Can Cats Eat Kong Catnip? A Guide to Feline-Friendly Treats

Orange tabby cat in patch of catnip outside
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Cats are fascinating creatures that are beloved by millions of people around the world. As a cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline friend is happy and healthy. One of the questions that many cat owners ask is whether their cats can eat Kong catnip. The answer is yes, cats can eat catnip safely, but it’s important to understand the dos and don’ts.

While catnip is not toxic to cats, it’s not recommended to allow your cat to overindulge in it. It’s best to give your cat small amounts of catnip, as too much can cause digestive upset. Additionally, it’s important to note that not all cats respond to catnip, as about 30% of cats have no observable response to it. If your cat doesn’t seem to be responding to catnip, don’t worry, as it’s perfectly normal.

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What is Kong Catnip?

Kong Catnip is basically an umbrella term for a wide range of catnip offerings from this Colorado-based pet product company. In most cases, it’s referring to the actual catnip, which includes Nepeta cataria and other plants of the Nepeta species.

KONG - Naturals Premium Catnip - Premium North American Grown - 2 Ounce (2 Pack)

Kong provides the actual plants, finely ground up and with as many stems removed as possible, so that you can sprinkle a bit of finely-ground Nepeta up and place it wherever you would like for your kitty. Aside from the plant itself, Kong also offers a number of toys with catnip inside them and they even have concentrated sprays.

Not only are these products safe, but they are high quality, as Kong has been in business since 1976 and they’ve established some pretty high standards since their inception. Simply put, Kong Catnip is high-quality catnip from a name that pet owners have learned to trust!

Kong Natural Catnip Spray Size:Pack of 3

What is Catnip?

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably heard of catnip. But what exactly is it? Catnip is a type of plant called Nepeta Cataria that belongs to the mint family. It’s native to Europe and Asia, but it’s now grown all over the world.

Orange tabby cat in patch of catnip outside

Nepeta Cataria

Nepeta Cataria, also known as catnip, is a perennial herb that can grow up to three feet tall. It has gray-green leaves and small white or lavender flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves and stems of the plant contain a chemical called Nepetalactone, which is what makes cats go crazy.

Catnip Plant

Catnip plants are easy to grow and can be planted in your garden or in a pot. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun, but they can also grow in partial shade. Catnip plants are low maintenance, and they can be harvested throughout the growing season.

Nepetalactone

Nepetalactone is the chemical in catnip that affects cats. When cats smell or eat catnip, the Nepetalactone binds to the receptors in their brains, causing them to have a euphoric reaction. This reaction can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the cat.

Overall, catnip is safe for cats to eat in moderation. However, too much catnip can cause digestive upset. It’s essential to prevent your cat from ingesting large amounts of catnip. With that said, if you’re looking for a way to give your cat a little bit of extra stimulation, catnip can be a great option.

Can Cats Eat Kong Catnip?

Is Catnip Safe for Cats to Eat?

Catnip is a popular herb known for its effects on cats. It is safe for cats to eat in small amounts, and it is non-toxic. However, providing too much catnip can cause your cat to overindulge and end up with a tummy-ache.

closeup of catnip with water drops

What Happens When Cats Eat Catnip?

When a cat eats catnip, it acts as a mild sedative. Your cat may take a long cat-nap after ingesting some. In other words, catnip is totally safe to eat and has no addictive qualities. However, there is such a thing as having “too much” of a good thing.

Can Cats Get Addicted to Catnip?

Cats cannot get addicted to catnip. While catnip is famous for its effects on those cats that respond to it, it’s still a plant that has no addictive qualities.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Catnip?

Catnip has no nutritional value for cats. It is a plant that cats enjoy for its effects on their behavior.

In summary, providing Kong Catnip to your cat in small amounts is safe and non-toxic. However, it is important to monitor your cat’s ingestion to avoid overindulgence. Catnip has no nutritional value for cats, but it is a safe and enjoyable herb for them to enjoy.

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Catnip Toys and Treats

Are Catnip Toys Safe for Cats to Play With?

Yes, catnip toys are safe for cats to play with. They are made with dried catnip leaves and are designed to stimulate your cat’s senses. However, it’s important to supervise your cat while playing with catnip toys to prevent any accidental ingestion.

What are the Benefits of Catnip Toys?

Catnip toys can provide many benefits to your cat. They can help keep your cat active and playful, which is essential for their physical and mental health. Additionally, catnip toys can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats, making them a great tool for calming your pet.

Can Catnip Treats Help with Anxiety and Stress?

Yes, catnip treats can help with anxiety and stress in cats. They contain the same active ingredient as catnip toys, which is nepetalactone. This compound has a calming effect on cats and can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. However, it’s important to give catnip treats in moderation to prevent your cat from becoming addicted.

