Tomorrow is NATIONAL CAT DAY! Why not celebrate with kewl schtuff for the cat…like a catnip treat?

I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire Cat’s grin. My cat Seren used to wear the same expression when she indulged. NATIONAL CAT DAY is the perfect time to indulge your furry friend.

But why do cats find this nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more sinister?

What Is Catnip?

Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that’s easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves and releases the oil so Kitty can get a good sniff. It doesn’t take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturation as low as one part per billion.

Many of y’all know I wrote a book about holistic pet care and interviewed nearly 70 veterinarians while researching the material. Boy, did I learn a lot–and changed my mind about many things! These veterinarians also shared how holistic care had changed the way they practice vet care.

So I want you to meet a friend of mine, veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet, an advocate for cats and holistic care. He notes that forty years ago, veterinarians typically promoted dry kibble as the best cat food. And, we vaccinated every year. My, how times change!

“Now, we know better. But, there are many other things we need to look at and change our thinking on,” he says. So he created The Holistic Cat Conference. He asked me to speak (SQUEE!) and hosts a REPLAY August 5 & 6, this Weekend Only…

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), holds its annual conference (which doubles as the 7th World Feline Veterinary Conference) October 12-15, 2023 in Memphis, TN. The event features both in-person and virtual sessions focussed on The Ins and Outs of Feline Nutrition and Gastroenterology.

Last year, I attended the *virtual* AAFP sessions and came away with new, great insight helpful to me as a cat lover and behavior consultant (although I’m NOT a veterinarian). Veterinary professionals and others can learn and earn continuing education hours. I particularly liked having access to the digital proceedings, because often you can’t attend everything because of conflicts. I’m pleased to see AAFP again offers this opportunity.

If you have a special interest in cat care and/or know a veterinarian who would benefit, read on! And share this information with those who need it.

Whenever a new cat arrives, cat to cat introductions take over. We base cat training on kitten behavior to get the most out of the learning process. Each spring heralds that lovely time of the year for happy surprises, and that may mean a new kitten in your holiday plans. If that’s you, and you already have a feline, prepare in advance for cat introductions of the resident feline to the new baby. Many times, shelters and rescue groups recommend adopting PAIRS of kitties. That way, if the cats already know each other — or the kittens are littermates — they help entertain and soothe each other. Instead of chasing and attacking your feet, they target each other.

But what if you have a resident cat and a new kitty shows up? How do cat to cat introductions work when introducing cats to kittens, or adult cats to cats?

It can be heartbreaking when the cats you love don’t get along. Proper introductions help enormously to soothe the angst.