In the feline world, it’s not a party until someone brings the catnip. While it shouldn’t be used excessively, the herb has a reputation for enticing kitties into a happy stupor that often hilariously
mimics human intoxication. Fortunately for pet parents, catnip has many uses beyond setting the stage for the next viral cat video. When used strategically, it’s a helpful training treat and mood enhancer that can bring you and your furbaby even closer together.

What is catnip?

The catnip plant is a member of the mint family, along with other herbs like rosemary and basil. With green leaves and small clusters of purple flower blossoms, this shrub-like plant appears unremarkable. So, what makes catnip so special? Its leaves produce a compound known as nepetalactone, which acts on cats’ neurotransmitters to induce psychotropic effects. 

Although catnip’s effects on kitties call to mind the behavior of humans who’ve had a few drinks, scientists aren’t entirely sure how nepetalactone interacts with cats’ brains. Interestingly, cats who get a dose of naloxone, an opioid blocker commonly used to save humans from an overdose of narcotics, appear unaffected when exposed to catnip.

How does catnip affect cats?

Much like their human counterparts, our feline friends react to the intoxicating effects of catnip in their own way. Many cats have a euphoric response, characterized
by cheek rubbing, rolling, nuzzling, and thousand-yard stares. Females may appear to be in heat, and some kitties may become noticeably agitated. A minority of felines are genetically immune to the effects of catnip and will respond indifferently. 

Take note of your cat’s reaction and discontinue use if the experience doesn’t seem to be a positive one.

Can I give my cat catnip every day?

Catnip works best when used sparingly, as kitties can become immune to its effects if overexposed. It’s recommended that pet parents don’t use catnip more than once a day. It is important to store catnip in a safe place, because its scent is so attractive to your furbaby it may compel them to chew through packaging.

What happens if my cat ingests too much catnip?

Even if they have access to a large quantity, many cats can tell when they’ve had enough catnip and stop indulging on their own. While it is not possible to overdose on catnip, kitties who overindulge may face some unpleasant (although temporary) side effects:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Sedation
• Future loss of sensitivity to catnip

How should I use catnip?

Available in fresh and dried forms, oils, and sprays, catnip can make a fantastic treat or training tool for your kitty. Spray it on scratching posts to deter clawing in unwanted places, or on toys to encourage rambunctious cats to direct their energy appropriately. Its euphoric effects are also great for play sessions and bonding between you and your cat. Adding a bit of catnip to your furbaby’s food can even encourage anxious or under-the-weather cats to eat. 

If you are new to catnip, keep an eye on your kitty while you learn how he or she reacts to its effects. Have questions? Your local veterinarian is always available to help you determine the best way to incorporate catnip into your cat’s routine. 

Our pups never cease to amaze us. They have senses we can barely conceptualize and a perceptiveness in their eyes that often feels distinctly human. If you’re already in awe of your dog’s super-sensitive hearing or sixth sense about approaching thunderstorms, here are five more dog facts that may blow your mind!

Your dog can smell your feelings.

It’s well-known that dogs have powerful noses. Their incredible sense of smell benefits humans in all sorts of ways, from detecting contraband in the mail to tracking wild game. You may be shocked to learn, however, that your pup can actually sniff out your mood. 

Whether we are elated, defeated, or fearful, our emotions cause hormonal changes within our bodies that affect the way our perspiration smells. If your dog has ever tried to comfort you during a sad movie, you’re right to be amazed by his empathy. Studies have demonstrated that dogs can detect these differences and mirror our emotions back to us.

All puppies are born deaf.

We tend to associate dogs with their excellent hearing, so it is surprising to learn they spend the first three weeks of their lives totally deaf. Puppies are born with their eyes and ear canals closed, and those senses emerge slowly over time. Once your dog’s hearing is fully developed, it will be approximately four times as powerful as yours!

Yawning is contagious — even for dogs!

If the sight of another person yawning causes you to feel an overwhelming urge to yawn too, that may be one more thing you and your pooch have in common. In humans, the phenomenon of contagious yawning is believed to be a sign of highly developed social skills. More empathetic people are more likely to “catch” yawns from others. 

A study from the University of Tokyo demonstrated that a sense of emotional connection also inspires contagious yawning in our pups. Researchers found that more than half of the dogs studied yawned in response to the sight or sound of a human yawn. They also discovered that dogs were much more likely to mirror the yawns of their owners than those of strangers.

Dogs poop in alignment with Earth’s magnetic field.

If you notice your pup taking his time selecting the perfect bathroom location, his reasoning may be more sophisticated than you think. Though researchers are not certain why, dogs of all breeds prefer to align their bodies with Earth’s north-south axis when it’s time to do the deed. Their reasoning for this strong preference is a mystery, but it does indicate that our canine companions have an innate awareness of geomagnetism — a sense that humans don’t seem to possess.

Dogs can be trained to detect cancer.

If the ability to smell our feelings isn’t amazing enough, dogs’ incredible sense of smell can save lives. Pups can learn to recognize the distinctive smell of cancerous cells on our breath and perspiration well before the disease would normally be detected by a medical professional.

Cancer detecting dogs are exposed to both healthy and cancerous samples of bodily fluids until they learn to distinguish between the two. Because they can recognize the smell of cancer in its very early stages, these hard-working canines facilitate the early interventions and dramatically improve outcomes for patients.

For cat parents, it’s among the most beautiful sounds in the world. Whether your kitty is lounging in your lap or nudging you awake for a snuggle, purring is generally considered to be a sign that your furbaby is happy and relaxed.

