Is valerian or valerian root dangerous to cats or is it like catnip?
Monday, March 15th, 2010 at
4:40 pm
My cats go crazy even with a closed bottle of valerian. They act like it is catnip.
Filed under: Catnip
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[edit] Effect on Cats and Rats
An unusual feature of valerian is that the dried root affects the domestic cat in a similar way as that of catnip. If valerian root is left in a place to which cats have access, they will roll in it, salivate onto it and eat it. Burmese cats are attracted to the dried herb and will deliberately destroy containers to obtain it. However, some cats will not go near valerian root.
Valerian’s effect on cats is featured as a clue in two works by Agatha Christie.
Valerian is also very attractive to rats, so much so that it has been used to bait traps. Some versions of the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin have him using valerian, as well as his pipes, to attract the rats.
Interesting question and
Cool Answer, Sharon!!!! I’d never heard of valerian before and I’ve had cats over 40 years!
i’m not sure if it or not but even catnip can be bad for cats. You have to limit catnip, too much can make them sick. I wouldn’t let him play with it.
Great answer from Sharon for sure. My herbalist who uses a number of things with her cats says it is like catnip. Humans use it for its calmative effect and cats can have SOME on the one at a time basis for the same effect. It can cause intestinal upset in humans and I would be inclined to say not to let them ingest it. Catnip has been used for many, many years and has no ill effects on cats.
I would just keep it away from the cats. Maybe using it on occasions where the cats need some relief from stress such as a road trip. You wouldn’t however want their stomach upset if they were traveling.
The Bach flower essences are much safer because they don’t have to go IN the cat to be effective and catnip will give them a "high" if you want to entertain or pleasure them.
Oh, good question! I was worried that my cats were freaks – they are totally obsessed with my valerian root, and have even managed to open the bottles (smart cats) – one morning I found my little girl cat sucking at a pill, she had drooled all over it and managed to completely dissolve the casing.
I won’t give them my pills, and I now keep them closed up in a drawer at night, but I let them play with empty bottles, and they go nuts.
Thanks for the info, Sharon – my boyfriend and I thought it was great!