Promoting quality sleep and reducing anxiety are just two of the effects that valerian can have on dogs and cats.
Valerian for cats sleep.
It is consumed as food by the larvae of some lepidoptera butterfly and moth species.
It also has a similar effect on cats as i ll be explaining in this article.
Cats will engage in stalking and hunting behavior after ingesting valerian.
Results have been mixed.
Start with lifestyle habits that influence sleep.
Valerian is given to dogs because of its ability to calm them down without altering brain function like a pharmaceutical sedative would.
Medication may not be the answer.
Avoid caffeine late in the day maintain a regular sleep schedule get regular exercise and wind down an hour or two before bed.
Before you decide to take a valerian supplement for insomnia consider the following.
Valerian valeriana officinalis caprifoliaceae is a perennial flowering plant native to europe and asia.
The pheromone properties help explain cats different reactions to valerian.
Cats are fascinated by valerian.
Valerian could interact with some sedatives narcotics antidepressants and anti seizure medicines.
Extreme caution should be used if combining valerian with any medications that has sedative.
In the summer when the mature plant may have a height of 1 5 metres 5 ft it bears sweetly scented pink or white flowers that attract many fly species especially hoverflies of the genus eristalis.
In a 2009 placebo controlled study for example women with insomnia.
Valerian as a natural sedative has a very soothing effect on humans but for cats has quite the opposite effect causing intense arousal hallucinations inappropriate behavior.
Usually after 10 15 minutes of such euphoria the cat will sink into a deep sleep.
Many small clinical studies have been done to test the efficacy and safety of valerian root for sleep.
Excited playful behavior such as rolling is very common when a cat has valerian.