Catnip Oil

katgoddess

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I bought a bottle of Kooky Kat Catnip Oil for the kitties yesterday. I sprayed one of their beds with it as well as a toy. In the evening, I noticed that Tofu was rubbing his eyes a lot to the point where they looked a bit swollen and red. He wouldn't stop, so I put a cone on him. I took the cone off this morning and he seemed fine again, his eye was back to normal.

He really likes catnip and a few hours ago, I sprayed another toy with that oil and he's doing the thing with his eye again. I didn't make the connection until now -- is this a common reaction to catnip oil?

It is really strong smelling stuff. The ingredients list: catnip oil, water.
 

ldg

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This is the product we purchase - it's more expensive, but we've seen no adverse reaction at all and a little goes a REALLY long way. It drives the kitties NUTS, though we do (try to) let it dry before we give them the items that have been sprayed. But they all start freaking for it as soon as we start spraying anything
.

http://www.catfaeries.com/floralwaters-about.html
 
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katgoddess

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Thank you, I will look into it. I e-mailed the company and they reported that they have never heard of any cats reacting to their product, but they told me to stop using it immediately and wash out the toys I sprayed. I was told to return the product to them and they'll reimburse me + send some of their other catnip products made from the raw herb and not the oil. I'm really pleased with how they handled my concern.

Maybe it's just the way Tofu plays with it? He rubs his whole face into the toy...
 

snickerdoodle

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That is interesting! I am sorry his eyes were irritated though
But glad it improved when taking away the oil. I bought a spray bottle of catnip oil from Petco, it's Petco brand, too. Ingredients, catnip oil, water. Chickster rubs all over it and loves it. Boo couldn't care less about it, he has to have the herb. Chickster doesn't respond to the herb. It's very strange. But I've NEVER had either of them have a reaction like that.
I am glad the company was so kind towards you about this and glad you reported it. Chickster rubs her towel all over her (the only thing I spray) and I will keep on the lookout just in case for any adverse reactions.

It could be his rubbing his face in it, maybe he is just sensitive to it. I know my bottle smells VERY strongly, both cats squint their eyes when I spray it on the towel and they smell it. Maybe you could find a decent toy that is thin enough so he can smell the herb well but can't actually get to it? I used those little straw sacks with catnip herb in it, but Boo eventually grew tired of those. Just an idea. Hope Tofu feels better soon and he can still get his "fix"
 
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