Frequently asked questions
I've helped tens of thousands of cats and people the world over have a better life together. One thing I've become really passionate about is respecting and nurturing our cats' keen sense of smell. Called olfaction by us vets, it really is their sensory superpower!
I'm eager to share all the amazing ways that botanicals scents can help to awaken your kitty's inner wildcat and help you to make their life happier and healthier in the process. You'll no doubt have some questions about the botanical collection and how it can benefit your cat too. So take a peek below for answers to the most commonly pondered topics. You'll find along the way links to articles and video content I am in the process of writing to further support you and your cat's discovery of plants!
I'm eager to share all the amazing ways that botanicals scents can help to awaken your kitty's inner wildcat and help you to make their life happier and healthier in the process. You'll no doubt have some questions about the botanical collection and how it can benefit your cat too. So take a peek below for answers to the most commonly pondered topics. You'll find along the way links to articles and video content I am in the process of writing to further support you and your cat's discovery of plants!
Botanical basics
What are botanicals?
The botanicals used in all the products I sell, are a carefully selected range of organic, cat-safe plant species that are reputed for their ability to both attract cats and enrich their lives. There are two collections:
The aromatic botanicals
These plants are reputed for their potent scents which felines find particularly alluring. These botanicals include:
The edible botanicals *COMING SOON*
A delectable range of cat-friendly, easy-to-grow grasses in four tasty varieties for all those cats who feel the urge to graze on vegetation. We cat scientists still don't really know exactly why carnivores would want to munch on greens, but we do have a few hypotheses which you can soon read about here. Cat safe grasses are something every cat should be able to explore and I've carefully selected organic seed varieties that are safe and suitable to grow in your home, or on a balcony or garden.
The aromatic botanicals
These plants are reputed for their potent scents which felines find particularly alluring. These botanicals include:
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
- Cat mint (Nepeta x faassenii)
- Silvervine 'Matatabi' aka the Japanese catnip (Actinidia polygama)
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
- Cat 'Thyme' (Teucrium marum) *COMING SOON*
- Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) *COMING SOON*
The edible botanicals *COMING SOON*
A delectable range of cat-friendly, easy-to-grow grasses in four tasty varieties for all those cats who feel the urge to graze on vegetation. We cat scientists still don't really know exactly why carnivores would want to munch on greens, but we do have a few hypotheses which you can soon read about here. Cat safe grasses are something every cat should be able to explore and I've carefully selected organic seed varieties that are safe and suitable to grow in your home, or on a balcony or garden.
What makes your signature botanical blend for cats, Potion No. 9, so special?
The beauty of my Potion No. 9, is that it not only contains premium, potent, oil-rich parts of the catnip plant, but it also contains two other powerful plant ingredients that cats respond independently to. So basically what I mean is, that if your cat happens to be in the one third of cats that isn't genetically able to respond to catnip, then it doesn't mean they won't respond to either of the other two ingredients I've included in the potion. In fact, the odds of your cat responding to the combination of botanicals I've blended in Potion No. 9, is actually 92%. That equates to an investment worth trying in most people's books! ;-)
What makes The Black Cat Apothecary botanicals THE BEST?
I am not just a vet, I'm a trained biologist and purrfectionist. I analyse, ponder and question everything in great detail to be sure it's the right choice for my own feline family and also in my work as a vet. I have strong values and high standards which I kept in mind when I formulated my botanical range:
Premium quality
I have sourced the most high quality, oil-rich plants to use in my special potions and I haven't stopped there. Oil distribution in plants varies in potency from root to stem, and leaf to flower. I only select the best parts of the plant that contain the most oil for that given species and never bulk up the formula with the cheap woody stems you'll find in the vast majority of catnips available.
Organic
As part of my commitment to our planet and its ecosystems, I only use suppliers that grow their plants organically and some are even grown by me.
Cat & bee friendly
Being pesticide free is something I feel passionately about. Bees are naturally attracted to these plants when in bloom so it'd be cruel and very eco-unfriendly to cover them in deadly chemicals. Cats are also particularly susceptible to poisons owing to their petite size and the fact that they are naturally deficient in certain liver enzymes that break down insecticides.
