Can I give my cat valerian?

Phytotherapy (natural therapy through medicinal plants) is increasingly popular in the veterinary field, in part because the owners prefer to opt for more natural treatments to restore the health of their pets. However, a great mistake is made in thinking that medicinal plants are innocuous because they are natural and it is also common, but dangerous, to think that the effect of a certain plant is the same in humans as in animals.

If you live with a feline and you are in favor of the use of natural therapies, you have surely asked yourself: “Can I give my cat valerian?” That’s the question we solve in the next article, so keep reading!

The effects of valerian on cats

There are numerous toxic plants for cats but valerian is not one of them, in fact, this plant was included in the United States Pharmacopoeia in the year 1820 and since then no toxic effect produced in humans or animals has been observed. This does not imply that Valerian can not interact with other drugs, since it is true that potentiates the effect of sedative medications, therefore, the first recommendation is that you always consult with the veterinarian if your cat follows pharmacological treatment but you consider that it would be appropriate to give valerian.

While some veterinary sources believe that valerian may be useful in soothing nervous cats, the fact is that the main effects of this plant on our feline friends are quite different. Valerian contains volatile oils that stimulate the cat’s nervous system in a way similar to how hormones a cat produces when it is in heat. This effect causes a feeling of euphoria, pleasure and well-being.

Although there is still controversy about whether valerian is sedative or not for cats, what can be said is that, thanks to its effects on the central nervous system, it is a good plant to treat stress in cats.

How to give valeriana to a cat?

Due to the stimulating effect that valerian causes in cats, if your cat is nervous, it is best to buy a product suitable for use in cats that, in addition to valerian, contain other types of sedative plants. And if what you want is precisely to stimulate your cat, you can give the valerian as a sole plant, but equally it will be advisable acquire a product for veterinary use.

Although the plant is the same regardless of its commercial presentation, the truth is that veterinary products have pharmaceutical forms that are much more convenient to administer in an animal. In addition, they should also be accompanied by the indication of a recommended daily dose, which should not be exceeded. Also, to take care of your cat in the most responsible way possible, we recommend that before administering any medicinal plant consult with the veterinarian.

Valerian for short treatments

After reading the previous sections, you have been able to verify that the answer to the question “can I give valeriana to my cat?” Is yes. However, valerian should not be given to the cat for very long periods of time, since it can be addictive and it will be enough for you to prepare an infusion so that your cat does not take your eyes off you.

The ideal is to perform treatments as short as possible, visiting again the veterinarian as long as the symptoms do not subside.

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

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