Owners of cats well know how valerian extract acts on a pet: the animal is very excited, shows great interest in the source of the smell. What is the reason for this strange behavior? Let's get it right.

Valerian officinalis and its effects on the cat's body

Valerian officinalis grows in lowlands, in swamps and ponds. It is characterized by a thick high stem and flowers, collected in umbrellas, of a pale pink hue. The structure of the rhizome includes many active, potent acids: acetic, formic, isovalerianic. It is because of them, or rather, their smell, that the cat falls into euphoria: he rushes about the room, tumbling, climbing the wall and sharpening his claws on the door and wall. In addition, isovalerianic acid, getting on the oral mucosa, causes a cat to burn and severely irritate.

Acids emit a scent that closely resembles the smell of pheromones in adult cats. Simply put, a cat's nervous system gets excited when she inhales a valerian. Valerian has a significant effect on the hormonal and emotional sphere of the pet. For several minutes, the cats run amok, and then fall into a sound sleep, similar to oblivion.

Is it useful for a cat to inhale valerian?

Watching the stormy joy of a pet, of course, is funny and interesting. However, it must be borne in mind that valerian is an extremely dangerous plant for him. Zoologists often call her "cat drug."It causes auditory and visual hallucinations: the pet hears and hides from an imaginary enemy. Sometimes the effect of the drug does not pass for several days: the cat is afraid of any rustling, stops eating and drinking, does not sleep. There may be another reaction: a gentle and calm cat turns into a wild predator, which is ready to attack the owner.

What will happen if you give the cat a try of valerian?

More often than not, joker hosts offer the pet a taste of the treat soaked in valerian extract. This drug is infused with alcohol, and the cat will simply get intoxicated if he tries it. In addition, the pet will subsequently constantly ask for this “delicacy”, because the addictive effect develops after the first time.

What overdose threatens with?

There were times when a cat drank a bottle of valerian tincture. Then only the veterinarian will save the animal, and that is not a fact. The pet is tormented by cramps, foam comes out of the mouth, the pupils of the eyes increase in volume. A cat with a weak mind can die from a stroke or respiratory arrest. The sight is not for the faint of heart.

Does valerian act in a similar way on all cats?

No, not all cats react to this plant. According to statistics, only 30% of females and more than 65% of males fall into euphoria from the smell of valerian. Little kittens, until maturity has come, and are completely indifferent to him.Interestingly, the Siamese breed of cats is the most resistant to the smell of Valerian officinalis.

Can valerian be given to a cat?

It will not bring benefits, only harm, sometimes fatal. Is a couple of minutes of fun worth the life of a beloved furry friend?