Can Guinea Pigs Eat Catnip and is it safe for them?

Catnip plants are often fed to animals for their medicinal and mint effect. However, not every plant fed to animals is safe for consumption by guinea pigs. To guinea pigs, catnips are considered harmful.

So, can guinea pigs eat catnip? No. Catnips should never be fed to guinea pigs as they can cause stomach complications. No detailed research has been conducted on its effect on guinea pigs. With the variety of other herbs safe for pigs’ consumption, the risk of feeding catnips is not necessary.

This article further explains the dangers of feeding catnips to guinea pigs and the alternative herbs safe to replace catnips.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Catnip?

No. It would be best if you never fed catnips to your pet. The risk involved is not worth it since other herbs are proven safe for guinea pigs’ consumption.

Catnips are herbs from the mint family and are safe for consumption by other animals, such as cats. Catnips have been used as a mint to relieve stress and prevent premature aging.

Up to date, no conclusive research has been conducted on catnips concerning guinea pigs. The available information recounts records of the complications the plant caused to guinea pigs when consumed.

In relation to the negative effects of catnips, guinea pigs have a sensitive stomach irritated by any. Catnips cause stomach upsets resulting in diarrhea and nausea. Such complications are not worth the risk, especially when there are safe herbs that can substitute catnips.

Avoid feeding any part of catnips to guinea pigs. These parts include the flowers, seeds, stem, and leaves. Ensure you weed them all around your compound.

Alternative Herbs To Catnips For Guinea Pigs

Below is a list of safe herbs and vegetables you can feed your cavy on in place of catnips.

Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a fast-growing crop that takes a short period to maturity. It is perfect for replacing catnips. Guinea pigs like them as much as they love catnips due to their flavor and taste.

This crop has the nutritional benefit of calcium, vitamins, magnesium, and enzymes in catnips. The plant is safe for consumption by your cavy. You can grow wheatgrass in your compound or purchase it from your local groceries.

Silverbeets

Silverbeets serve as an alternative to catnips. Guinea pigs love them due to their flavor and taste that is appealing to your cavy. Its nutritional value gives the guinea pig a healthy and strong life.

You can feed the silverbeets in moderation to avoid digestion complications.

Wheatgrass and silverbeets are the best to replace catnips. However, you can have other varieties, such as carrot tops, lettuce, and basil.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Catnip Leaves?

Yes. Even though catnip leaves are harmful, guinea pigs can eat them since they lack the sense to detect harmless from harmful herbs. Therefore, it is the owner’s task and responsibility to keep the herb away from guinea pigs.

If you let your cavy roam around the compound, ensure you weed out any catnips for safety. Guinea pigs love eating vegetables and greens in the compound; sometimes, they may come across catnips.

Please do not panic, but take necessary measures to reduce its impact on your cavy’s health. On normal occasions, you can feed catnip leaves as a snack or treat. Give small amounts in moderation. This is to satisfy your pet’s desire since they love that catnip’s flavor.

Can Guinea Pigs Have Catnip Sticks?

Some pet owners offer catnip sticks to their cavy as playing toys while in the cage. Due to its fragrance, guinea pigs love biting and playing around with them.

However, according to studies, catnips are not recommended for your cavy. Their harm is greater than its benefit, thus flagged as a risk upon consumption. Sun-dried catnip sticks are considered less harmful and can be used as toys in the cage.

Is Catnip Bad For Guinea Pigs?

Yes, catnips are poisonous from the nepetalactone chemical, which causes stomach complications such as diarrhea. Even if your cavy likes catnips due to their strong pungent, avoid feeding them and replace them with safe herbs such as wheatgrass.

Since no conclusive research has been conducted on these herbs, avoiding risking your pet eating them is advisable. The already conducted research shows more dangers of consuming the herb.

Cases of guinea pigs dying of diarrhea and stomach upsets have been recorded, with those cases related to catnips. To the mature cavy, you can treat them to a few leaves of catnip mixed with berries and vegetables.

FAQs

Here are some of the questions asked by most guinea pig keepers in order to understand the catnip herb and its safety for their pets.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is wise to say that the risk of feeding your cavy on catnips is not worth it. The herb has no nutritional value, so avoid it at all cost since the dangers are more lethal. Since there are no conclusive reports from research, avoid the herb to save the life of your cavy.

Replace catnips with safe, nutritious herbs such as carrot tops, wheatgrass, and silverbeets. In extreme conditions, you can serve the leaves as a snack in small quantities and in moderation.