Unique formula
There are currently no other products on the market that harness the combined power of catnip, silver vine and valerian in one easy to use formula.
Hand blended to order
The whole, raw materials are blended to a secret recipe by hand by me personally, at the point of sale, so you know that each tin is of optimal potency and quality.
Value for money
As I only select the best ingredients for my botanical potions, the result is a more potent and longer-lasting formula. That means a better experience for your cat and you don't need to use nearly as much, so each small tin is great value for money.
Family-run UK business
Each purchase means so much to me and is followed up with exceptional customer service. Supporting my small and friendly UK business helps me continue to offer free educational content on my website and social media to help people and cats who may have limited access to veterinary care.
Eco-friendly packaging
As part of my commitment to our natural world the packaging of all products (including postal packing) is fully recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. You can either hold onto your little tin and repurpose it, or recycle it in your household recycling bin.
Premium quality
I have sourced the most high quality, oil-rich plants to use in my special potions and I haven't stopped there. Oil distribution in plants varies in potency from root to stem, and leaf to flower. I only select the best parts of the plant that contain the most oil for that given species and never bulk up the formula with the cheap woody stems you'll find in the vast majority of catnips available.
Organic
As part of my commitment to our planet and its ecosystems, I only use suppliers that grow their plants organically and some are even grown by me.
Cat & bee friendly
Being pesticide free is something I feel passionately about. Bees are naturally attracted to these plants when in bloom so it'd be cruel and very eco-unfriendly to cover them in deadly chemicals. Cats are also particularly susceptible to poisons owing to their petite size and the fact that they are naturally deficient in certain liver enzymes that break down insecticides.
Unique formula
There are currently no other products on the market that harness the combined power of catnip, silver vine and valerian in one easy to use formula.
Hand blended to order
The whole, raw materials are blended to a secret recipe by hand by me personally, at the point of sale, so you know that each tin is of optimal potency and quality.
Value for money
As I only select the best ingredients for my botanical potions, the result is a more potent and longer-lasting formula. That means a better experience for your cat and you don't need to use nearly as much, so each small tin is great value for money.
Family-run UK business
Each purchase means so much to me and is followed up with exceptional customer service. Supporting my small and friendly UK business helps me continue to offer free educational content on my website and social media to help people and cats who may have limited access to veterinary care.
Eco-friendly packaging
As part of my commitment to our natural world the packaging of all products (including postal packing) is fully recyclable, biodegradable or compostable. You can either hold onto your little tin and repurpose it, or recycle it in your household recycling bin.
My cat hasn't responded to catnip previously - will they benefit from Potion No. 9?
Potion No. 9 contains premium, potent, oil-rich catnip plants (Nepeta cataria) and only the best parts of each plant. It's far better quality than any mass-produced pet shop grade catnip that your cat has potentially sniffed before. In addition, my blend is the first UK product to contain two other powerful plants (silver vine and valerian). Each cat's response to these is independent from the one they have to catnip. So basically, if your cat isn't genetically able to respond to catnip (see next FAQ!), it doesn't mean they won't respond to either of the other two ingredients I've included. In fact, the science says that the odds of your cat responding to the combination of botanicals I've blended in Potion No. 9 is actually 92%. That equates to an investment worth trying in most people's books! ;-)
What factors affect whether or not my cat will respond to aromatic botanicals?
Individual cat factors - genetics, age, temperament & mood
It's true that when it comes to catnip at least, we know that some cats are not genetically equipped to experience its pleasurable effects. Studies show that around a third of cats simply don't carry the necessary genes to react to the chemicals in catnip. That means that just over two thirds of cats do have the potential to respond. That ability to react doesn't seem to be fully developed until 6 months of age - that said kittens as young as 6 weeks have been known to respond. How intensely a cat responds may vary with their temperament and mood, so it's very much an individual experience all round.
Environment & circumstances
A cat's interest in botanicals is influenced on what's going on around them at the time. If there's something frustrating or worrying on their radar then that is likely to over-ride any plant-based desires. Sometimes cats also seem to be uninterested initially, but then low and behold, as the sun goes down, up pops their inner wildcat and the botanically-infused toys then get a pummelling. So don't be hasty in removing the botanicals - allow your cat plenty of time over a period of a week or two, before deciding whether you think they're uninterested.
Quality and Storage
If your cat does have the genetics to respond, then any apathy they show for catnip may come down to the sort that's on offer - you've probably been buying cheap, mass-produced catnip (ie the boring, weakly-scented, woody chaff or sawdust that most pet stores sell). This sort of poor quality mainstream catnip uses the parts of the catnip that have less aromatic oil. This means they bulk it up with all the abundant woody stems, rather than the relatively more oil-rich parts such as the leaves and the most potent and expensive part, the flower buds.
Another possibility is that the catnip is old or hasn't been stored incorrectly by you or the supplier or has just been sitting on the shelf for too long (see the FAQ on How to store catnip to keep it fresher for longer). So remember, if your cat has previously turned their nose up at your last catnip offering, then it may say more about the quality of the catnip than the quality of your cat's DNA!
It's true that when it comes to catnip at least, we know that some cats are not genetically equipped to experience its pleasurable effects. Studies show that around a third of cats simply don't carry the necessary genes to react to the chemicals in catnip. That means that just over two thirds of cats do have the potential to respond. That ability to react doesn't seem to be fully developed until 6 months of age - that said kittens as young as 6 weeks have been known to respond. How intensely a cat responds may vary with their temperament and mood, so it's very much an individual experience all round.
Environment & circumstances
A cat's interest in botanicals is influenced on what's going on around them at the time. If there's something frustrating or worrying on their radar then that is likely to over-ride any plant-based desires. Sometimes cats also seem to be uninterested initially, but then low and behold, as the sun goes down, up pops their inner wildcat and the botanically-infused toys then get a pummelling. So don't be hasty in removing the botanicals - allow your cat plenty of time over a period of a week or two, before deciding whether you think they're uninterested.
Quality and Storage
If your cat does have the genetics to respond, then any apathy they show for catnip may come down to the sort that's on offer - you've probably been buying cheap, mass-produced catnip (ie the boring, weakly-scented, woody chaff or sawdust that most pet stores sell). This sort of poor quality mainstream catnip uses the parts of the catnip that have less aromatic oil. This means they bulk it up with all the abundant woody stems, rather than the relatively more oil-rich parts such as the leaves and the most potent and expensive part, the flower buds.
Another possibility is that the catnip is old or hasn't been stored incorrectly by you or the supplier or has just been sitting on the shelf for too long (see the FAQ on How to store catnip to keep it fresher for longer). So remember, if your cat has previously turned their nose up at your last catnip offering, then it may say more about the quality of the catnip than the quality of your cat's DNA!
What should I expect to see if my cat is responding to the botanicals?
The type of response a cat has to the potent aromatic oils released from catnip, silver vine and valerian will vary. Some cats definitely respond very enthusiastically and others just seem more chilled out with it and a small number of cats (about 6 in every 100) will show no signs of interest whatsoever.
The classic response is becoming very amorous with wherever you put the potion. Behaviours shown by cats range from hyper-playful hunting manoeuvres to seemingly sexual ones - cue unashamed rubbing and rolling, licking, salivating, meowing, chirruping and back leg "bunny" kicks.
All that energy release, usually ends with dreamy eyes and purring after about 10 minutes. A repeat purrformance doesn't seem to be achievable for around 30 minutes, sort of like a relative immunity to the chemicals, but after that time they seem to be able to re-live the experience.
It's really important not to try and interact with your cat while they are in their hyperactive or aroused state or you might become fair game! Some cats may get so carried away in the moment with all that potential energy flying around, that they can misdirect their claws and teeth at your body parts!
The classic response is becoming very amorous with wherever you put the potion. Behaviours shown by cats range from hyper-playful hunting manoeuvres to seemingly sexual ones - cue unashamed rubbing and rolling, licking, salivating, meowing, chirruping and back leg "bunny" kicks.
All that energy release, usually ends with dreamy eyes and purring after about 10 minutes. A repeat purrformance doesn't seem to be achievable for around 30 minutes, sort of like a relative immunity to the chemicals, but after that time they seem to be able to re-live the experience.
It's really important not to try and interact with your cat while they are in their hyperactive or aroused state or you might become fair game! Some cats may get so carried away in the moment with all that potential energy flying around, that they can misdirect their claws and teeth at your body parts!
Why does Potion No. 9 have a funny smell about it?
You can probably smell the very pungent oils from the valerian root powder. Some of people find it a pleasantly calming smell (me included) and others describe it as akin to smelly socks or up there with stinky cheese. Thankfully, it's your cat's nose that my potion is aiming to please, so rest assured it is meant to smell that way!
What is that brownish powder in the Potion No. 9 tin?
The potion is made up blend of whole catnip flower buds and freshly ground matatabi (silver vine) and valerian root, both of which are a fine, slightly gritty brown powder - so fine, in fact that you may find traces of it have escaped into the resealable bag it comes in - this is normal. Unlike other poor quality catnips which are all too often stale and brown-tinged when purchased, I have selected top quality catnip that is lovely and green in its pure, unblended state. It only looks brownish in appearance once it has been blended and takes on the hue of the powdered ingredients.
Safety & Ethics
What are the RISKS for cats when using botanicals?
There is no evidence that cats suffer any untoward effects from botanicals like catnip if you use them correctly - it seems to be safe and non-addictive. So the obvious question is, how can you use them safely?
The answer if by simply letting them experience the scent without actually ingesting it. If botanicals are swallowed rather than sniffed, then they have the potential to cause drowsiness and tummy upset (vomiting and diarrhoea).
To avoid less pleasurable responses like these, always make sure you offer the botanicals following these rules:
I'll soon be uploading a blog post on how to safely offer your cat botanicals as well as what NOT to do!
The answer if by simply letting them experience the scent without actually ingesting it. If botanicals are swallowed rather than sniffed, then they have the potential to cause drowsiness and tummy upset (vomiting and diarrhoea).
To avoid less pleasurable responses like these, always make sure you offer the botanicals following these rules:
- Let your cat choose whether to interact with it
- For first-timers, start by letting them sniff the unopened packet and monitor their response
- Follow the recommended advice about how much to offer thereafter, again monitoring their response if this is a first encounter
- Never be tempted to offer a 'line' or pile of botanical - issues can arise if large amounts of plant material get inhaled or lots of tiny particles get into the eyes. When eaten in larger quantities it can cause harm.
- Don't ever leave any cat unattended with the packet and don't underestimate what they'll do to get to that packet!
- Avoid any botanical brands that use thoughtless packaging like test tubes with removable lids (metal, cork, rubber). These are a real choking and gut obstruction hazard to curious creatures like cats!
I'll soon be uploading a blog post on how to safely offer your cat botanicals as well as what NOT to do!
Are botanicals SAFE to use if my cat is off colour, has a medical condition or is on medication?
When used in line with my recommendations (see my FAQ on how to use), the botanicals themselves should not be a concern to a fit, healthy cat or one that is stable on most medications. I will say, however, that the stereotypical excitement and antics that catnip sniffing can cause is something that has the potential to exacerbate specific pre-existing conditions. It's not that there's a higher risk of having an adverse reaction to the botanical scents, more that a pre-existing medical condition may be challenged by the sudden burst of energy and physical activity that ensues.
It's similar to what we would expect from a human with a heart problem who suddenly becomes overexcited or overexerts themselves racing around out of the blue. They might be absolutely fine but there is a risk it could trigger an issue so it's worth mentioning. On the flipside, you can buy catnip and other botanicals online or over the counter from pet shops with absolutely no health warning whatsoever. I guess being a vet means I'm probably at risk of knowing too much, however, it never hurts to err on the side of caution when it comes to our precious felines in my experience. So my best advice is, if in doubt, please do talk to your own vet first - they know your cat's unique medical history best. If your cat is already off-colour, then definitely even more reason to get them checked over!
It would be wise to be particularly cautious and check with your vet if the following situations apply...
Your cat has been diagnosed with:
Also, use common sense, for instance, if your cat is:
And lastly, if your cat hasn't seen a vet in the last 6 months, then please consult them before use, just to be on the absolute safe side.
