Last updated on January 22nd, 2023 at 07:04 pm
In addition to hay as the primary food, guinea pigs can also eat vegetables, fruits, grass and plants in their diet.
When it comes to plants, some are good and some are bad for their health; one of those plants is catnip.
Can guinea pigs eat catnip?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat catnip because it causes digestive problems, diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and fatigue.
In today’s article we will learn a little more about the impact of catnip on the health of guinea pigs and why this herb should be avoided.
What is Catnip?
Catnip is also known as catmint, catwort, and belongs to the mint family.
The origin of catnip is from Asia and Europe, and now it is grown worldwide. Catnip is also used for medicinal purposes because it helps with certain diseases.
This plant can also be used to make tea or juice and has benefits for humans, but not for guinea pigs.
Can guinea pigs eat catnip?
No, guinea pigs should not eat catnip; it harms their health.
If guinea pigs eat catnip, they risk having problems with their digestive system, diarrhea and other health problems in general.
Catnip is suitable for other animals, such as dogs, but not for guinea pigs, so avoid giving this plant to your pets.
Will guinea pigs like to eat catnip?
No, guinea pigs, or most of them, will not want to eat catnip.
Because this plant has a specific smell that guinea pigs don’t like, they will avoid eating it.
In any case, avoid offering catnip to your furry friends.
Why is catnip terrible for guinea pigs?
Catnip is harmful to guinea pigs and can cause numerous problems, especially with their digestive system.
If the guinea pigs eat catnip, they will have stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and digestive problems.
In the composition of the catnip, some chemicals can disrupt the proper functioning of their digestive system.
From a scientific point of view, there is still not much information about all the possible consequences of guinea pigs eating catnip, so there is no need to take risks and daim is given by this plant.
There are many other plants and vegetables in nature that are great for the health of guinea pigs so you better feed them Dandelion, Parsley, Kale, Peppers and other types of food.
Is Catnip Healthy For Guinea Pigs?
No, catnip is not healthy for guinea pigs, it can even be toxic to them, especially the danger of eating catnip flowers and seeds is risky for our pets.
If they eat very little they may get stomach problems and diarrhea, but in larger amounts it can be toxic with fatal consequences for their health.
According to some resources, fresh catnip leaves are safe for guinea pigs, but this has not yet been confirmed enough to give them to our pets, so there is no need to risk it.
Can guinea pigs eat other parts of catnip?
No, guinea pigs cannot eat other parts of catnip.
Whether you give them catnip leaves, seeds or stems, they are harmful and will only cause digestive problems for our furry friends.
If they accidentally try to eat these parts of this plant, you will most likely have to take your pet to the vet to help him with the consequences.
What to do if guinea pigs eat catnip?
If the guinea pigs still eat catnip by some chance or carelessness, you should not panic.
If they eat a small amount, they will get diarrhea, and if they eat a large amount, they will get stomach pains, nausea and digestive problems.
In such a situation, immediately give them a larger amount of water to make it easier for them to digest the food.
Then take your pet to the vet for an examination and to see if he needs proper therapy.
Can guinea pigs eat herbs?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat different types of herbs, providing them with the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed to improve their health.
Of course, just as there are healthy and valuable herbs, there are also harmful herbs such as catnip.
Let’s see which herbs are good and bad for guinea pigs’ health.
Herbs good for the health of guinea pigs:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dandelion
- Parsley
- Radish
- Endive
Here are the herbs you should avoid for guinea pigs:
- Foxglove
- Ragwort
- Ivy
- Privet
- Holly
- Yew
- Hemlock
Can guinea pigs have catnip toys?
Unfortunately, there is still not enough information on how catnip toys affect the health of guinea pigs.
There is not enough evidence if they will get digestive problems or something like that, but it is best not to risk it at all; avoid catnip toys.
There is no need for guinea pigs to use toys made of catnip because there are countless safe toys that, with their composition, are not at all harmful to their health.
Can guinea pigs eat cat grass?
Yes, guinea pigs can eat cat grass; in fact the digestive system of our pets is adapted for this kind of food.
Of course, although they can eat cat grass, we should give them small amounts in the beginning so that they can get used to the new food, as we should do every time they try something new to eat.
In any case, catnip is safe for guinea pigs, and can be given to them to eat, although some guinea pigs will want to eat it, and some will refuse.
Read more: 11 Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Not Eating Hay
Can Guinea Pigs Eat Cat Food?
Guinea pigs can eat dry cat food, but we do not recommend feeding them with this type of food.
Guinea pigs are natural herbivores, and cat food contains processed meat, fats and proteins, which is still not adequate food for our pets.
Cat food does not have enough vitamin C, one of the most important vitamins for the health of guinea pigs, and which they cannot produce on their own, and must take it daily through their diet.
We recommend giving cat food to guinea pigs only when you have to, that is, if you have no other food for your pets at the moment.
Read more: Can Guinea Pigs Eat Okra? Complete Guide
Conclusion
Guinea pigs must not eat catnip, as it harms their health.
Catnip can cause indigestion, diarrhea, fatigue, stomach pains and other problems with the digestive system in guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs should not eat leaves, stems or any other part of catnip, they are all harmful to them.
According to some resources, dried catnip leaves are not dangerous for the health of guinea pigs, but this has not yet been confirmed, so there is no need to take a risk and let them eat this plant.
Our recommendation is not to give catnip to your furry friends; there is no need to risk it; there are a huge number of other herbs and plants like Basil, Cilantro, and Dandelion that are nutritious and healthy to improve their health.
