Although cats can't overdose on catnip, there is such a thing as "too much." Typically, a small pinch is good enough. More than that, and it can make your cat less sensitive to the effects. If you give your cat catnip too often, they'll become less interested. If your cat ingests catnip, more than a small handful could make them feel sick.
My paws trembled as I reached out for the doorknob. I knew what this meeting was about, but I still couldn't believe it. The mayor was ready to can me and throw me off the task force.
All for telling the truth about catnip.
My mind raced. I had technically done nothing illegal, but part of me felt like the mayor might try to put me in jail. I shuddered at the thought.
I looked around, making sure no one was watching. I pulled a small baggie out of my breast pocket. The tiny strips of dried catnip danced playfully inside. I opened the bag and took a quick whiff.
Suddenly, my worries were gone. My paw stopped trembling. I only hoped this meeting would last less than 30 minutes before the effects wore off.
I took a deep breath, and walked inside.
Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?
No, it's virtually impossible for cats to overdose on catnip. The effects wear off after about 30 minutes, and cats become desensitized to catnip the more they sniff or ingest it. If you give catnip too often, it will eventually have almost no effect on your cat.
"Do you know why I called you here, Dr. Scratch?" the mayor's voice carried across the room, tickling the inside of my ear. He stood at the window, looking out at the rest of Whisker City.
"I think so, yes," I replied. I tried not to sound too calm and suave, or else he might catch on that I just took a free hit of catnip.
"Sit down, won't you?" He turned and motioned toward the chair opposite his desk.
I sat gingerly on the edge of the seat. My paws rested on my knees. I was relaxed yet alert.
"Can cats overdose on catnip?" He said as he sat his rotund figure into the seat.
"No, cat nip isn't strong enough to cause an overdose," I replied.
He paused, steepling his paws in front of his face.
"I'll ask again. Can cats overdose on catnip?" He looked me dead in the eye as he spoke.
"Like I said, cat nip isn't strong-"
He cut me off, standing up and walking around the desk. "See, that's your problem, Dr. Scratch. You're always coming up with the wrong answers. The correct answer is, 'yes, cats can and do overdose on catnip. That's why we need to eliminate Cat Crack from the streets of Whisker City,'"
He walked over and leaned against the back of my chair. "Do you understand what I mean?"
I shook my head. "It sounds like you want me to lie to the people."
He snapped his fingers. "Exactly! Lie! It shouldn't be too hard for a scientist like you. Scientists are always lying. Round earth this, vaccines that. It's all a pack of lies!" He calmly returned to his chair.
I adjusted my glasses. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Actually, science is about finding the truth. Using evidence and facts to-"
He interrupted me again, waving his paw next to his face. "No, no, no! None of that, 'well, actually' stuff! I'm telling you what the truth is, and it's your job to repeat it! That's why I hired you!"
"You didn't hire me to find out the truth about catnip? Like why do cats like catnip and all that?" I asked.
"No, I hired you to put a respectable face on this campaign. You're a pillar of the community, and people trust you. So when you tell them that cats OD on catnip every night, they'll believe you."
I had to pause to take it all in. I always knew the mayor had a screw loose, but I didn't think it was this bad. "I'm sorry, sir, but I don't think I can do that."
"Well, then, I think it's time for me to find a mouthpiece that can," he replied.
"So, what are you saying exactly?"
He glared at me. "Are you going to force me to spell it out?"
"I'm afraid so sir, for posterity."
"What does your butt have to do with it?" He snarled.
"Posterity. I mean like, for the record," I replied. "Not posterior."
"You wearing a wire? Legally, you have to tell the mayor if you're wearing a wire!" He stood up again, looking agitated.
"No, I'm not wearing a wire, I just mean I want you to tell me exactly what you're doing, face to face."
"This meeting is over!"
He rushed over and pulled me up from the seat. He pushed me out the door and slammed it shut. Not exactly how I envisioned this meeting to go.
How Much Catnip is Too Much?
That night, I was watching a Channel 4 News exclusive about the dangers of catnip. According to the "experts" they hired, even a small free hit is enough to put a cat into a coma.
I had to get the truth out there. The mayor and his cronies were working too hard to suppress the health benefits of cat nip. I sat at my computer, drafting a letter to put into the paper.
I knew it wouldn't be much, but it could be a start. I wrote it like a Q&A, like the ones I've been doing at PTA meetings at schools across Whisker City.
What Is Catnip for Cats?
Catnip is a natural plant called Nepeta cataria. It contains an oil that affects cats and makes them feel good. Typically, catnip has positive side effects, such as anxiety and stress relief. The plant helps many cats calm down and feel more relaxed and playful.
Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Yes, ingesting small amounts of catnip can help cats and kittens fall asleep, so it works well as an insomnia aid.
How Much Catnip is Too Much?
While cats can't technically "overdose" on catnip, they can get sick from eating too much. So, it's best to ingest small amounts to avoid an upset stomach.
Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?
No, it's virtually impossible for a cat to OD on cat nip.
As I finished the last few lines, I heard a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" I called out. No answer. I waited a few more moments; then, there was another knock.
Cautious, I mailed a copy of my letter to myself at a different email address. Something told me I might have to recover it later from another location.
I crept up to the door slowly. Whoever was knocking was still outside. I could see their shadow underneath the door frame. I pressed my eye to the peephole to get a better look.
It was Mrs. Crowley from three doors down. I recognized that silver fur anywhere.
"Are you there, Dr. Scratch? I ran out of sugar for my tea!" Her frail voice sounded muffled from behind the door.
I breathed a sigh of relief. I opened the door for her to come inside.
"Hello, Mrs. Crowley, how are you tonight?" I asked.
Her eyes quivered, and her lips trembled. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
Suddenly, I felt paws grab my arm, dragging me away. A black hood went over my face, and the world went dark.
The Best Catnip in Whisker City
Cat Crack is an excellent all-natural product for alleviating stress, anxiety, and sleep problems in cats. It can help your cat feel relaxed, playful, and happy. A small pinch can work wonders, and it's the perfect companion for playtime.
Available On:
