Since Valerian Root contains the chemical valerian, it can potentially be harmful to cats.
If your cat loves valerian, it can be tempting to give it a dietary supplement. However, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian before doing so.
So, is it safe for cats to eat valerian root? Cats are curious animals and they love to try new things.
Because of this, many owners give their pets valerian root tincture for stress, anxiety, and insomnia. However, valerian root can have some serious side effects for cats.
Cats need a small amount each day (around 1/8 of a teaspoon). However, it only takes about a tablespoon of valerian root tincture to kill a cat.
Also, cats may experience vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. Valerian root also can affect a cat’s heart rate and blood pressure.
For these reasons, it’s important to consult a veterinarian before giving your cat valerian root.
Is Valerian Root Safe for Cats to Eat?
Valerian root is a popular ingredient used to make supplements and teas that help promote sleep and reduce stress.
Although, some studies have found that valerian root may be poisonous and lethal to cats.
Valerian root’s primary chemical ingredient, valerenic acid, is toxic to cats. However, when valerian root is metabolized in a cat’s liver, the valerenic acid is broken down into a non-toxic compound called valerenol.
This is why valerian root is safe for humans to consume, but can potentially cause death in cats.
Because valerian root is safe for humans to consume, the dosage must be carefully measured when given to cats.
The dosage for cats should be limited to a maximum of 0.5 mg of valerenic acid per kg of body weight every 12 hours.
Cats that ingest large amounts of valerian root can experience serious symptoms such as tremors, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite.
If your cat has ingested valerian root, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can Cats Eat Valerian Root?
Humans have been feeding cats Valerian root since ancient times.
It’s been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to help cure certain ailments, such as insomnia and nervousness. Can cats eat Valerian root? Yes, they can!
Valerian root is a perennial plant that grows up to 2.5 feet tall and has hollow, stem-like roots.
The roots have a pungent, earthy smell and taste that cats love. It contains active ingredients like valerenic acid and valerenic acid derivatives that have sedative properties.
Cats do love the smell and taste of Valerian root, but they won’t eat it. Cats don’t digest this herb well due to its high fibre content. Too much of it can affect your cat’s bowels.
Valerian root can be fed to cats as treats, but in moderation. Only feed your cats a little bit of it and do so occasionally.
Treat it as you would treat any food you give to your cat. Don’t give it continuously or in large amounts.
It’s also important to note that Valerian root can interact with some medications. It can actually increase the effects of some drugs, such as benzodiazepines and antidepressants.
Also, do not use Valerian root as a substitute for your cat’s regular medications. Consult your vet first before using Valerian root to treat your cat.
Benefits of Valerian for Cats
Reduced Aggression
As valerian keeps your cat calm, you can safely use it to reduce aggression from over-excited pets.
This will help you control your rowdy pet without putting yourself at risk. Give the Valerian root directly to your cat’s nose or in their water bowl.
Also, you can soak Valerian root in warm water and let the cat drink it so your kitty won’t feel the sting of inducing its calming effects.
Getting Your Cat’s Attention
Allowing your cats to use cat nip as a toy is a great method to keep them entertained for hours.
If you’re having trouble getting your cat to pay attention though, try giving them a little bit of the herb in a biscuit instead.
The odor of valerian oil should pique their interest and help them focus on what you’re doing.
Preventing Hairballs from Developing
If your cat suffers from food allergies, they may not be able to digest some of the food they eat.
These large food particles can block the intestinal tract and cause the hairballs your cats eat to become impacted.
This can lead to problems like constipation and vomiting. If the cat eats enough valerian root regularly, the hairball problem can be averted altogether.
This should motivate them to eat their veggies.
Improved Sleep And Calm
Because of the relaxing effect of valerian on cats, you can use this herb to improve their sleep and calm them down when they’re overexcited or stressed.
If your cat is having trouble sleeping or is anxious, try giving it a small piece of a soaked piece of dried root of valerian in the evening before they go to bed.
Relaxation
The primary benefit of valerian for cats is that it relaxes them, reduces their anxiety, and improves their mood so they can live healthier lives.
