You've all heard about our other cats and their catnip addiction. We decided to check out the catnip effects on our pregnant cat and the results came in rather quickly.
Not interested
We checked to make sure that catnip use on a pregnant cat is not a problem, and sure enough, it's harmless. It is safe to provide catnip to your pregnant cat. Catnip is just an herb after all. Even when the kittens are born, it is safe to have catnip around because kittens do not react to catnip at all. The only warning I read about was about rBST, the synthetic growth hormone used in dairy farming, but it's very unlikely your cat's catnip may have been treated with it.
If our case, Farrah, our foster pregnant cat sniffed the catnip and continued on with her day's activities: lounging, rolling, trying to lick herself unsuccessfully and rolling some more, attacking M and Linguini, eating, drinking, and sleeping. We tried to introduce her to a catnip toy as well with the same results. Just not interested, but we'll keep trying to stimulate her in other ways, in our efforts to keep her fit until she delivers the kittens.
Farrah is looking huge! I will be gathering material and will post it periodically for the cat aficionados. We also got a wireless camera so we can get live feed of the "birthing room" as soon as we workout the technology kinks. At this point, we're guessing that the kittens might arrive in the next week or so, but it's really hard to be exact since Farrah was running lose in the streets until recently. I must say, even if you're not fond of cats, it's hard to resist smiling at the sight of any newborn.
Catnip effects on pregnant cat report, over!
Twinkie
I hope all goes well when the day comes for the babies!! It will be very interesting to see!
ReplyDeletei have an idea, miss twinkie!!
ReplyDeletewhat if you tie a string to a can full of the tunas, and then pull it along the floor! i bet miss farrah might be interested in following that action! heehee.
*woof*
the booker man
Maybe she can't smell it.
ReplyDeleteI would prolly nip a cat... IF I could catch one. I'm just sayin'.
Ali Zophia did some research on catnip when she was writing the column and found that cats who are born where catnip doesn't grow are never affected by it.
ReplyDeleteSo put that in your pipe, Twinkums!
Kisses,
Stella
Your catnip info is very interesting. Wonder if we would smell it.
ReplyDeleteTootles,
Benny & Lily
Cuddles to the little momma. I've raised babies for our shelter - it is wonderful. I remember laying on the floor and letting the little ones crawl all over me like a mountain. My gosh they are so PURRecious. Lucky you!
ReplyDeleteThe catnip report is good to know about, although we have no plans for pregnant cats around here. Of course, neither did you, so you never know. I'm looking forward to the kittens' arrival. I'm fond of cats. It's our cats who aren't that fond of me, but I think they're coming around - - very, very slowly.
ReplyDeletewags, Lola
Well, as cats we recommend a feather toy like Da Bird - we have a lot of cat experience and it is super popular. Also, our mom wanted us to let you know that there is a cat food recall on some Iams products, including canned kitten food - we know that it is good for pregnant and nursing cats to have kitten food, so in case you go with that brand mom thought you should know.
ReplyDeleteFarrah looks a lot like Gus and Stellas mom did right before she gave birth (this was just a few months ago) - she was feral too and they weren't sure with her when she would give birth either - we are sure you know to get a place set up for her (and a second one because they often won't want the spot you want them in) and once she really picks a place you will know the time is near! Good luck!!
Hi Twinkie, I never gave it any thought about catnip, but it's good to know! I also liked your advise column. That is great!
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
xxoo
Deborah
OOOooh cant wait to see baby kittens!
ReplyDeleteWhen Darwin and her siblings were born our coworker had set up a camera so we could watch the birth and watch them during the day. It was great!
Hi, Twinkie!
ReplyDeleteGood info about catnip!
I can't wait to see Farrah's babies!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza
Interesting info. Some cats just aren't affected by catnip... Grammy wonders if she would be normally or if pregnancy makes her immune to its effects? The CCC
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely comments about my blog!
ReplyDeleteInteresting re catnip! Is there anything like this for pups?
Ahhh, she is just so content waiting for the joy of motherhood that the catnip is of no interest:)
ReplyDeleteWoos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Hey...I was just wondering if you would name one of those new kittehs afters me. You see, I've been trying to get all of my furiends to name their new siblings afters me and so far NOT one of thems haves taken me up on it. Makes you kinda wonders if they don't want to be subjected to such a personality as mine.
ReplyDeletePuddles
My two cats used to go crazy over catnip, they would get very high from it, lol!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the birthing of the kitty babies. When I was little, our family cat Dinah got pregnant and gave birth, I remember the little ones were just oh so cute!!
Hugs, the Mom
Thanks for the PSA Twink! We can't wait to see all those baby kitties!!
ReplyDeleteSmileys & Snuggles!
Dory, Bilbo and Jacob
OH MY a live feed of cute furry baby kittens....Oh you will never get us off the puter now. Can't wait for that!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWags and Licks,
Mollie Jo & Bobo
& Uncle Puppy
We can't wait to see the kittens, I bet they will love the catnip :)
ReplyDeleteY'all are such a great family to take care of Mrs. Farrah. She will be a good cat Mommy, and maybe you can help the kittens to learn about doggies.
ReplyDeleteSally Ann