They won’t respond to catnip till they become sexually mature. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Interestingly, one study found that cats who did not pick up on the catnip scent responded positively to silver vine (75% of cats) or Tatarian honeysuckle (33%). Vomiting can cause dehydration to your kitty and can lead to more health issues. Here's the bad news: yes, as it turns out, it is absolutely possible for a cat to overdose on catnip. Catnip is a natural essential oil and it does not contain any ingredients that can kill a cat or cause a cat to overdose. There is no ingredient in catnip that can harm your cat. The others do not react at all. Give your kitty what is needed and not more. Catnip has some negative parts, but the best thing is that all of the negatives will vanish within 10 to 15 minutes. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb of the mint family. Not all cats respond in the same way. Apparently, catnip produces a similar reaction to dabbling with LSD or marijuana (although let’s assume that no cats were actually subjected to such drugs in the name of catnip research). So it will be good to provide her catnip once every two or three weeks. Mainly your kitty’s focus will be on the catnip. “Optimizing an Indoor Lifestyle for Cats.” 2018 Chicagoland Veterinary Conference. He got into a whole bag and went crazy! In all cases, your kitty will be back to the normal mind within 15 minutes. Can Cats Overdose on Catnip? If your cat doesn’t stop vomiting or having diarrhea for an extended period, then also you should show her to a veterinarian. However, cats can still have too much of it. Like almost anything that is safe to use on our pets, moderation is always key. “Catnip: Its Uses and Effects, Past and Present.”. So always be alert of overdosing of catnip. Other plants that are pleasant to the feline olfactory center are honeysuckle wood, valerian root and silver vine. Every time you give them catnip, you are dosing her by providing the psychoactive drug. Cats who are not fit will not be able to afford catnip’s effect to an extent. Just opposite of smell, here she mellows out being sedative. Can catnip be helpful? You and your cat will enjoy the catnip. Mainly those are small kitties who come below six months. It is effortless to be away from the catnip because the catnip’s effect will last only for 10 or 15 minutes. Although catnip is non-toxic and safe to cats, consuming fresh catnip it in excess amounts can technically cause an “overdose”. Guide & Full Reviews. Some cats need to be older before they get pleasure from catnip. Though there is no specific amount of catnip that can overdose a cat, but the more amounts the cat inhales the more intense will be the reaction. Apparently, catnip produces a similar reaction to dabbling with LSD or marijuana (although let’s assume that no cats were actually subjected to such drugs in the name of catnip research). Your cat will feel alright in no time. AFAIK, no. Catnip is non-addictive, so don’t need to get concerned about it. You should also know that kittens are likely to be even more sensitive to the bloating and laxative effects from the fiber in catnip. So don’t get worried about what now the current situation is. The catnip is a recreational drug, as well as non-addictive, so it won’t make your feline friend poisonous to a great extent. It is harmless too. It has the power to make your lazy kitty to a cracked furball. You can gift your loved one with solid catnip balls stuffed with the herb, and your cat will love to tire it off. Being a plant, catnip contains moderate amounts of dietary fiber. According to the folks at Petful, catnip is, taking a wide view, non-toxic. Catnip: Toys and Training You will understand it better if I give an example of ants following other ants. You will naturally want to as well know how much catnip to give to your cat and whether or not an overdose of the herb is possible. Can You Overdose A Cat On Catnip? Does your cat love catnip? Remain calm. In fact, it grows like a weed, so be careful where you put it. The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. When a cat eats food containing fiber, it can have a laxative effect on the cat resulting in runny stools. Catnip mimics feline sex hormones, so cats enjoying this substance will often display behaviors similar to a female cat in heat (although both male and female cats can experience the effects). This list is not an exhaustive list of its uses in history: Catnip was used as a replacement for marijuana in the 1960s or as a filler in marijuana. You can just use it to spray where you need your kitty to get attracted. Top 10 Unsafe Foods for Cats So, what is catnip anyway? However, if you offer her catnip habitually, she may not respond to it. It is known for its effects on cats, and the very name ‘catnip’ is derived from this phenomenon. What happens when my cat has catnip? The effects of the plant can vary depending on the cat, making them more excitable, or just more mellow and sleepy, … 5 Best Urinary Food for Cats in 2020. According to Minnesota, fresh catnip contains 0.3 to 1.0 volatile oil. If your cat behaves unusually, don’t worry because you will see her back to the normal position within a quarter of an hour. Catnip sprays are available and contain a lesser amount of nepetalactone. Not all cats will behave in the same way after having it. In my opinion, you can give her about 1tablespoon or approx—0.5 oz of catnip. Can cat overdose on catnip? If your cat is not much healthy, try to give a small portion. Catnip can have a variety of effects of cats. Interestingly enough, even cats that cannot smell are still affected by Catnip. Easy to grow! Most cats love catnip — and the good news is that catnip is safe. The nepetalactonewithin the catnip herb is the reason your cat will act strangely when exposed to it. Why are cats attracted to catnip? However, they CAN get sick from eating a large amount of catnip. Catnip is sensitive to only 50 to 70 percent of cats. As well as keep in mind the quantity. Catmint plants have a wonderful tall lavender flower, and they make a great border or add a touch of English or cottage garden vibe when mixed in with other plants. The occasional use of catnip is safe and recommended as a lifestyle enhancer by feline experts and behaviorists. In a recent study, researchers hypothesized that the cats who were exposed to catnip and simply reclined or maintained a sphinx-like position may have actually been in a hallucinogenic state. The reason is that it enhances the “happy” receptors in the brain. 