Is Catnip Ok? (& Other Treats)

[Angela & Blackie & 3 Others]

When Blackie was first diagnosed with diabetes, I asked the vet about giving her some catnip as a treat. She told me that catnip and tuna in water were out as treats. Since then, I've given Blackie a very, very small amount of tuna in water (about the size of my thumbnail), and she's still alive and well, and kicking.

Catnip, however, I haven't ever given (yet) because the vet told me "no". Is it safe for her to have that?

Other than boiled chicken and turkey, what other cat treats are ok to give a diabetic cat? (I haven't given her anything other than the boiled chicken and turkey).

 

[Ronnie & Luna]

that's bizarre.
Catnip is fine for kitties.

I'm also a big fan of Valerian Root, it's a little stronger and it stinks, but they love it too.
Works similar to catnip and I've never heard of any issues.

I do know it is wise to let your vet know what you're kitty is into, and always do some research before giving any herbal goodies.
ETA: especially if there are other medications involved. ECID

Link for kitty treats:
Low Carb Kitty Treats

 

[Pat+Raja+Shadow (GA)]

My two love love LOVE freeze-dried chicken...we get the Pure Bites for dogs. It's only the one ingredient and doesn't affect the BGs at all. However, be warned...it sis like kitty crack! Once they know you have it you will never have a peaceful moment again. I made the mistake of shaving some on top of their food and yous should SEE the looks I get when I run out of the stuff!!

My two like little clumps of catnip...but they do start to wrestle afterward. I also have a couple of little mice that have a pocket in the belly where you put fresh catnip. they love them too. Some people sprinkle some on their food too when they don't want to eat...
Now I am wondering why your vet would say no to catnip...

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

I think catnip is fine, also tuna in water (make sure that it is packed only in water; some brands have added soy) (Stu loves tuna). Halo Liv a Littles has freeze-dried salmon that Stu also likes (expensive, however). Also Grandma Lucy's freeze-dried roasted chicken (much cheaper than Liv a Littles). You can also buy canned chicken breast chunks packed in water (in the canned meat & fish section of the supermarket). These are intended for making chicken salad and tacos, but they make great cat treats.
Hey Blackie, you're going to get some great new treats soon!!!

Ella & Stu

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I wonder if your vet misunderstood. Feeding human tuna as a steady diet isn't a great idea since it doesn't contain all of the nutrients that a cat needs for a balanced diet. I think a "treat" on occasion is fine. Most vets advise against feeding fish on a regular basis. So again, maybe that was part of the vet's rationale.

As far as catnip, I've never heard of that.

Here's a link on sources for treats. Gabby doesn't like the freeze dried chicken in any form. She's a big fan of the Wellness jerky treats. Basically, anything that doesn't have grain or other carbs is fine. Several people here will give cooked chicken as a treat.

 

[Carrie & Trouble]

My Trouble eats catnip by the ton and his numbers are great. He also loves freeze dried chicken (brand: prime taste treats), which you can find on Amazon.com for a good price. He also likes the baby food "meat sticks" (the label says 1g carb for the entire jar).

 

[Seattlebrian]

I put the catnip in a sock, tie it off. Then put that sock in another sock and tie it off. Of course I'm using fresh catnip (it grows great here), not the dried "junk" you get from stores. None of it every gets eaten.