Any conscious citizen is informed about the healing properties of valerian. From ancient times it was known that this herb has a calming and relaxing effect on humans. However, for some reason, its smell is especially attractive to cats. Surely many will be interested in why cats love valerian and how it acts on them. In the article we will try to answer these and many other questions regarding fluffy pets and the aforementioned grass, numbering more than 200 species in its family.
Reasons cats like Valerian
It is strange that the aroma and taste of human valerian are calming, and cats are agitated, and sometimes even cause euphoria. In fact, it is a drug for our smaller brothers. You should find out how the extract of this plant affects pets:
- A representative of the cat family begins to experience euphoria, falls into a completely inadequate state, similar to hypnosis.
- A characteristic sign of how valerian acts on cats is that the animal begins to run around the apartment meaninglessly, noticing any obstacles.
- Sometimes intoxicated animals simply look into the eyes of the owners or at one point, as if they are sleeping with their eyes open.
Assumptions of Zoologists: Theory of Sexual Pheromones
Cats are pretty mysterious creatures. Watching their behavior, sometimes you think that it was they who tamed the person, and not vice versa. As for valerian, zoologists put forward several reasons for this addiction. The first is that the infusion acts on animals as an aphrodisiac. This theory is confirmed by the fact that small kittens under the age of six months do not react to valerian, while sexually mature individuals fall from its aroma into a state bordering on madness. The root of the plant contains enzymes that remind the animal of the smell of sex hormone ready for the continuation of the genus of the feline.
Theories of scientists: animals themselves know how to treat ailments
The meaning of the second theory put forward by zoologists regarding the interaction of cats and valerian is that animals use the leaves of a plant to treat diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract. It is difficult to challenge her, because every person who has a feline family member at home has watched more than once as they go out into the street trying to find and chew some herbs. By the way, it was noticed that in ordinary life (when nothing bothers them), cats are almost indifferent to the leaves of the plant, but if they manage to reach its roots, the effects of intoxication with natural pheromones are guaranteed.
Pills or drops: what will the pet prefer?
Strange, but judging by the observations of pets, we can conclude that cats love valerian for some reason only in the form of drops. These creatures completely ignore the pills, showing no attention to them. Moreover, not every owner will be able to freely “shove” any tablet into a sick pet. As a rule, cats don’t want to drink medicine and even show aggression if they are forcibly tried to give drugs that they dislike.
As for the question of why cats love valerian in the form of drops, it turns out that there is no secret, because aromatic fumes secreted by plant oils from the leaves attract animals. In droplets, such smells are easily perceptible, one can even say that they are distinctly perceptible: they are completely subject to human smell, but in the form of vapors they have no effect on us. By the way, it is drops that are made on the basis of natural plant oils, while tablets contain a huge amount of impurities. No wonder they say that cats are like a natural tester, which can easily distinguish quality products from those that can not boast of such properties.
On the pros and cons
Surely each of the readers will be interested in the following:
- What happens if you give valerian to a cat?
- What are some of the benefits of using an infusion on your pet?
First, you must understand that valerian is a drug that should not be used for fun or for the sake of experiment. And secondly, it will be useful to recall that valerian acts on cats like a drug, exciting the nervous system and knocking out the beloved pet from the usual rhythm of life. Veterinarians may recommend giving such a medicine as a prophylaxis or treatment of some diseases of furry pets:
- Gastrointestinal tract treatment.
- Relieving symptoms associated with heart and cardiovascular disease.
- Infusions are recommended for pets who suffer from disorders of the thyroid gland.
- Qualified specialists agree that the infusion of valerian can alleviate the condition of a pet suffering from diseases of the cornea of the eye.
Nevertheless, the reaction of cats to valerian makes you wonder if it has negative properties? Judging by the studies, drops based on this herb are narcotic, and for some pets a hallucinogenic agent. Cats get used to it just like people do. That is why you should not get carried away, having fun with the animal with the help of drugs, watching its inappropriate behavior. An overdose of the drug can lead to a stroke or heart attack in a pet.
Harmful or not valerian for cats in tablets?
Many are aware of the narcotic effect of valerian on animals and believe that tablets will be less dangerous for pets. Therefore, the question that interests cat owners seems to be quite logical and appropriate: what will happen if you give valerian to your pet in the form of tablets? The answer is unequivocal: in no case should valerian tablets be given to cats. The thing is that the composition of the drug includes only a quarter of valerian, and the rest of the ingredients are synthetic. They can cause allergies, which can lead to the death of a pet. In addition, before taking any measures and trying to treat the animal yourself, you need to visit the office of a veterinarian who will competently answer questions about why cats love valerian and whether to give it to them.
Finally
I would like to hope that every person who decides to make a homely affectionate friend will be responsible and understanding. First of all, this approach is needed because a creature acquired in a family or picked up on the street is living. He needs full-fledged care, which is impossible without a clear understanding of what the animal can do and what is absolutely contraindicated. Why cats are given valerian and the danger of thoughtless experiments with it, we tried to tell in today's article. Therefore, before exposing a pet to a narcotic substance, you must be sure that such a drug will serve for the good.