Want to use valerian for cats ? But why?

Cats are very friendly and endearing animals but they can sometimes show a certain agitation or conversely a great apathy which can reflect a feeling of unease or discomfort.

Often not serious, these behaviors must, however, be taken into account in order to propose appropriate responses and allow a return to well-being and serenity.

Thus, valerian is one of the plants with beneficial properties for the health of cats, without the risk of addiction.

A naturally calming product, valerian is available in different variants for cats who feel good about their paws!

To learn all about valerian, we take you on a guided tour!

 

What is valerian?

Presentation

Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ) is a perennial herb that can grow 1 to 2 meters tall.

Its flowers are white or pink and bloom from May to the end of August.

Valerian produces a single-seeded dry fruit.

The name “valerian” comes from the Latin “Valere” which means “to be well”, “to be in good health” hence its importance for cats and dogs as well as for humans!

Note that the little extra is its price! Valerian is actually sold at very affordable prices!

Origin

Valerian is native to Europe and temperate regions of Asia.

It is a plant that appreciates clay soils and shady, humid corners.

Valerian has been known and used since ancient times to treat sleep disorders .

It was gradually abandoned in favor of sleeping pills for serious sleep disorders.

It has, however, reappeared in recent years in phytotherapy to treat health problems using plants.

Effects

Valerian has anxiolytic, sedative and hypnotic effects .

It also offers a musculotropic action, that is to say that it soothes muscle contractions.

Valerian is therefore ideal for people suffering from nervousness and/or sleep disorders.

It is also called “ plant Valium ” to evoke its calming effect through plants without side effects.

Valerian also helps relieve palpitations and stomach aches due to spasms of the large intestine (colic).

The active ingredients of valerian remain mysterious despite the recognition of its calming properties.

The WHO considers valerian to be “a mild sedative capable of promoting sleep.”

She recognizes through this application its interest in supporting certain health problems.

How to use

In herbal medicine, valerian is offered in different forms:

• In capsules
• In liquid form (plant extract)
• In powder form
• In the form of a balm
• In infusion
• In decoction of its root

 

Valerian for cats: What are the effects?

An intoxicating smell

Valerian can also be used in animals. Did you know that it is also called ” catnip ” (not to be confused with “cat” grass, otherwise known as catnip)? That’s how attractive and interesting it is to cats with its characteristic smell!

Your cat has extremely developed olfactory receptors which will allow it to grasp the chemical substances released by the plant such as actinidin which causes exciting and euphoric effects.

Typically, valerian will act in two phases : a first phase of excitation which will be followed by a second phase of deep calming .

Please note that not all cats are receptive to the effects of valerian. To assess your cat’s reactivity, simply perform a test.

Some cats will be more attracted to catnip, others will react to the combination of the two plants. The attraction would depend on the hereditary heritage of the animals.

Observable effects

Among the main behaviors observed in cats in contact with products containing valerian, we can cite:

• Rubbing the forehead, cheeks, chin and muzzle against the object containing the valerian
• The game of cat near or on the object
• Rolls, especially on the side and back
• A significant production of saliva suggesting pleasure
• Intense licking of the object sometimes stuck to the ground or stuck under the paw for ease
• Significant handling of the object and taking it into the mouth
• Jumping around the object and pawing
• Extreme relaxation after the hustle and bustle

No danger

Valerian can be used in both cats and dogs without any danger .

The plant is completely harmless but it is important to respect the methods of use suggested according to the products and to avoid any overdose.

 

Valerian for cats: Why use it?

1. Stress and anxiety

A stressed or anxious cat will greatly benefit from the calming properties of valerian.

Stress is often caused by change in cats, who have a strong need for routine and security.

A move, the arrival of a new animal or a baby at home and other triggers, which may seem trivial to us, will generate an overflow of emotions and significant discomfort in the feline.

This stress can manifest itself in different ways such as vertical scratching (of your sofa or your wallpaper), urine marking or aggression.

Valerian products for cats are a natural solution to these manifestations of stress in animals.

2. sleep rubles

A cat that sleeps badly is a cat that will present metabolic imbalances that can disrupt different systems, particularly the immune system.

The consequences of sleep disorders are therefore not only fatigue but rather a disruption of the body’s homeostasis.

Hence the importance of offering your feline valerian-based products to soothe your animal and encourage it to fall asleep.

Sleep disturbances in cats can be the result of multiple factors.

These include lack of activity, anxiety or pain.

3. Depression

Like humans, cats and dogs can suffer from depression . While the symptoms are different, the triggers are sometimes similar.

It could be the loss of a loved one (animal companion or owner), daily boredom, a feeling of abandonment, hospitalization or a sudden change in the environment.

Valerian, with its euphoric and stimulating effects, will allow your cat to regain the vitality, the loss of which characterizes depression.

Valerian products for cats will stimulate the desire to play, to move, to give free rein to the natural hunting instincts, in short, the desire to live. Be careful, in cases of severe depression in a cat, valerian can be offered to complement a classic veterinary treatment which is often necessary.

4. Aggression

A cat can be aggressive for many reasons. Fear, territoriality, frustration can trigger aggression in your cat.

Supporting an aggressive cat requires identifying the reason for its aggression in order to eliminate it and thus limit unwanted behavior.

Valerian for cats is also a great ally in eliminating this aggression.

Indeed, through its stimulating properties, the valerian contained in a toy will offer your animal the possibility of externalizing its emotions .

It will thus act as a way to let off steam. It will be necessary not to try to interact with it at this time, so as not to get bitten or scratched. Its calming properties will then promote appeasement.

5. Lack of stimulation

If your cat is home alone all day and doesn’t have access to the outdoors, he may be lacking stimulation .

His daily life will be punctuated by long naps punctuated by short moments of wakefulness dedicated to his primary needs (drinking, eating, relieving himself) to the detriment of an equally important need, that of running, jumping, hiding, playing, etc.

Thanks to the valerian hidden in a toy, your cat will find the stimulation it needs to get moving.

Its energizing properties will effectively “boost” your body and thus allow it to find suitable activity.

6. Aging

Aging in cats, as in all animals and humans, will lead to inevitable changes in their bodies which can, however, be supported to maintain maximum capacity and promote well-being.

Thus, an aging cat sees its activity reduced in connection with an overall slowdown in its metabolism.

He may then be subject to weight gain and obesity, which are harmful to his health.

Encouraging physical activity in your cat is essential and valerian products can encourage movement as well as the desire.

The euphoric effect of valerian actually gives your old cat a boost of energy that will push him out of his lethargy and into more dynamic activity.

A cat that is healthy in its body is a cat that is healthy in its mind, the effects of valerian will also promote psychological well-being.

It is advisable to provide an old cat or dog with sufficient sources of stimulation to maintain its physical and cognitive abilities.

7. Disease

No matter what illness he suffers from, a cat with health problems will benefit from the effects of valerian .

The pain and discomfort are difficult to bear, creating stress that will add to the equally intense stress of caring for cats.

Valerian for cats, with its calming properties, will help the sick feline, in addition to veterinary treatment, and soothe it.

This will promote rest and thus help stabilize the state of health.