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My dad was quite the tea connoisseur, and loved to grow a garden each year. He grew fresh catnip for both the cats to enjoy, and used some for tea! Catnip tea has relaxing and calming benefits for our feline friends, so we thought we’d share the recipe with you.  First, grow catnip at home, then cut the growth at the base of the stem.
Next, bundle the stems and store them upside down in a cool, dry spot (like the garage). Once dry, remove the stems and crumble the leaves into a bag. You can use a ziplock baggie to store any extra leaves. Finally, follow the steps below, and let kitty enjoy! 3 teaspoons catnip leaves 2 cups hot water Steep for 5-10 minutes (the longer the leaves steep, the stronger the tea). Strain, let cool, and serve. Do not give your cat the full amount of tea, give only a little at a time as a small treat. Too much catnip tea may cause tummy upset.
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We have all found ourselves envious of a sleeping cat. They seem to have no cares in the world, and spend all day dozing and dreaming. I’ll be the first to say that sleeping in and taking naps is something I’ll do on occasion, but it can’t be every day! Meanwhile, cats seem to be sleeping their nine lives away… but why?  Natural Nighttime Cycles
We’ve mentioned before that cats are crepuscular, meaning they’re active from dusk to dawn, but are not fully nocturnal. (Although they sure seem nocturnal when they race through the house at 2 am!) We have all watched wildlife documentaries where the lions lay in the trees all day, flopped over the limbs, or lazily strolling around. Then when night time comes, the activity and hunting begins. Whether big cats or our sweet rescues, all cats have the same genetic background, so their routine and habits don’t change much. All of the hunting, jumping, running, stalking, and zoomies takes up alot of energy, and so all cats need a big rest and recharge throughout the day. Types of Sleep On average, a cat sleeps 16-20 hours a day, between a mix of light naps to full, deep slumber. Their dozing type of nap is light enough that they will hear noises, and can wake up to react quickly to changes in their surroundings. These naps are balanced by the cats’ deep sleep cycles, lasting around 30 minutes, where they dream and feel more fully recharged (similar to our REM cycles). This deep sleep was when my cat Maddie used to snore, which is not unusual for cats, especially if they have a short nose. Impacts of Age Similar to humans, the younger or older the cat is, the more sleep they require. Kittens require the most sleep since they are growing, but they certainly make up for it in the hours they are awake, by zooming around and causing chaos! Senior cats are a close second to kittens in their sleep needs, but typically without as much chaotic energy in their waking hours. If you start to notice that your cat is suddenly sleeping an unusual amount, talk to your veterinarian because it may indicate a health concern, especially if they’re not a kitten or senior. Naptime Indicators Who doesn’t love to nap on a rainy day? Weather affects cats’ sleep cycles, too, and signals them to take it easy when the rain, snow, or cold weather is around. Indoor cats sleep far more than outdoor cats, since outdoor cats need to be more active, but any cat will hunker down for an extra snooze in inclement weather. Once it’s warm and sunny, you’ll notice your cats choosing their naps in their sun, but overall having more spunk and energy! You may also notice their sleep habits come after a meal. For example, breakfast loads them up on a protein-rich diet, which cats require, but takes longer to digest. And they sleep while that happens! There really is something calming about a sleeping cat that we can’t get enough of. We love their crazy antics, but snoozing the day away is really cute to watch, too. (Today's photo feature adorable, comfy friend Sara!) The second cat I ever owned was the sweet, docile Guenivere, who was a Himalayan-Siamese mix. She was the sweetest cat, and lived to the ripe old age of eighteen! While I knew a lot about Siamese cats, the Himalayan side of Guenivere was new to me at the time. Himalayan’s are an interesting breed, and there is a lot to consider before bringing one home.  Mixed Breed
A hybrid of Persian and Siamese, this man-made breed was first seen in the 1930s, and was recognized as an official breed by cat associations about twenty years later. But Himalayans are not considered their own breed; they are classified as Persians. The first Himalayan kitten was named Newton’s Debutante, and the breed currently reigns as the Number One Pedigree Cat. Long Fur Coats The Himmies, as Himalayans are sometimes known, have coats that take on the colors and markings of their Siamese side. There are approximately nine coat color variations, but the breed will always have striking Siamese-blue eyes. Their lifespan averages about 15 years, and they are typically a medium build, though their fur makes them look larger. Their coats tend to be extremely long, and require dedicated daily grooming, up to twice a day. Finding a reputable groomer will become important if you don’t keep up with brushing. Mats and knots will form quickly, and create a big tangled mess. Because of their flat faces, they also tend to form tear stains, which a groomer can handle. The Himalayan is not a hypoallergenic cat. Sweet Personalities If you have other animals, and are considering another cat, the Himalayan is an excellent choice. These cats do very well with other pets, dogs or cats, and adapt very quickly. They love to cuddle, and are not the most active cats. Incorporate daily playtime with them for their exercise routine, to keep everyone happy and healthy. Climbing and jumping is not their favorite activity, so your curtains and Christmas trees are safe! A reputable breeder will likely charge $2000-2500 per registered kitten. Health & Wellness Since they are a man-made breed, speak to your veterinarian about health issues that could arise. Himalayans have a propensity for several problems concerning their eyes, teeth, breathing, and kidneys. Their low-energy lifestyle also means they can gain weight easily, so weight management is something to keep in mind. Understand this breed’s health concerns before purchasing or adopting, and plan ahead for potential frequent vet visits. My memories of sweet Guenivere are something I will always cherish, and hope that a Himalayan will bring the same happiness to you and your family. Always research the breed you’re interested in, so you know if the cat will be a good fit for your lifestyle, and if they’ll likely require extra budgeting to maintain good health. This lazy, cuddly breed can bring years of fluff and happiness! |
AuthorWhen Cari has some free time from all the kitties, she likes to share her knowledge of all things cat in this bi-monthly blog. Enjoy the read! Archives
June 2024
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