Many pet owners wonder can guinea pigs eat catnip? Catnip, catswort, and catmint are all called Nepeta cataria.
The plant belongs to the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae.
The catnip plant is native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and some parts of China. You can also include Northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America in the mix.
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Most people do not know that Catnip is a common name, but it can also be called Catmint.
Catmint and catnip are named after their strong attraction to cats.
The medicinal properties of catnip have long been known.
Tea, juice, tincture, infusion, and poultice have all been prepared from the plant, as well as smoking.
Due to the development of other pharmaceutical drugs, their medicinal use has fallen out of favor.
What’s Catnip?
Catnip is a perennial aromatic herb native to central Europe but naturalized throughout the northeastern United States and Canada. The leaves of this plant are oval-toothed and are dark green, and white flowering tops and dried leaves are the plant’s medicinal components.
What Is Catnip Generally Used For?
Catnip’s leaves and shoots have been utilized to flavor sauces, soups, and stews, as well as in fruity wines and liquors. At least as early as 1735, the General Irish Herbal documented the use of catnip leaves and flowers in herbal teas. It has been used to treat intestinal cramps, induce menstruation, cause sweating, alleviate indigestion, treat intestinal cramps, and increase appetite. In addition, the plant has been used to treat diarrhea, colic, the common cold, and cancer. In Appalachia, tea made from catnip will alleviate nervous conditions, stomach aches, hives, and the common cold.
Smoked dried leaves have been used to treat respiratory ailments, and a poultice is applied externally to reduce swelling. The leaves and the tops of flowering plants help to delay menses in the early 1900s. In the 1960s, catnip was reported to be smoked for its euphoric effects.
What Are Effects Of Catnip
Cats are genetically predisposed to fall for basil and oregano. Two out of every three pets are sensitive to the herb. You won’t know if your kitten is one of them until sometime between the ages of three and six months.
Catnip’s allure is in its volatile oil, specifically in nepetalactone, one of its chemicals. Catnip’s leaves, stems, and seeds contain a pleasant oil that causes pets to lick, chew, and roll head-over-tail in bliss after just a few sniffs.
It usually lasts about 10 minutes, even though it is intense. The euphoria can lead to aggressive playfulness in some people. On the other hand, it can calm and mellow others. Regardless of how your pet reacts, they will not respond to catnip again for about two hours after the pleasure passes.
So, Can Guinea Pigs Eat Catnip?
This plant is not good for your piggie and should be avoided if possible as it may cause stomach upset if digested.
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Herbs?
Most guinea pig owners occasionally offer their piggies fruits and vegetables if dietary supplements make them thrive. If used in small, controlled portions and only occasionally, herbs can also contribute to a healthy guinea pig diet. It’s also a wise idea to notify your veterinarian before adding herbs to your guinea pig’s diet.
What Herbs Are Appropriate?
It is possible to use herbs safely appropriate for guinea pigs of all ages. Here are a few herbs that your piggie can eat. They are:
- Radish
- Endive
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Mint
- Dill
- Basil
- Fennel
- Thyme
- Dandelion
Adding anything brand-new to your guinea pig’s diet must be done gradually, however, for all dietary changes. You may upset the stomach of your poor cavy with an abrupt approach.
How to Get Balanced Nutrition For Guinea Pigs?
It is recommended to add vegetables and leafy greens to the guinea pig pellet formula since it is a healthy nutritional base. Provide a variety of food, so your pets don’t rebel when you add something new to it. Additionally, your veterinarian might recommend that your guinea pig take a vitamin supplement.
Mix your piggie kibbles each morning in a heavy ceramic bowl that’s just been washed. Every morning, give a fresh bowl of water to your piggie. You can prevent your pet from contaminating drinking water with bedding or feces by attaching a sipper water bottle to his cage.
How to Use Catnip For Pets?
There are many forms of catnip:
- Grow your catnip plant for fresh catnip
- Dry catnip
- Bubbles or sprays of catnip
- Stuffed toys with dried catnip
Sprays of catnip are helpful for pets who experience upset stomachs after ingesting the plant. Alternatively, you can sprinkle dried catnip on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher, or you can roll a toy in it just for an example.
Is There Any Other Health Benefit To Catnip?
You will be surprised to learn that catnip does more than just make your pet feel good. Your pet can benefit from this herb in a variety of ways.
For Humans
Digestion
When you experience discomfort after a meal, catnip helps to ease tension, and as a result, it stops the spasms that cause tummy aches.
Relaxation
Like valerian root, catnip acts as a sedative when drunk as tea. Catnip could help with anxiety, restlessness and promote restful sleep.
Menstrual cramps
During the menstrual cycle, catnip is often used to relieve pain and relieve cramps and other pains associated with menstruation.
For Pets
Flatulence
This herb has been found to help your pet get rid of gas from its abdominal area if it is particularly flatulent. Taking this medication reduces stress and calms your pets if their flatulence is stress-related.
Stress relief
Catnip reduces your pet’s stress levels, making them more relaxed after eating it. This is particularly helpful during noisy celebrations that often involve fireworks or other loud noises.
Ease skin conditions
You could prepare a catnip bath if you notice your pet scratching more than usual. This is because catnip works to relieve itchy or inflamed skin on pets.
Helps with sluggishness
A sniff of catnip will undoubtedly perk up your cat if it is feeling sluggish and you are concerned about its weight. When your cat runs, jumps, pouts, and rolls around, the extra pounds will melt away pretty quickly.
Summary
This plant is not good for your piggie and should be avoided if possible as it may cause stomach upset if digested.