Can Guinea Pigs Eat Catnip?

If you own a guinea pig, you might be wondering what will happen to your guinea pigs if they eat catnip. Pet owners have got some fascinating results after feeding catnip to their pigs.

After eating or smelling catnips, we all know that cats become excited and show some strange behaviors. 

Many pet owners are aware of catnips, also called catmints, and whether or not to give them to their guinea pigs. Queries range from a disturbance in their digestion to food poisoning.

Though having antidiarrheal characteristics and is used by humans for medicinal use, guinea pig owners are not sure to feed it.

In this article, we’ll shine light upon the effects of catnip on guinea pigs. So, let’s get started.

Can Guinea Pigs Eat Catnip or Any?

Catnip is known by different names such as catmint, catwort, field balm, etc. The scientific name of catnip is Nepeta Cataria, and it belongs to the mint family. It is a feather-like-looking plant that native to Europe and Asia. 

We advise guinea pigs owners not to feed catnips to their pets. There is not enough evidence if they’re safe for your piggy pets.

Though, there have been speculations of hurting their stomach if ingested. On the contrary, catnips are harmless to cats and act as a stimulus.

How Does Catnip Affect Guinea Pigs?

No, guinea pigs do not react to catnips at all. There are no known chemicals in catnip that excites guinea pigs, they’re immune to catnips. Most pig owners claim to see no reaction in their pigs too.

Can Guinea Pigs Play With Cat Toys?

Choosing a toy for guinea pigs is a mindful task. The first thing to consider is what the toy is made of, as they’ll at a point start gnawing anything you give them.

So, it’s crucial not to provide them with toys made of plastics or something that can fit easily in their mouth to avoid choking. 

Since most common cat toys are made of plastic or furry materials. If the plastic toys are small and have thin layers, the guinea pigs can easily chew them, and the fur ones are hazardous as they can choke or suffocate them. 

In addition, we advise you to give them toys specifically made for them. For example, a willow ball is a good toy, as it is natural and edible. 

Safe Garden Plants And Herbs For Guinea Pigs

There are a variety of safe garden plants and herbs that is edible for guinea pigs. However, you should always be careful about the frequency and the amount you feed them. Let’s discuss some of these plants and herbs.

Garden plants are another excellent source of food for guinea pigs. If you own a garden, it’s healthy to let your pigs graze and exercise for a while.

The garden plant ranges from flowers, fruits, and other greens. You can feed the leaves of plants like carrots, beets, and radishes. In addition, your furry friends will enjoy fruits like strawberries, cherry tomatoes, blackberries, and cucumber as treats. 

The most common herbs used to feed guinea pigs are parsley, cilantro, mint, basil, thyme, and many more.

Though these herbs are harmless, it is not recommended to provide them regularly in large amounts. Instead, we advise you to feed your guinea pigs once or twice a week in small quantities. 

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What Plants Are Toxic To Guinea Pigs?

There are many plants that are toxic to guinea pigs, and it is important to be aware of these before you start feeding your pet any new foods. Some of the most common toxic plants include:

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In Short

Many guinea pigs owners avoid feeding their pig catnip in any form. There’s a lot of alternative food like herbs, greens, and fruits for your pigs. We hope that this article has helped you distinguish proper food for your lovely little guinea pig.