information about valerian! The secret of its effect on animals is quite simple: the plant contains special substances, the aroma of which resembles the smell of the gonads of a cat during the mating season. That is why even the most affectionate cat breeds become overly active, agitated and even aggressive.

For obvious reasons, the drug affects cats especially strongly - it begins to seem to them that somewhere nearby is a female. But the valerian acts on cats like a red rag on a bull: still, there may be a rival somewhere nearby! Therefore, as a sedative for cats, this medication is not the best option.

In fact, valerian for cats can become not only a pathogen: in some, the reaction to external stimuli slows down, while others go into long hibernation altogether.

But such cases are the exception rather than the rule.

Is it possible to give a cat valerian?

Having learned about the possible reaction of animals to the drug, you need to understand - does valerian do more harm or benefit? There are several opinions on this matter.

Drug

Scientists have proven that valerian tincture contains substances that are highly addictive in the feline family. Having tried the remedy once, the animal will ask you for it again and again.

Valerian for cats as a drug is harmful for the following reasons:

• an excited animal begins to rush at everything around - your furniture and household members can be greatly affected by bites and scratches;

• a cat accustomed to valerian is constantly looking for a drug, overturning cabinets and tearing off shelves. If he manages to find the coveted bottle, it will immediately fly to the floor and break. The animal can be injured by the shrapnel;

• Excessive use of valerian can lead to an overdose - your pet will plunge into a sound sleep, accompanied by epilepsy.

The last point is especially dangerous - if you notice something like this, immediately go to the veterinarian. Otherwise, the animal can be expected to die.

Pills are especially harmful. If in the drops most of the composition is taken up by a concentrated extract of valerian, then in the pills the basis is synthetic substances and chemicals that can unpredictably affect the cat.

Medicine

Sometimes valerian for cats and cats can do a good job as a medicine. Veterinarians advise giving it to your pet in such cases:

• heart failure;

• spasms in the gastrointestinal tract;

• digestive system problems;

• excessive passivity.

In each individual situation, you need to consult with an experienced specialist about the safe dosage, and in general - the need to use the medicine.

What else do cats like?

If valerian for cats does more harm than good, a logical question arises - can it be replaced with something? There is a plant that has a similar effect on cats without causing much harm. This is catnip, or catnip.

It is completely harmless and non-addictive. The only side effect is possible stomach upset, so try to feed kittens and young cats with this herb less often.

Catnip can be used during reflex training and as a reward.

For more information about what will happen if you give the cat valerian, you can

Valerian is sold in any drugstore and is often used by people. On a person, the drug produces a calming effect, while the agent is taken in courses. Valerian acts differently on cats, and it is extremely important to figure out exactly how the medicine will affect the animal's body. Some people, out of interest, want to give their pet a tincture or pill, but they must understand the consequences of such an action.

Is it possible to give a domestic cat valerian

Many owners at least once in their lives wanted to give the cat valerian. Some even did it out of interest, because everyone had heard that the animal reacted ambiguously to a given plant. If a small amount of medication is given once, then most owners will not notice the negative consequences. In this case, we are talking about drops, because pills are more dangerous.

It's another matter if a person regularly gives medicine to an animal. Cats tend to sit down on him, which is why they become like ordinary alcoholics. If you give the animal a lot of funds, then the ethanol contained in the tincture will have a negative effect on the body. That is why the right decision would be not to pour the tincture at all into the animal.

General information about drug valerian

Veterinarians and pet owners have long noted that valerian can cause completely unpredictable reactions in animals. The remedy itself has a sedative effect. At the same time, it acts differently on pets.

To begin with, it is recommended to find out general information about this plant. It is perennial, it grows in water bodies and lowlands. The plant has a tall stem that can grow up to two meters. At the end there are flowers collected in a miniature umbrella. To create tinctures and tablets, an extremely loose and branched root is used, since it works best on patients.

For decades, people have been using valerian to sleep better, feel less nervous, and even eliminate pain. At the same time, this remedy acts on cats in a completely different way. This is explained by the fact that the smell of the plant resembles the pheromones that are found in the urine of an adult cat. As a result, the emotional and hormonal background of the pet is excited, since the plant affects the central nervous system. Because of this, the animal begins to behave inappropriately.

Although the tincture and tablets themselves are safe, they act differently on pets. Owners are not advised to test the drug on their pet, as the consequences can be unpredictable.

The reaction of cats to valerian

No veterinarian can tell exactly how a particular cat will react to valerian. In each case, the reaction will be different, it also happens that the animal does not pay attention to the pills or drops at all. Moreover, in most situations, the animal begins to reach for the fragrant valerian, and will even constantly demand it from the owner. Naturally, such a habit cannot be maintained, because the tincture is a drug for cats.

The following possible reactions from the pet can be distinguished:

1. In most situations, your pet will feel euphoric. In this case, the pet will behave inappropriately, while it will not be able to control itself. For example, your pet will chew on a bottle of tincture or roll on the floor. While the valerian is in effect, the pet cannot be brought back to normal.
2. Young animals who have been given this remedy may fall asleep. Moreover, they can be in it even for several hours. After waking up from the action of the remedy, not a trace will remain.
3. Some cats run around the apartment without stopping, throwing off objects and pulling off sheets, tablecloths. In this case, the animal is difficult to stop, because it is in an inadequate state. When it calms down, a noticeable mess can be observed in the house.
4. There are also pets that begin to purr loudly, as if they are asking the owner for something. All this time, they will look into the eyes of their master as if they need something.

