We have four cat , eld two through 16 , at our house , so finding something that observe all of them glad and diverted can be a challenge . This cockcrow , I tried making some catnip tea for them . While I acknowledge that our big boy , Trooper , probably would n’t be interested ( catnip does n’t affect him ) , I envision it might be a fun diversion for the others , as well as mayhap another means to encourage them todrink more water . Here ’s what happened .
Roughly one in three domesticated catsdo not react to catnip . If this is your kitty , hear silver vine or valerian instead .
Flaca Was Into It As Soon As the Catnip Came Out
Before I even catch to the tea part , our youngest , Flaca , was investigating . She probably would have been happy if I ’d just dump the teaspoon of ironical Nepeta cataria on the carpet , but she wait patiently while I prepare the Camellia sinensis .
When using ironic catnip , crush it between your fingers to re - activate the nepetalactone , the all important oil in Nepeta cataria that cats just jazz .
Catnip Tea Ingredients
I decided to try the same amount I usually give my cats , plus water , to see how they react equate to normal - old catnip on the floor or toy .
Ingedients:
3 - 4 oz plain water system
1 teaspoon dry catmint
Steps: Boil the Water
I roil about 3 - 4 oz . of water in a small ceramic microwaveable bowl . My cats are used to getting treats in these .
Steps: Stir In One Teaspoon Catnip
While still steam , I raise in about one teaspoon of teetotal Nepeta cataria . My cats favour this over fresh catmint from the garden .
Steps: Let Cool
I put the bowl aside to let it cool but sat nearby to watch and wait . I did n’t want my cats to prove it while still hot and risk getting burned .
Once Again, Our Cat Flaca Came Exploring
About 10 minutes after I put the bowl away , Flaca came over to research . She was pretty repetitive on checking out what was in the bowl , so I decided to leave the " tea " as - is and not strain it . At this point , the liquidness was strong , but not hot .
If you prefer , you may strain the tea with a kitchen strainer or apply a reusable tea ball .
Flaca Loved It
As soon as I put the tea on the table , Flaca followed me and was the first to enjoy some surplus catnip tea . She ’s our unseasoned and does n’t wish to drink body of water , so this is actually a really near find ! We ’re always looking for ways to increase her hydration and keep those kitty kidneys healthy .
Before You Know It, She Was Feeling Funny
Within minutes , Flaca was on the earth , seethe around and playing . I ’d say the catnip tea met with her commendation !
Captain Approved of the Catnip Tea, Too
Our second cat , Captain , is a big orangeness and white boy with Cerebellar Hypoplasia , mean he wobbles a lot . Pretty soon , the smell of the tea leaf brought him in to explore . He checked it out and was head - bob and rolling with approval within minute as well .
Two out of four so far .
Our Old Man Cat, Jack, Prefers the Original
Third to check out the teatime was our eldest son , Jack . At 16 years old , he ’s more interested in log Z’s and cuddling than diddle , but he still enjoys a roll in wry catnip from time to time .
That said , Jack seems to prefer the original catnip - on - the - carpet method acting . He give the catnip tea a few lick , but then went back to napping on the sunny lounge and asking for cuddles . Oh well , two out of three is n’t bad for my brood .
Even Trooper Came Out to Investigate
amazingly , even our boy Trooper — the cat who usually does n’t like catnip — come out to inquire the unexampled tone in the living room . He did n’t share in the tea at all , but slow down in the sun , ascertain the " child " of the house enjoy their fun .
Catnip Tea: 2.5 of 4 Stars
In all , all four quat came out to research mid - day , so that ’s decidedly an achievement with my brood . Flaca and Captain definitely jazz the novel catnip tea , while our older boy seemed more concerned in watch the youngsters roll around on the rug . Still , we now have a Modern manner to encourage Flaca to drink more water system , so I ’d say this young test is a success ! And now Captain is star at me , necessitate " what ’s next ? "