It's similar to what we would expect from a human with a heart problem who suddenly becomes overexcited or overexerts themselves racing around out of the blue. They might be absolutely fine but there is a risk it could trigger an issue so it's worth mentioning. On the flipside, you can buy catnip and other botanicals online or over the counter from pet shops with absolutely no health warning whatsoever. I guess being a vet means I'm probably at risk of knowing too much, however, it never hurts to err on the side of caution when it comes to our precious felines in my experience. So my best advice is, if in doubt, please do talk to your own vet first - they know your cat's unique medical history best. If your cat is already off-colour, then definitely even more reason to get them checked over!
It would be wise to be particularly cautious and check with your vet if the following situations apply...
Your cat has been diagnosed with:
- Suspected allergies or asthma (If your cat happens to have a plant-based allergy, then inhaling botanicals might in theory trigger an allergic reaction)
- A serious neurological (eg seizures/fits) or heart problem (eg arrhythmia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy - HCM) or untreated hyperthyroidism - the logic being that you may not want to overexcite or challenge any known weaknesses in these organ systems.
Also, use common sense, for instance, if your cat is:
- Recovering from a surgical procedure or injury - please don't offer them any botanicals without talking to your vet first. You don't want to delay or set back any progress with any of their overenthusiastic antics ending with wound/sutures opening up or damaging any unhealed bones or soft tissues.
- On any medications - it's always best to check with your vet to see if there's likely to be an interaction between the medication and the areas of the brain stimulated by catnip.
And lastly, if your cat hasn't seen a vet in the last 6 months, then please consult them before use, just to be on the absolute safe side.
What should I do if my cat OVERINDULGES and eats the aromatic botanicals?
If your cat accidentally busts into their stash of botanicals, or overindulges then here's the best plan:
- Remove access to prevent further exposure
- Make sure they don't have any powdery residue caught on their face, especially around their eyes and nose - gently dust it off if it's safe to do so (ie make sure your cat's not feeling frisky still from the botanicals before doing this)!
- Keep your cat indoors in a safe environment away from items that they could jump up onto and fall off if they become drowsy
- Offer bland, easy to digest food such as Hills i/d, Royal Canin Sensitivity Control (both available from your vet) or steamed plain fillets of white fish or chicken (no rice required for cats!)
- Keep a watchful eye on their progress
- If you're concerned or your cat has any underlying medical problems, is on medication, has severe symptoms (or they persist beyond an hour), then please do contact your vet.
Isn't catnip really just a legal high for cats for human entertainment - is it ethical?
Let me start by saying that it's great that people are considering cat welfare and are keen to make ethical choices for their cats like I am. There's a real misconception about catnip as many people mistakenly think that it's all about giving cats a dose of recreational drugs, a kind of mewphoria for our own amusement. This is not helped by a range of catnip marketing language and brand names like KittyKrack, Meowijuana
etc. Whether or not you find your cat's behaviour amusing is a personal thing, but that's not where catnip's true value lies.
In reality, aromatic botanicals like catnip, silver vine and valerian all contain completely natural plant-based attractant molecules that even wild cats in their natural setting choose to indulge in. Whether it's wild lions roaming the African savannah rubbing on naturally aromatic shrubs or humans enriching the lives of their captive counterparts in zoos or small pet cats in homes, plant aromas are actually really powerful tools for feline health and happiness. You can read all about how catnip benefits cats - to be uploaded soon.
We know that when plants containing cat-attractant aromatic oils are damaged, they release fragrant chemicals into the air. When inhaled by our cats, these potent scents can activate certain stimulatory nerve pathways in the brain. It would be wrong to say exactly what these chemicals make our cats think and feel, but the positive behavioural responses we see are certainly very consistent with a pleasurable experience. See a previous FAQ 'What should I expect to see if my cat is responding to the botanicals?'
etc. Whether or not you find your cat's behaviour amusing is a personal thing, but that's not where catnip's true value lies.
In reality, aromatic botanicals like catnip, silver vine and valerian all contain completely natural plant-based attractant molecules that even wild cats in their natural setting choose to indulge in. Whether it's wild lions roaming the African savannah rubbing on naturally aromatic shrubs or humans enriching the lives of their captive counterparts in zoos or small pet cats in homes, plant aromas are actually really powerful tools for feline health and happiness. You can read all about how catnip benefits cats - to be uploaded soon.
