For cat lovers everywhere, it can be hard to accept that our kitties often get the short end of the stick, especially when it comes to natural living. Search anything related to dogs and you’ll get plenty of hits. Search cats? Not so much.
And we even have to be conscious not to fall into not providing enough support for the love of our felines.
Today, we’re working yet again on remedying that. We’ve got a double dose of natural fun for your cat today – the benefits of catnip plus a healthy cat treat recipe!
The Benefits of Catnip
Most cats (70-80%) go nutty for catnip. Sprinkle a little on the floor and you’ve got hours of entertainment for both you and your kitty. And that alone is wonderful. Cats need exercise and mental stimulation as much as dogs. Unfortunately, they often don’t get nearly as much as they’d like (and require). So giving your cat some catnip is a great way to engage their brain and work off some of that boredom.
Did You Know: Catnip doesn’t just appeal to housecats. Many big cats, including leopards, tigers, and lions, are also big fans of this plant!
But when it comes to the benefits of cat nip, that mental enrichment isn’t all it has to offer. Sometimes we just think of catnip as a simple herb that makes our cats act super silly, when in fact it actually has some value health wise as well!
- When a cat eats catnip, it has a mild sedative effect which can help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression!
- Catnip can also help with stomach pain.
- It’s carminative – which means it helps remove air in the intestines. This is helpful if your cat can be flatulent!
A note on buying catnip: You can find catnip at pretty much any pet store, but try to find organic catnip if you can. Organic won’t expose your cat to harmful pesticides and it’s better for the environment. Plus, it’s often way more potent! So, since you do not have to use as much, the cost works out not to be more expensive in the end!
Healthy Cat Treat Recipe
Ok, this simple treat is both boredom-beating and health boosting!
And by simple, we truly do mean simple. We’re talking 2 ingredients – and if you guessed one was catnip, you’d be right!
Ingredients:
- Goat’s Milk
- Catnip
Take a tablespoon of goat’s milk and mix in a pinch of catnip. Spoon it onto a small plate and let them lick it up for a little probiotic brain boost.
Tip: If your cat doesn’t like catnip (and some don’t), swap out the catnip for cat grass!
As you can see, the benefits of catnip go beyond just mental stimulation. But even if that’s the only reason you give it to your feline friend, that’s enough!
