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Catnip can be a fun and tasty treat for your cat. If you have a pregnant cat, you might wonder if it’s safe to give her catnip—after all, you don’t want to harm your cat or her kittens. While catnip is generally considered safe for all cats, it is better to avoid it if your cat is pregnant.
Is Catnip Safe for Pregnant Cats?
There is no evidence that catnip harms pregnant cats or their kittens. However, it is still recommended to avoid catnip while your cat is pregnant, as it can induce labor in the latter stages of pregnancy.
Some cats can become overly excited when they have catnip or may become restless or agitated, which is not ideal if the cat is in the last trimester of the pregnancy.
Does Catnip Induce Labor?
Yes, catnip can induce labor in pregnant cats, which is why it is generally avoided. However, some experts believe that catnip can have significant stress-relieving properties for expectant mothers nearing labor.
There is no reliable evidence showing that catnip is safe or unsafe for pregnant cats. However, it was used in traditional human medicine to induce uterine contractions. As such, it should be avoided by pregnant women and was traditionally used to induce menstruation. Given the lack of feline scientific research into this topic, it is safest to avoid giving it to pregnant cats.
Can Nursing Cats Eat Catnip?
While it is considered safe to feed catnip to a nursing mother, monitoring how your cat reacts to it is important. While catnip can have calming, stress-relieving effects in some cats, it causes overexcitability in others. If your nursing cat gets overly active or excited on catnip, it may be best to wait until her kittens are weaned in order to avoid negative effects.
What Foods Are Dangerous for Pregnant Cats?
Certain precautions should be taken with pregnant cats to avoid complications.
- Tuna — Tuna can contain high levels of mercury, which can damage the nervous system of the fetus(es).
- Milk — Milk can cause diarrhea in cats.
- Grapes and raisins — Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pregnant cats.
The best diet for a pregnant cat is nutritionally complete, high-calorie kitten food. If you have concerns about what to feed your cat, it’s always best to speak with your veterinarian.
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Final Thoughts
Catnip can induce labor, and it’s best to avoid giving catnip to a pregnant cat. While there is still conflicting evidence as to whether it should be done, most experts recommend keeping it away from pregnant kitties. Others feel that it has stress-relief benefits. Your veterinarian is the best person to ask about what you can and cannot feed your cat during pregnancy.
- See also: How to Give Your Cat Catnip
Featured Image Credit: Boy77, Shutterstock
