Healthful feline products including organic catnip,honeysuckle and valerian cat toys, all natural cat treats including Kitty Kaviar

Valerian FAQ

What is valerian?

Valerian Officinalis is a perennial plant that grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet, and has fragrant reddish to white flowers. It is usually thought of as a human herbal medication, having been used by humans for hundreds of years for a variety of reasons including: aiding sleep, treating restlessness, anxiety or tension.

Valerian and cats : the root of the plant contains a terpenoid chemical - valerinone. Valerinone is a chemical very similar to catnip's nepetalactone (the active ingredient in catnip that cats respond to). Plain Brown Tabby Toys and Treats only sells toys using certified organic valerian officinalis root. Odd Fact: to a human nose, the odor of valerian is similar to that of sweaty socks!

Do all cats respond to valerian?

No, but I have found that my cats who happen to respond to both catnip and to honeysuckle, also adore their valerian toys. If your cat is not a catnip responder, I'd would try both honeysuckle and valerian toys.

Ashley with Valerian Pom Poms! Picture copyright Bonnie Baker

What kinds of response do cats have to valerian?

My test subjects react as they do with honeysuckle or catnip - they lick the toy, wrestle with it by holding it in their front paws, rub their cheeks against the toy, and are just basically as silly as silly can be.

Is valerian safe for my cat?

Pure valerian root oil is too potent for cats per Kooky Kat Catnip Inc. See below for how to give valerian to your cat.

How do I give valerian to my cats?

Cat toys containing valerian root, or which have been scented with a quality valerian spray are safe for your cat to enjoy. Check out the Valerian Pom Poms by Kooky Kat - reviewed in the April 2006 issue of Cat Watch Newsletter and featured in this photo.

Plain Brown Tabby Toys and Treats is pleased to offer an expanding number of quality valerian cat toys.

We thank Kooky Kat Catnip Inc. for contributing to the content of this Valerian Faq, direct quotes are noted. The image of Valerian Root is copyright Kooky Kat Catnip Inc., and is used with permission.

Copyright 2005-2007 Plain Brown Tabby Toys and Treats. Photo of Ashley is copyright Bonnie Baker and used with permission. Other copyrights retained by their owners. This FAQ may not be reproduced, in whole or part without the consent of the author.