Though pure joy is certainly one possible explanation for those low, rhythmic vocalizations, purrs convey a wider range of feline emotions than you may expect. Just like humans may laugh or cry for various reasons, purring can be an outward expression of your cat’s more nuanced inner state. By considering the context of those peaceful-seeming sounds, we can better understand our kitties’ needs.

Cats purr to self-soothe.

Ideally, your cat’s earliest memories are of being groomed, fed, and nuzzled by mom. Purring plays an important role in mother-kitten bonding, and adult cats retain the association of those vocalizations with feelings of warmth and safety. Like us, cats draw on the coping mechanisms they learned when they were young as a way to cope with anxiety.

In much the same way that we might find solace under a weighted blanket after a hard day, purrs may be a sign that your cat is trying to manage distress.

Cats purr to communicate needs.

Just like kittens use purrs to communicate their needs to their mother, our cats make similar sounds to let their human parents know they want food, attention, or affection. Purrs that are accompanied by demands tend to sound distinct from those that express simple contentment, and they are often accompanied by a higher-pitched cry. Interestingly, even people who don’t own cats can distinguish between ambient purring and the vocalizations of a cat asking for food.

What is my cat trying to tell me?

Cats are notoriously complex creatures, so pet parents shouldn’t assume that purrs are always a sign of happiness. Fortunately, being aware that your kitty’s vocalizations aren’t so straightforward can help you determine their true meaning. The bond you have with your cat and your insight into their temperament and body language is your most powerful tool for decoding purrs.

Cats purr to heal themselves.

If your cat is recovering from surgery or injury, you may notice some purring that feels out of place. Those soothing vocalizations may be very comforting to your under-the-weather kitty, and they also may play a role in healing. Experts believe the low-frequency vibrations of a cat’s purr help strengthen bones and repair tendons by encouraging tissues to regenerate in response to pressure.

If your cat is not recovering from a known injury, and you notice excessive purring accompanied by lethargy or troubling behavior changes, make an appointment with your vet to investigate.

Can cat purrs heal humans?

At 26 Hertz, the low frequency of a cat’s purr matches the frequency used in vibrational therapies for humans. These treatments have been shown to help heal injuries and increase bone density, so it stands to reason that letting your kitty snooze away on your lap may offer some of the same benefits.

Even if the jury is still out on purr therapy, it’s no accident that we find those vocalizations to be so incredibly soothing. As if you needed another reason to spend time cuddling your cat, purrs offer stress relief, reduce blood pressure, and can even lower your risk of a heart attack by 40%.

At some point, most cat owners will be dismayed to find poop or pee somewhere unexpected. While the occasional litter box accident is an inconvenience, frequent ones are cause for concern. Cats don’t tend to respond well to negative reinforcement, so scolding your cat for turning your closet into his bathroom is likely to do more harm than good. Fortunately, cat owners are most often able to correct undesirable toileting behavior by taking the time to understand their kitty’s unique preferences and motivations.

Medical reasons your cat may be avoiding the litter box

If you have noticed changes in your cat’s toileting behavior with no apparent cause, it is important to rule out possible health
problems. Painful elimination brought on by illness can cause kitties to associate their litter box with discomfort, motivating them to avoid it. Several common medical explanations for household accidents include:

• UTIs
• Kidney stones
• Feline interstitial cystitis 
• Internal blockages
• Age-related incontinence 

This list is by no means exhaustive, so it is important to keep in mind that litter box problems aren’t necessarily behavioral. It is always prudent to contact us or your vet to ensure there is no physical explanation for your cat’s change in bathroom habits.

Do multi-cat households need more than one litter box?

Pet parents should watch out for changes in toileting behavior after adding new cats to their family. Territory disputes between cats living in the same space often unfold inside (or worse yet, outside) the litter box. A dominant cat may be cutting off a more submissive sibling’s access to the bathroom, or shifts in the power dynamic may be motivating your kitties to urinate throughout the house as a way of marking territory.

If you sense that sibling rivalry may be to blame, try placing additional litter boxes throughout your home. Use an enzymatic cleaner on any existing accidents to help quell future marking behavior.

Am I using the best litter box for my cat?

Cats are individuals, and we love them for it. What pet parents may not realize is that cats can have litter box preferences as unique as their personalities, and, like us, those preferences can change over time. If you notice that your cat is avoiding the litter box, it may be because she dislikes the scent of the litter, the presence or absence of a litter box cover, or the use of a litter box liner. Many cats will choose to eliminate elsewhere in your home if their litter box is not scooped regularly.

Cats tend to prefer unscented clumping litter, but it is best to leave the final verdict up to your kitty. The simplest way to investigate your cat’s preferences is to experiment. Offer several litter boxes throughout your home with different types of litter and varying degrees of privacy, and notice which one your cat seeks out. 

Where should I put the litter box?

Proper litter box placement can play a huge role in correcting undesirable bathroom behavior. If your cat’s litter box has been in the same location for a long time, and he or she is suddenly avoiding it, it’s possible that (at least in your cat’s view) there has been a change in its accessibility. In multi-cat households, the litter box may be in a place that makes your cat feel vulnerable, exposed, or cornered. Arthritic kitties may find it harder to climb stairs to reach their litter box, especially if they need to make more frequent trips as they age. Older cats often benefit from a floor-level box with lower sides. 

If you notice pee and poop where it doesn’t belong, try meeting your kitty halfway by placing a litter box in the area of the accident. If your cat shows a preference for the new litter box, a change of scenery may be just what he or she needed. 

Our cats can’t talk to us, but they often communicate what they need. When you approach your kitty’s litter box troubles with an attitude of curiosity, you are likely to arrive at the perfect solution together.