Within a few minutes after consuming valerian, you can observe the reaction from the animal. Moreover, it can be both calm and bright. Some kind and calm cats begin to play naughty, run around the rooms, tear the curtains and even go to the toilet in the corners. All this is explained by the fact that valerian is a drug for animals, which can even provoke the onset of hallucinations. It even happens that the cat thinks that someone is hunting for him, or he himself begins to attack the enemy. As long as valerian is active, this reaction will continue.

In most cases, the medication works within 30 minutes, and the effect may end more quickly. Naturally, you can not re-give the pet a tincture or pill, otherwise the animal will use up all its strength, and side effects will also appear. As soon as the effect of the medicine wears off, many cats go to bed, because they get very tired. At the same time, there are those who begin to behave as if nothing had happened.

Is it possible to give valerian to a cat: the opinion of veterinarians

Every conscientious person should take care not only of their own interests, but also of the pet's health. It does not follow from interest or boredom to give a narcotic plant that overshadows the mind of a cat. Even if it is not harmful to humans, everything is different with animals. It is for this reason that veterinarians strongly recommend not to take risks and not bring valerian to cats.

Also, the tincture should not be left in a conspicuous place, because the cat can smell its smell on its own. Because of this, he will sit down on the substance and experience its negative effects on himself. It is especially important to make sure that the tablets are in a safe place, because if the animal finds them and eats everything, an overdose will occur.

Is it possible for a cat to give valerian, which is available in tablets

Some people mistakenly think that cats should not be given tincture alone. They think that the negative effect is due to the presence of ethanol in the composition. At the same time, it should be understood that not everything is so simple. Zoologists warn that pills will be even more dangerous than drops, because they contain only a quarter of the plant itself. Everything else is synthetic auxiliary components that can cause an allergic reaction.

Don't think that cat allergies are safe. It often leads to the fact that the pet's condition deteriorates significantly, and edema may even occur. Veterinarians warn that in a situation where the pet is plunged into a deep sleep after 5 minutes of euphoria, the pet must be urgently taken to the veterinary clinic. It is likely that the animal will need to be treated, because the pill has a negative effect on the body.

Is it possible for a cat to valerian in the form of a tincture

People should not think that the drops will be harmless to the animal. Although they do not contain a large list of synthetic substances, they can still significantly harm health. Cats can also suffer from alcoholism, and they are not able to resist addiction. The animal will quickly sit down on the tincture, and it will have an extremely negative effect on the pet's body.

Ethanol will quickly destroy the feline organism, for this reason it should not be given to the pet. It is enough to treat the cat with valerian tincture several times to provoke the appearance of ulcers, kidney failure and enlargement of the liver. If you do not want to worsen the health of your pet, then you should definitely give up the desire to give your pet a tincture of valerian.

The owners must clearly understand that valerian is contraindicated for pets. It acts like a drug and provokes addiction the first time. The animal begins to look everywhere for a drug, it may even break a bottle or eat pills. In such a situation, the danger is that an overdose is possible. Because of her, the well-being of the pet will sharply deteriorate, as a result, the person will be to blame for the deterioration of the cat's health.

Is valerian harmful to cats: negative consequences

There are many negative actions that appear when using valerian. As already mentioned, due to the drug, the pet may begin to experience hallucinations. Because of this, the pet will be very scared and may be in a state of panic for more than one day. The animal will shudder because of any sound, and the nervous system will sway.

Alcohol tincture immediately causes addiction in the pet. In this case, the cat may start constantly asking the owner for a new dose. Some animals become extremely aggressive, while other pets become nervous and fearful. In this case, do not forget about the likelihood of an allergic reaction, kidney and liver diseases, as well as stomach problems. For the sake of fun, you should not ruin the pet's body by giving it valerian.

It is noteworthy that only a dry plant will not harm the animal. Other forms of medication can even kill the pet and should be discarded.

Overdose symptoms

Some people do not even think about the fact that the pet may have an overdose due to excessive use of the medication. At the same time, it is difficult to say at what moment it is capable of coming. The fact is that the owner himself can pour too much tincture, although it is not allowed to give even one drop. It also happens that the cat finds a bottle or pills, and then uses the medicine in significant quantities.

In such a situation, you will need to immediately take your pet to the veterinarian. It is impossible to say unequivocally what dose is capable of leading to death. For this reason, it is imperative to make sure that your pet is okay. You should definitely go to the veterinary clinic when there are clear signs of an overdose.

Symptoms:

1. Loss of coordination. The animal cannot walk and constantly falls.
2. Limb failure. An extremely disturbing sign that cannot be ignored.
3. The onset of cramps and foam at the mouth. This condition resembles an epileptic seizure.

It is important to urgently call a veterinarian or go to a veterinary hospital. You should not fight overdose on your own, otherwise extremely negative consequences may appear. In no case should you give your pet valerian for the sake of interest. It can only be used for therapeutic purposes and solely as directed by a physician.

Even if a person really wants to personally check what the cat's reaction to pills and tinctures will be, one should remember the negative consequences. You should not risk the health of your pet and add it to a substance dangerous to feline health.