Valerian contains the chemicals valepotriates and flavonoids which relax the central nervous system of cats and induce sleep.
This chemical has been used to treat anxiety in humans too so it should come as no surprise that it works just as well on cats too.
How Does Valerian Root Affect Cats?
Valerian root is used to treat insomnia. This supplement is popular among humans, but little is known about its safety in cats. In this article, we look at how cats are affected by valerian root.
Valerian root is a popular herbal supplement with sedative properties. It is used to treat insomnia by calming the nerves.
Valerian root can help relieve anxiety and restlessness.
However, this supplement also has some side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, and stomach upset.
In cats, valerian root can cause drowsiness, dizziness, stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Valerian root should not be given to cats because it has a sedative effect on cats.
It may also cause allergic reactions in individuals. Cats should not be given valerian root without a veterinarian’s advice.
Before giving your cat valerian root, consult your vet first. Your vet will first consider your cat’s medical history and symptoms before recommending a treatment.
Can Cats Overdose On Valerian?
Valerian root is a low-risk herb that is easy to dose just for cats. However, consuming too much of this herbal supplement is toxic to cats.
Large doses of valerian root can create serious health concerns in cats. If you see these symptoms in your cat, call the vet as soon as possible.
Cats that take large doses of this herb can experience the following symptoms: tremors, vomiting, depression, diarrhea, irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, excessive salivation, drooling, loss of appetite.
Why Do Cats Like The Smell Of Valerian?
Cats and valerian share a long history of association. This herb has been used to treat a variety of ailments in people, such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. However, cats seem to have other plans for the herb.
Many cats love the smell of valerian. If you have one cat that likes valerian, chances are your other cats will as well.
This is because valerian has a scent that cats find relaxing. Valerian’s scent is pungent and earthy.
The smell is strong enough to overwhelm other scents, so your cats will go crazy over it. Its scent is also not toxic to cats.
Cats also like valerian because it smells like their litter box.
So, if your cat loves valerian, don’t stop giving it to them!
How Much Valerian Is Safe For Cats?
Valerian is safe for cats and kittens if given in small doses.
However, ingesting large quantities can be toxic to cats.
If your cat is showing signs of being sick after taking a large amount of valerian root, contact your vet immediately.
Your vet will examine your cat and prescribe the necessary medication. 1
Catnip is a perennial plant that keeps cats happy and calm. The herb is believed to have originated as a plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Does Valerian Calm Cats?
Valerian root has calming properties that help calm nervous or anxious pets.
Valerian root items include tinctures, capsules, tablets, and even tea bags that can be brewed into a soothing drink for your pets.
Is Valerian Attractive to Cats?
Individual cats have varying reactions to certain scents and smells.
Cats are known to have specific preferences when it comes to scents, and certain things may attract them or repel them.
Valerian does contain certain natural chemicals that may help reduce anxiety in cats.
It is speculated that the compounds in valerian root reduce the body’s levels of serotine and adrenaline, which are hormones associated with anxiety in humans.
Valerian has also been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac due to its ability to arouse sexual desire in both people and animals.
That’s a great way to distract your kitty from the catnip.
How Should Valerian Root Be Prepared for Cats?
Valerian root has been used for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. It is one of the most popular herbs in the world.
If you have cats, then you should know that this herb is highly beneficial for them. In this article, you will learn how to prepare valerian root for cats.
Valerian root is a natural sedative and it helps calm your cat down. Your cat might not like it at first, so you may need to give it to them gradually.
You should not give valerian root to your cat more than three times a week. You need to consult your vet before giving it to your cat.
Also Read: Is Rubber Plant Toxic To Cats?
Final Words
Valerian is a great and all-natural way to keep your feline friend calm and relaxed.
When browsing for valerian products for cats, you may come face to face with a bewildering array of products, including capsules, tablets, tinctures, and other forms.
If you wish to use valerian root as a natural remedy for your kitty’s anxiety, you can purchase it online or from your local health store or pharmacy.