When choosing catnip toys and treats, make sure to read the labels and choose products that are made with high-quality ingredients. Additionally, always supervise your cat while playing with catnip toys and give treats in moderation to prevent any adverse effects.

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How Cats Respond to Catnip

Why Do Cats Respond to Catnip?

Cats have a unique response to catnip due to a chemical compound called nepetalactone found in the plant. When a cat smells catnip, the scent triggers a response in their olfactory system that sends signals to the brain. This reaction is thought to be a result of the similarity between nepetalactone and feline pheromones.

What Does Catnip Do to Cats?

When a cat sniffs catnip, it can trigger a range of behaviors, including rolling around, rubbing their face on the source, and playing. Some cats may become more vocal or hyperactive after exposure to catnip, while others may become more relaxed and sedated. The euphoria experienced by cats is short-lived, usually lasting about 10 minutes.

How Long Does the Effect of Catnip Last?

The effects of catnip generally last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the individual cat and the amount of catnip consumed. After the initial response, cats may become immune to the effects of catnip for a period of time before the sensitivity returns.

Overall, catnip can be a great way to keep your feline friend happy and playful. However, it’s important to remember that not all cats respond to catnip, and some may have adverse reactions. As with any treat or toy, it’s essential to monitor your cat’s behavior and ensure their safety.

Source: PetMD

Using Catnip with Other Cat Products

Can Catnip be Used with Cat Trees?

Yes, you can use catnip with cat trees! Sprinkle catnip on your cat tree to encourage your feline friend to climb and play. This can help keep your cat entertained and active, preventing boredom and destructive behavior.

Is Catnip Safe to Use with Other Cat Products?

Catnip is safe to use with other cat products, as long as you use it in moderation. However, some cats may have a vocal or purring reaction to catnip, which can be alarming to some pet owners. If your cat has a strong reaction to catnip, it’s best to use it sparingly or not at all.

What Are the Best Ways to Use Catnip with Other Cat Products?

Here are some of the best ways to use catnip with other cat products:

  • Cat toys: Sprinkle catnip on your cat’s toys to encourage play and exercise.
  • Scratching posts: Rub catnip on your cat’s scratching post to encourage them to use it and save your furniture from their claws.
  • Beds: Add a small amount of catnip to your cat’s bed to help them relax and sleep.

Remember to use catnip in moderation and always supervise your cat when using it with other products.

Source: Can Cats Eat Kong Catnip? (Solved & Explained!)

FAQ

How much Kong Catnip do you give a cat?

The amount that you should use actually varies from cat to cat, and some cats don’t respond to catnip at all.

While catnip will work its magic on 70 to 80 percent of all cats out there, an unlucky 20 – 30% of cats will take a sniff and give you a look that translates out basically to ‘Meh. Why are you giving me leaves, silly hooman?”.

For the cats that it DOES affect, you’ll need to experiment with small amounts first and you can try a little more to see the effects and determine the amount that seems to be the most fun for your specific cat.

Once you know this, we recommend that you only provide it to them once or twice a week. They could have it every day, but likely they’ll get too used to it if you do that, so making your cat wait will ensure that they have as much fun as possible with their catnip when they get it. It’s definitely worth the wait!

Is Kong Catnip like drugs for cats?

People tend to think of catnip as a ‘drug’ for cats, but it’s a little more complex than that. Cats are very scent oriented – it’s the reason that they rub up against you all of the time.

Scent glands are all over your cat’s body, even in their paws and on their heads, and this rubbing transfers their scents to you and the furniture.

The ‘high’ from catnip actually comes from the scent of the plants, by means of the odor coming from the nepetalactone component of the catnip. This binds to their scent receptors, creating a feeling of euphoria and this is what makes your cat roll around and immediately become super-playful.

Simply put, catnips like Kong Catnip have a ‘happy smell’ that cat’s can’t seem to get enough of.

How much Kong Catnip is too much?

With Kong Catnip toys, there will be a premeasured amount present that should be absolutely perfect for most cats. For the finely cut catnip itself, you’ve got an entire box to work with, but it really doesn’t take much to have an effect.

Try starting with a teaspoonful of the stuff and sprinkle it on the carpet, in your cat’s bed, or in their play tower. Show it to your cat by gently lifting them up if they’ll allow it and then pointing at the catnip which you’ve just placed.

Once your kitty gets a sniff, then you’ll know if this amount is sufficient or if you might want to try another spoon. In most cases you’ll find that this is all that you need but you can certainly put out more if you like and see if your cat will regulate themselves.

Most will, but if your kitty seems to have a tummyache later, then simply reduce the amount and try again in a few days. You’ll be able to tell quite quickly from your kitty’s response once you’ve found the perfect amount!


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