We know that when plants containing cat-attractant aromatic oils are damaged, they release fragrant chemicals into the air. When inhaled by our cats, these potent scents can activate certain stimulatory nerve pathways in the brain. It would be wrong to say exactly what these chemicals make our cats think and feel, but the positive behavioural responses we see are certainly very consistent with a pleasurable experience. See a previous FAQ 'What should I expect to see if my cat is responding to the botanicals?'
Are these cat botanicals SAFE FOR HUMAN USE?
Inhaling or touching the oils within some aromatic plants can cause unwanted side effects for people who may be pregnant or breastfeeding. For that reason, it's best not to sniff or handle the botanicals if this applies to you. Also, as advised on the product label, please keep the tin well out of sight and reach of small children to avoid accidental ingestion.
The botanical formula is natural and organic, with many of the ingredients even being of human food grade quality, but consumption is still not advisable. Taking herbal supplements can also interact with prescription medications you may be using or any underlying illnesses.
Oh, and a little note for anyone planning to smoke the catnip blend hoping for the same high that cats seem to get - sorry to disappoint, but it's been done before (not by me, I might add!!) and humans may not experience the same response as cats.
The botanical formula is natural and organic, with many of the ingredients even being of human food grade quality, but consumption is still not advisable. Taking herbal supplements can also interact with prescription medications you may be using or any underlying illnesses.
Oh, and a little note for anyone planning to smoke the catnip blend hoping for the same high that cats seem to get - sorry to disappoint, but it's been done before (not by me, I might add!!) and humans may not experience the same response as cats.
How To...
INTRODUCE YOUR CAT TO BOTANICALS
- Always read the safety advice (see above FAQ) first and if in doubt talk to your vet.
- A good rule of thumb with anything new, be it food, medications or catnip, is to introduce it to your cat gradually.
- Let each cat choose if they want to approach or interact with your offering
- Give each individual space (separate rooms ideally) so there is less conflict over accessing it.
- Remember a little goes a long way! These botanicals are fresher, more potent and more aromatic than the mass-produced pet shop catnip that your cat may have tried before.
- Observe the effects by just letting each cat sniff the sealed packaging first of all. If they seem intrigued by the aroma, then try infusing your cat's toys with one of the botanicals for some extra playtime fun.
- Shake and invert the tin in three dimensions, to mix and activate the ingredients. Then, tap it lightly to settle the contents a little, before you carefully open the lid. The brown powdery residue is ground valerian and silver vine so it needs to be evenly mixed through the catnip buds and leaves before each use.
- Take a small pinch or two and rub it gently between your fingertips. This important step releases the naturally invigorating scents. Then add this to your kitty's toys using either of the two suggestions below:
Marination
Place a couple of pinches of botanical in a resealable, air-tight plastic bag, along with a couple of cat toys. Seal the bag and shake well to evenly distribute and awaken the scent. Let it marinate overnight, then shake the bag again before offering the toys to your cat. You can keep reusing this bag of marinade until it's gone (or the effect on your cat has). Check out my tips in the next FAQ for correct storage to keep it fresh and potent.
Stuffing
Simply push the botanical into any toys with refillable pouches and reseal
** Video coming soon! **
STORE BOTANICALS FOR MAXIMUM FRESHNESS & POTENCY
A bit like the dried kitchen herbs you may use in your own cooking, storage is very important. To get the best from your cat's botanicals, it's really important to protect them from all the things that naturally cause the aromatic oils within the plant material to deteriorate.
So for maximum botanical freshness and potency, be sure to:
So for maximum botanical freshness and potency, be sure to:
- Protect from light by keeping the tin firmly closed and storing in a dark cupboard
- Protect from air by sealing the tin and storing it within an airtight contain or resealable bag. Be sure to seal the 'zip' properly after each use. If your overenthusiastic cat accidentally sinks their teeth into the bag it's no longer airtight by the way ;-)
- Protect from extremes of temperature & moisture by storing your botanicals in a cool, dry place at around room temperature.
- Use within 2 years of purchase or before if your cat's response indicates the potency is waning.
ENSURE YOUR CAT GETS ALL THE BENEFITS OF BOTANICALS
I have a blog post dedicated to this very topic which I'll soon be uploading!
