Catnip Price in Bangladesh

If you are a cat owner, you are perhaps aware of how rewarding it is to make your fur baby happy. The easiest way to get this job done is by getting them a catnip. With the rising number of cat owners in the country, catnips are in use more than ever. A sprinkling of the natural herb or inside a toy can get a cat into a playful mood. But have you ever wondered what exactly is catnip and how safe it is for cats? What are the ranges of affordable Catnip Prices in Bangladesh? Don’t worry, we have got you covered on everything you need to know about catnips.

So, what exactly is a catnip?

Catnip- also known by its scientific name Nepeta Cataria- is one of the members of the mint family and has a light green leafy foliage with lavender flowers. Catnips are native to Eurasia, where the leaves have been used to make tea, and the flowers have been used to relieve coughs. It is also the main ingredient in some natural bug sprays. But what is so special about it that makes cats grow so fond of it? Nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip, can turn the laziest cat into a crazy furball.

Catnip is commonly grown by cat owners for their pets, and the dried leaves are often used as a stuffing for cat toys. Catnip is a short-lived perennial herb with its stems having carved leaves in contrast to one another. The plant easily reseeds itself and bears tiny, purple-spotted white flower spikes. Nepetalactone, a volatile oil found in the leaves and stems of the plant, stimulates most cats’ sensory neurons and draws them to the plant. The effects typically last for ten minutes or less, during which time a variety of behaviors are provoked, including head rubbing, purring, rolling, vocalizations, drooling, jumping, and occasionally aggressive behavior.

What does Catnip do to cats?

Cats have an extra scent organ called the vomeronasal gland in the roof of their mouth; this pathway allows the special pathway that allows scents that are collected in the nose and mouth to be carried to the brain. This is the reason why cats make a stinky face when they smell each odor.

Nepetalactone, the oil found in catnip stems and leaves can cause behavioral changes in cats. For a cat to be exposed to this compound, they have to smell the catnip.

It is said that cats feel a sense of euphoria or extreme happiness followed by relaxation, when they smell catnips. This may be due to the scent of catnip mimicking feline sex hormones. The effect tends to last around ten minutes for most cats, after which they become somewhat desensitized.

How should you use Catnip for your cats?

Catnip is usually used to encourage cats to explore and play, but it can also be used as a training aid. Place a small amount of catnip on your cat's scratching post to encourage scratching or in their carrier to encourage them to enter. No matter if you use it for play or training, catnip can be administered to cats using a few different methods.

The highest form of catnip experience begins with the nose—one whiff of the stuff and your cat promptly goes nuts. Researchers suspect that the herb targets "happy" receptors in the brain of a cat. When eaten, however, it tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. Catnips can be consumed in various ways and are as follows:

• Fresh catnip: It is the strongest variety of catnip.  Fresh catnips can be found at pet stores as well as grown at home. It is suggested to offer a small amount of fresh leaves to your cat by placing them on the floor in the initial stages.
• Dried catnip: The most commonly used form of catnip is dried. Dried catnip is typically crushed and sprinkled on toys, scratch posts, or on the floor. This is the greatest form for encouraging activity and keeping your cat occupied as well as engaging their sensory receptors into action.
• Catnip sprays: Spray is the least preferable form of catnip. “It can be sprayed onto their bed or favorite resting spot,” says Carly Fox, DVM, senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. "It can also be used to help cats acclimate to new pieces of furniture to prevent destructive behavior."
• Catnip toys: Some toys in the pet store are stuffed with catnip. These toys can be a great way to engage your cat in play sessions. Although the catnip scent might fade away over time, refreshing them with catnip sprays or adding fresh catnips to the existing ones is a good idea.

Is Catnip safe?

For cats, catnip is typically safe and does not cause any significant health problems. Young kittens can safely consume the plant as well; however, it may take them four to six months to become sensitive to it. Cats can consume catnip in moderate amounts even though it is not toxic to them. Only a small proportion of catnip is enough to stimulate a reaction in cats. In terms of dosage, it is safe to give cats catnip daily, but they may become desensitized to its effects over time.

How much Catnip is too much? Can my cat overdose on Catnips?

Cats cannot overdose on the smell of catnip, however, they should not be allowed to eat too much of it in one go, as they may experience some mild gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If this occurs, you should consider removing the catnip from your cat’s environment.

How long does Catnip last?

The effects of catnip vary on each cat and how they respond to the herb. For most cats, the effects and behaviors associated with catnip will last around 10-15 minutes. Once the sensitivity to catnip has worn off, it may take around 30 minutes to an hour for your cat to respond to it again. This also depends on the efficiency of the catnip itself, make sure to freeze it or keep it sealed in an airtight container for maximum effect if you choose to store it on hand.

Does Catnip make cats high?

Although catnip is associated with weed for felines by some, it is not true. Scientific studies depict that catnip does not affect the brain in the same way as drugs like marijuana or cocaine do, cats are completely aware of their surroundings and are just much “happier.” Catnip does not have any long-term effects on the brain, it is not addictive and considered very safe.

Where can I find Catnips for my Cat in Bangladesh?

Catnips can be found in various pet shops as well as e-commerce in Bangladesh. The price of catnips in Bangladesh depends on variability and availability. Amarpet One of the largest online stores for catnips in all forms, that is, natural, dried as well as stuffed-in toys. The price range starts from 280 BDT and goes up to 450 BDT being the maximum price limit. Here, we can see toys and dried catnips have a price range of BDT 100-250 while spray is the most expensive option.

How can I introduce my cat to Catnips?

If you are trying out catnip for the first time, it is recommended not to buy too much until you know that your cat enjoys it. Introducing catnip to your cat is simple and can be done in a variety of different ways:

• Introduce them with a toy  
• Sprinkle the herb over their mat or on the floor
• Spray their toys and playing area beforehand
• Use when they are having anxiety attacks

That is all you need to know about catnips, reach out to your veterinarian if you have any questions about catnip and whether it is suitable for your cat. They can assure you about the safety of the plant.