Why do cats love valerian?

Curiously, valerian does not work on all cats. Some animals do not pay attention to her smell at all. To understand why cats react to valerian, it’s worth understanding how it works.

What is special about valerian?

Valerian is a genus of plants that has been known since the XNUMXth century. In medicine, it is used as a sedative. This effect is achieved due to the essential oils and alkaloids that make up its composition.

It is believed that it is the smell of valerian that attracts pets. Although the exact answer to the question of why valerian has such an effect on cats, scientists can not yet. According to one theory, the smell of the plant reminds cats of the pheromones of the opposite sex, which instantly leads them into sexual arousal and ecstasy. This theory is also supported by the fact that small kittens do not react to valerian, the smell attracts only mature individuals. By the way, it has been noticed that cats are less susceptible to the action of valerian than cats.

It is worth noting that this is a real drug for cats. Getting used to it comes instantly, so after the first acquaintance with valerian, the pet will ask her again and again.

Is valerian good for you?

It is safe to say that valerian does not bring any benefit to the cat’s body. This is especially true for alcohol tinctures! Alcohol in general is an extremely toxic substance for cats – the owner should remember this.

Like any drug, valerian gives the animal only short-term pleasure, which then gives way to a phase of sound sleep and relaxation.

Such outbreaks cause tremendous damage to the cat’s hormonal system and its emotional stability. Owners who give their cats valerian tincture for the sake of fun run the risk of getting an aggressive pet with an unstable psyche.

Are there any analogues?

Valerian isn’t the only herb that cats react to. She also has safer analogues – for example, catnip or, as it is also called, catnip. This is a small plant that is used by humans for medicinal purposes. Mint has been observed to have both a calming and mildly stimulating effect on cats, depending on the pet.

The plant attracts pets with its smell: the substance nepetalactone contained in it causes the cat to release hormones of pleasure and a state of euphoria.

It is believed that catnip does not affect the cat’s body as much as valerian, and the effect of it passes much faster. True, much fewer cats react to it.

Many veterinarians recommend catnip as a pet treat. Today in pet stores you can find special bags with a plant and toys; sometimes mint is used to accustom a cat to a scratching post or a house.

So why do cats like valerian and catnip? The answer is simple: it’s about relaxation and a sense of euphoria. It’s a way of dealing with stress. But we must understand that the best rest for a cat is communication and play with the owner, and all additives give rise to only artificial emotions.