Posted by IsoM on February 2, 2003, at 20:08:00
In reply to catnip » IsoM, posted by judy1 on February 2, 2003, at 17:09:45
Judy, I can't say exactly how much would help your cat. There's a certain percentage of cats who very much dislike catnip & its smell. Maybe if your cat is one of those, he wouldn't be calmed by it.
Otherwise, I use fresh catnip. I pick a leaf from the plant & roll it tight, stuffing it into a gelatine capsule. One of my cats wouldn't need that as he wolfs catnip down straight in a few seconds flat. If you use gelatine capsules, be aware that the moisture from the leaf can cause the gelatine to swell so stuff it & cap immediately.
I'd give it an hour to take full effect. Why not experiment a little first to see if your kitty calms enough & how long it takes? He may first feel a little energised before the sleepiness hits. Dried catnip, probably a 1/4 tsp would be enough. A whole teaspoon is quite a bit for him to eat.
If the catnip doesn't work, you can use a 1/4 tab (equivalent to 12.5 mg) of a travel sickness (nausea) tablet - we have Gravol in Canada. It's bitter as hell though, so you need to get it down his throat or he'll froth because of the bitter taste. You could put it in a gelatine capsules again, if needed. Gravol calms a cat lots but will make him a little groggy - walking like a drunk.
poster:IsoM
thread:36039
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030201/msgs/36206.html