Catnip and British Shorthair: Benefits for Behavior and Well-Being
Catnip and British Shorthair: Benefits for Behavior and Well-Being
The relationship between catnip and cat behavior is well known, but does it really bring benefits to the daily life of a British Shorthair?
In this article, we share how we use catnip here in a practical and safe way, respecting the calm and observant profile of this breed. If you want to enrich your cat's routine, stimulate physical activity, and reduce moments of tension, see our recommendations.
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What is Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria), also called catswort or catmint, is a plant from the mint family. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which triggers natural instincts in most felines.
The reactions we observe most frequently are:
- Rolling on the floor and rubbing against objects.
- Meowing or purring with more intensity.
- Playing and hunting objects with more enthusiasm.
It is important to know that not every cat reacts to the herb. About 50% to 75% of felines show sensitivity, and the effect usually lasts between 5 and 15 minutes.
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Benefits for the British Shorthair
Although the British Shorthair is a quiet cat, it needs stimuli to maintain its ideal weight and an active mind.
Cognitive Stimulation Toys containing catnip arouse curiosity. This promotes environmental exploration and reasoning, which is essential for a cat that lives exclusively indoors.
Physical Activity The herb encourages active behaviors such as running, jumping, and hunting. At British Village, we see this as an excellent tool to combat sedentary lifestyles and maintain the general health of our cats.
Stress Relief Moments of change, such as the arrival of a new family member or visits to the vet, can generate anxiety. Catnip helps the British to relax and feel more comfortable after the initial euphoria of play.
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How to Offer Catnip Safely
There are several ways to introduce catnip into your British Shorthair's routine:
- Stuffed toys: These are great for moments of focused play.
- Dried catnip flakes: You can sprinkle it over the scratcher or on the bed to encourage the use of these places.
- Fresh plants: Offering the plant pot is a natural and very stimulating option.
Our recommendation is to use it in moderation. Daily exposure can cause the cat to lose interest. The ideal is to offer it on alternate days so that the stimulus continues to be special.
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Conclusion
Catnip is a simple and natural way to provide fun and relaxation for your British Shorthair. Incorporating this stimulus into the routine helps to strengthen the bond between you and your cat, making their daily life much richer.
Always observe how your companion reacts and enjoy these moments of interaction.
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About British Village
This content was prepared based on our daily experience with the breed. We are British Village, a cattery specialized in British Shorthair, dedicated to promoting health, balance, and quality of life for every kitten.
With deep respect for the breed and feline well-being, we use our experience to guide owners through all stages of their cats' lives.