Uncategorized

What is catnip?

The scientific name for catnip is “Nepeta cataria.” It is commonly known as “catnip,” because it tends to create a euphoric response in cats. Catnip is an herb, just like mint, basil, and cilantro. It is originally from Europe and Asia, but is now grown all over the world.

Catnip facts

• You can buy catnip seeds and grow it for yourself (or your cat).
• Catnip grows best in full sunlight.
• Store catnip in an air-tight bag or container. Catnip will eventually expire and lose its potency. For best results, roll the catnip between your fingers before giving it to your cat. This will help release the catnip oil from the leaves.
• Not all cats like catnip, but most do. It is estimated that 10% to 20% of cats do not like catnip.

Typical reactions to catnip

When first provided with catnip, a cat will usually sniff excitedly. Oftentimes, a cat will eat, or chew on the catnip. Sometimes, a cat will sneeze. Some cats will roll around in catnip, others will run around excitedly. Others will get sleepy and take a cat-nap.

Catnip toys

Toys sometimes include catnip in them. The benefit of catnip toys is that they may increase a cat’s use and enjoyment of the toy. However, one downside is that the catnip in toys will eventually expire. When the catnip expires, this may reduce the cat’s enjoyment

Benefits of Catnip

• Inexpensive. Catnip is an inexpensive form of enrichment for your cat.
• Safe. Catnip is safe for your cat; there are no known adverse health effects. Even if your cat eats the catnip, he or she will only suffer slight gastrointestinal discomfort. If your cat does eat the catnip, minimize the amount of catnip your give to your cat, to prevent it from eating too much.
• Fun. Catnip is fun for your cat; it will put your cat at ease.

Suggestions

• Use catnip as a treat, not for everyday.
• Only a small amount is needed. Roll the catnip between your fingers to release the catnip oil. Remove any sticks or twigs before giving to your cat.
• Purchase new catnip every six to nine months, to ensure a fresh supply.

Water is very important for cats. Cats need water just like humans. Cats need water for digestion, growing fur and claws, movement and thinking. Cats can survive a week or two without food. However, cats can only survive a few days without water.

Cats can be fussy about water. This is probably due to evolution. As cats evolved, they had to learn to avoid bad water sources that might make them sick or even kill them.

Ensuring your cat gets enough water

There are several ways you can help ensure your cat gets enough water. They include: keeping the water bowl clean, proper bowl height, proper bowl placement, the composition of the water bowl (metal vs. plastic vs. ceramic) and having bowls in more than one location. Gravity-fed water bowls and electronic (flowing) options may also be useful for your cat.

Keep the water bowl clean

Cats have a very good sense of smell. Before cats drink water, they will sniff it. If your cat smells anything bad, it will not drink the water. You should keep your cat’s water bowl clean by cleaning it regularly. You can use a mild dish detergent and a soft scrubber to clean the bowl. Rinse the bowl thoroughly. If your cat smells dish detergent, he or she will not drink the water.

Provide fresh water regularly

Cats like fresh water. Old water becomes stale. Old water also grows bacteria. You should change your cat’s water at least every other day. However, this is not necessary if you have a gravity fed bowl or electronic (flowing) option. These options often have filters that clean the water.

Bowl height

Bowl height is important. If a bowl is too low, it will be hard for your cat to drink water. If a bowl is too high, it will also be hard for your cat to drink. The proper height is at about 3 to 5 inches. This height allows your cat to crouch over the bowl and drink. Cats do not eat or drink standing up, they crouch.

Bowl height is especially important for older cats, who sometimes develop arthritis, and need higher bowls to reach their water.

Bowl placement

Your cat’s water bowl should be placed away from its food. Cats do not like to drink water near their food, because the smell of food interferes with their water. Also, cats have evolved to eat food and drink water separately. Food may also get into the water and affect the water’s taste.

A water bowl should be placed in the same area as the food, but at least a few feet from the food. This will ensure that your cat knows where the water is, but will keep food and water separate.

Bowl composition: metal vs. plastic vs. ceramic

Generally, stainless steel water bowls are best for your cat. These bowls are easy to keep clean. Also, stainless steel helps prevent the growth of bacteria on the bowl. Ceramic bowls are also an option. Ceramic bowls may keep your cat’s water more cool. However, if you purchase a ceramic bowl make sure ensure that it does not contain lead paint. Look for a ceramic bowl that specifically identifies itself as “lead free.” If in doubt, stainless steel is best.

Although cheapest, plastic bowls are not recommended. A cat’s sense of smell can smell the chemicals in plastic. These plastic chemicals may also leak into the water. Plastic is made of chemicals that are not healthy for a cat.

Water bowls in more than one location

You should consider keeping bowls in more than one location. Consider placing an additional water bowl in any room your cat spends a lot of time in, such as in the living room or bedroom. This may help encourage your cat to drink water.

Gravity-fed water bowls

Gravity water bowls, or “gravity-fed” water bowls are becoming popular. Gravity water bowls contain a large reservoir of water that trickles down into a bowl as the water is consumed or evaporates. Gravity water bowls are good options for those individuals that might need to leave their cats alone for a day or more.

You should look for a gravity water bowl that uses a stainless steel bowl. Also, some gravity bowls include a carbon filter meant to keep the water clean and fresh. Some cats may not like the taste of the water after it uses this filter. If your cat does not drink out of your gravity bowl, consider removing the filter.

Fountain water bowls (electronic)

Fountain water bowls are becoming more popular. They are electronic water bowls are require a power outlet. They simulate running water by using a pump to circulate the water.

There are advantages and disadvantages to fountain water bowls. The main advantage is that fountain water bowls may encourage your cat to drink more water. In the wild, cats are attracted to running water and evolved to drink water from streams. Your cat may be attracted to the flowing water that a fountain water bowl provides. Another advantage is that fountain water bowls typically have a greater capacity than a single bowl can provide. If you have a finicky cat that does not appear to drink enough water, you should consider a fountain water bowl.

There are some disadvantages to fountain water bowls. One disadvantage is that they require electricity. Another common concern is safety. If you purchase a fountain water bowl, ensure that the pump is UL-listed.

Fountain water bowls (tips)

If you purchase a fountain water bowl, ensure that the pump is UL-listed. Also, try to select a bowl with a removable stainless steel bowl. A removable stainless steel bowl will allow you to clean the bowl regularly. Try to avoid fountain water bowls with too many plastic components. Plastic components are harder to clean. Cats may also dislike the smell of plastic chemicals that may leach into the water.

Make sure your water bowl is quiet. Your cat may not like drinking out of a water bowl with a loud pump.

Consider switching to wet (canned) food

Lastly, if you haven’t already, consider switching to wet (canned) food. Wet food has a lot of water in it. It’s an easy way to increase your cat’s water intake.

See our article, “The best wet food for your cat” for helpful wet food tips.

Ensuring your cats gets enough water (summary)

• keep the water bowl clean
• fresh water
• bowl height (3 to 5 inches)
• water bowl separate from food bowl
• bowls in more than one place
• metal vs plastic
• gravity fed
• running water
• consider wet (canned) food