Does cat grass make cats high?

Although many cats seem to be obsessed with cat grass, it does NOT make them high. The reason why many cats are attracted to cat grass is due to the many health benefits they get from eating it. Cat grass can help them improve their digestive system, and throw up hairballs or toxins from their bodies.

What cat grass does to a cat

Not to be confused with common grass you’ll see on your lawn – which can also be attractive in the eyes of your cat – cat grass is a grass mixture grown from seeds. Some examples of these grass mixtures are barley, wheat, rye, and oats.

Unlike common grass you’ll find in your garden, cat grass is normally grown indoors specifically for cats.

Contrary to some people’s belief, cat grass doesn’t make cats high. Instead, the main purpose of growing it is to be a deterrent to eating other vegetation in your home which can be toxic to them. If you see that your cat constantly chews on the leaves of your houseplants and you don’t like it, then get some cat grass to buy its attention.

The reason why many cat owners think that cat grass makes cats high is due to how they act around the grass after eating it. However, theorists and pet experts believe that it all comes down to the health benefits the grass offers.

Some people believe that cats eat cat grass not for the high, but for the extra niacin and fiber they can get from it. On the other hand, some people also claim that cats consume grass to make themselves vomit out foreign objects and toxins in their bodies.

The truth is no one can tell for sure, but there have been studies on the theories above. On the other hand, there haven’t been reports on whether cat grass does make cats high.

This being said, there are certain types of herbs that can make your cat high! Below, I write information on the herbs you can legally give to your cat to get it high!

Is it okay to make your cat high?

The idea of getting your cat high might sound alarming. And when it comes to treating animals, the first organization that might come to your mind is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

A University of Oregon professor, Debra Merskin, reached out to PETA on what they think about giving cats high-inducing treats, particularly catnip. In her blog, she wrote how the organization addressed this question.

PETA’s Media Officer Sophia Charchuk responded:

“PETA is all for treating cat companions to reasonable amounts of high-quality catnip – and for keeping them indoors, where they’ll be safe from cars, contagious diseases, predators, and cruel humans and able to enjoy toys (including those filled with catnip) for years to come.”

So, if you’re debating as to whether it’s okay to give your cat something that can make them high or it’s too unethical to do so, know that experts say that it’s okay.

Furthermore, Scientific American says that these plants are not addictive, so you don’t have to worry that it might be a habit for your cats. On top of it, the “high” your cat experiences from these plants will typically just last for approximately 10 minutes, after which your cat loses interest.

How Should It Be Given

While it’s generally safe to make your cat high with herbal plants, you still need to be cautious about how you give it to your cat. Here are some important things you need to remember:

· Use it as a treat

Many cat herbs, particularly catnip, is considered as healthy treats for cats. Put dried herbs where your cat frequents. Most cats are drawn to the smell.

Before you know it, your cat is rolling around on the floor having the best days of its life.

· Do small doses

Not many people know this, but cats are sensitive to smell more than you imagine. Cats’ nostrils have about 200 million odor-sensitive cells which make them an adept sniffer. This means that it doesn’t take much to stimulate their senses. So, a little dose of herb goes a long way.

· Don’t give it to aggressive cats

As you might probably know, some cats are just plain bullies. So, if you happen to have a cat with this kind of temperament, you might want to be careful in giving them anything that will make them high.

When you give your bully cat some high-inducing herb, this can lead to aggression, or it makes them grumpy.

Herbs That Can Make Your Cat High

While cats are already playful and silly by nature, giving them something that will make them high can be fun for them (and for you to watch) from time to time.

1. Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is probably the most popular high-inducing herb you can give to your cat. By simply smelling the catnip, your cat may display behaviors similar to a cat in heat.

They enjoy this magical herb by rubbing their body or heads on it, or with some, rolling over, jumping, or even drooling or vocalizing. Usually, this response lasts for approximately 10 minutes, ; then they become temporarily immune to the effect of the herb for about half an hour.

However, about 30% of cats don’t respond to catnip. Furthermore, kittens below 6 months of age or those cats that haven’t reached sexual maturity don’t get affected by catnip.

2. Valerian Root

Known to relieve anxiety and fight insomnia when taken by humans, Valerian root gives the opposite effects on cats – it makes them high and hyper.

Valerian root contains actinidine, which acts as a stimulant to cats. Just like catnip, cats exposed to this herb get excited;, they jump, roll, and drool around it.

If your cat doesn’t show a reaction to catnip, this would be a great alternative. And similarly, some cats may not react to valerian root but then get high when there’s catnip around them.

3. Honeysuckle

Another plant you can try to give to your cat to make it high is honeysuckle. A lot of cats react to honeysuckle the same way they respond to both plants previously mentioned above.

You will see your cat rolling around, jumping around, and just having a burst of energy to play. However, other cats may appear more relaxed or sleepy with honeysuckle.

The main difference between honeysuckle and catnip, however, is that even kittens can get high with honeysuckles.

4. Silver Vine

A plant that is native to many parts of eastern Asia, silver vine is known as a preventive health medicine in oriental culture.

On the other hand, some pet owners in China and Japan use it as a cat stimulant. Your cat may enter a euphoric state when exposed to silver vine in powder form. Again, they may start drooling, rubbing their bodies on surfaces, and meowing insistently.

The effect of this herb lasts for 5 to 30 minutes – it varies from cat to cat.

Now, compared to other herbs in this list, this is known to be more potent. This is because it consists of more cat attractants compared to others. Research done by the University of Illinois revealed that cats prefer silver vine over catnip.

5. Acalypha Indica

The last herb I want to introduce to you is the Acalypha Indica. This herb commonly grows in tropical parts of the world.

In West Africa, it’s not only considered as a medicinal plant, but is also consumed as a vegetable, added to their dishes.

It has become a popular treat for cats. Just like the silver vine, it’s also stronger than catnip, but only its root attracts cats.

Can I give my cat marijuana?

The short answer is NO.

Giving marijuana to your cat can lead to a stressful situation. On top of this, cannabis doesn’t get them high. Your cat might end up convulsing and having seizures from taking up marijuana. So, instead of giving them a “good trip”, you might have to take a trip to the vet.

Final Words

Getting your cat high from time to time is considered by experts to be ethical, so it’s entirely acceptable. However, contrary to some people’s belief, giving them cat grass does not make them high! Giving your cat some cat grass to play on, will provide them with different benefits which can even be more beneficial to them in the long run.

On the other hand, there are herbs you can give them as a treat from time to time. Just make sure you follow some of the tips written above to make sure you are not putting them in a risky situation.

Contributor: Cyril Balahadia