Can cats eat valerian?
Valerian has a particularly attractive effect on many cats. Therefore, it may happen that your indoor tiger eats some of the plant. Although valerian is not →toxic, large amounts of valerian can lead to stomach upset and vomiting. Repeatedly eating too much valerian, resulting in an overdose, can even damage your cat's liver.
When it comes to →healthy and species-appropriate nutrition for your kitty, as a carnivore, there are →a few things to consider. Especially with fruits and vegetables, the amount is often decisive, as it is with valerian.
Our treats for cats are already optimally tailored for your indoor tiger in terms of quantity and taste. Packed full of the right proportion of high-quality proteins, along with crunchy fruits and vegetables and important nutrients, they provide your cat with everything it needs.
Unser Futter für Katzen: ehrlich, gesund, lecker.
What is valerian?
True valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is native to Europe and Asia. Only the root of the valerian (Valerianae radix) contains substances that can have a calming and also sleep-promoting effect on humans. You can recognize the plant by the characteristic smell of the root, which many people find unpleasant. This smell arises during the drying of the valerian root, which contains essential oils.
Valerian not only has a relaxing effect on humans; some cats are completely crazy about valerian and its scent. However, this is varied from cat to cat. Even big cats, like lions or tigers, can react to the scent.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Aufgrund der mitunter starken Wirkung der Pflanze, ist Baldrianwurzel auch in Katzenspielzeug zu finden.
What makes valerian so interesting for cats?
The dried root of valerian has a similar effect on cats as catnip. What induces drowsiness and calmness in humans often makes cats very playful and hyperactive. The smell of valerian can even make your kitty feel euphoric. She rolls around in it, purrs, and may even start to drool. Then she runs around the apartment like crazy and plays.
The high attraction of the plant can be explained by the fact that the scent of its substances reminds cats of sexual pheromones or hormones of female cats. For this reason, it can also happen that male cats react aggressively to the smell of valerian, so it’s better to avoid it in such cases. Each cat is also individual regarding valerian; some do not react at all to the scent. The exact reason for this is still unclear. However, very young or old cats usually do not respond to the intense smell.
If you want to make your kitty happy, you can offer her a small pillow or toy filled with valerian. However, make sure to remove it after about 10 minutes and not leave it lying around permanently – otherwise, the appeal for your cat will quickly fade. It’s best to let the toy dry if your cat has happily slobbered on it and then store it in an airtight container. This way, the stimulating scent will remain for a long time.