3 Responses to “Can a cat overdose on catnip?” cathy Says: January 18th, 2013 at 5:49 am. Can Your Cat Overdose Catnip? You can buy catnip in the form of the fresh plant, in dried format, as flakes, as pellets or in spray form. Catnip can have a sedative effect on some cats, especially if it’s eaten rather than just sniffed. What Is Catnip? Just rub catnip on areas where you need your kitty to be. There are no known negative effects with catnip. There are a wide range of ornamental plants in the Nepeta family. Some cats have aggressive behavior after having catnip. As catnip poisoning is not a true poisoning to felines and mainly an overdose of the stimulant, there is no true treatment specifically deemed for catnip poisoning in cats. Can Cats Overdose on Catnip. Merely saying your cat will go nuts. It is catnip bubbles. In the same way, there is no real treatment for it too. It is a chemical that acts like hormones secreted by individuals to impact others’ behavior. That being said, there is such a thing as too much catnip. All of these garden plants are safe for cats. Prolonged use won’t have any effect on your cat. The overall recommendation is to offer your cat a small amount of fresh catnip every 2 weeks or so. Fortunately, it is impossible for your cat to overdose on catnip, but they may be overstimulated by a large dose. Some Catnip Facts. You might have seen children enjoying it by blowing bubbles. Like almost anything that is safe to use on our pets, moderation is always key. Some will show aggressive behavior. Although catnip is non-toxic and safe to cats, consuming fresh catnip it in excess amounts can technically cause an “overdose”. Fresh catnip can also be used in scratching posts by rubbing on it. This is usually mild and self-limiting. On This Page So, what is catnip anyway? If you are a scientist, you might reference […] Your cat will be immediately attracted and will start enjoying it. The spray can be a worthy product for you. So if your kitty has catnip too much, try to reduce and make it once or twice a week. The critical mannerism of catnip lasts for only 10 minutes, but its influence will please her for several hours. Cat Urinary Tract Health – Q&A, 9 Best Carriers for Cats in 2020. Too much catnip will most likely not present itself in a way that can harm your cat. But your kitty won’t get addicted to it. Treat it immediately if you feel that your cat is facing some risks. Catnip Effects on Cats Is catnip safe for cats? Ready for some lighthearted fun? Therefore you don’t give too much concern on the appropriate dosage. So there is no need for treatment if its effect goes beyond the maximum. However, cats can still have too much of it. Enjoy your outdoor catnip plants until frost. Too much catnip will most likely not present itself in a way that can harm your cat. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which causes behavioral changes in members of the feline family. Third and the primary part hypothalamus processes sexual response. Not All Cats Respond to Catnip What exactly is catnip? Cats don’t need fiber in their diet. However, there is still a chance to have an overtreatment. References : Dark Baron Says: January 18th, 2013 at 6:13 am So far, there are no other symptoms observed. Catnip is coming under the mint family, and it has a leafy appearance. This was his first time ever being exposed to catnip. Left unsupervised they may overeat the fresh catnip. Frequent exposure might likewise lower the effect catnip has on your cat. So this might be the reason why researchers came up with the conclusion that Nepetalactone is like pheromones. If this occurs, pet owners should eliminate catnip from their feline’s environment. We’ll discuss this below, so keep reading. For example, in self-grooming brushes, catnip is present to make your cat attracted to it. Can Cats Overdose on Catnip? So yes… and no. 2. You can give her twice every two or three weeks. Catnip’s effect on cats is best defined as a nonaddictive recreational drug for cats. Other than this, all conditions catnip won’t do any injury to your furry friend. Left unsupervised they may overeat the fresh catnip. Catnip generally is harmless — and, no, cats cannot overdose on it. However, reactions can occur. Yes, as we touched on earlier in the article, it is the nepetalactone that the cat has the reaction to, not the catnip itself. I will discuss here some useful techniques and methods to provide catnip. High doses can cause some cats to become very overstimulated, possibly even aggressive. Humans can't overdose on Cannabis either, its physically impossible, you'd have to consume it, straight, like a cat would with catnip, and would have to eat like a hundred pounds of it. There is no risk of an overdose of catnip and most cats will just refuse it when they have had enough so you shouldn’t worry about this. Nepetalactone is an essential oil (and the main ingredient in the plant that is attractive to cats). The cat references never get old! Probably your cat will go back after having a sufficient amount. Catnip is not harmful to your cat. Toxic does not only mean that it makes cats deadly; catnip can make your cat show uncomfortable symptoms. As a cat owner, you should always be aware of the quantity of catnip given to your furry friend. Whenever we give our pets something that may affect their bodies and minds we also need to be sure it’s safe and healthy for them. Some cats can show reactions like she had something toxic. Although, we are not sure if an overdose is a right word to use or not. The short answer is no, cats can’t overdose on catnip. However, if they have too high of a dose, it can lead to some not-so-pleasant side effects like nausea or diarrhea. Your cat’s body might fight with the quantity of catnip you gave. As you know, the hypothalamus is the part of the brain which regulates the motions. Minnesota Poison Control System says that catnip is not toxic; it is impossible. While some cats will get aggressive or playful, others will remain calm. Your cat will show different types of behavior while trying to share to deposit pheromones, such as rubbing, scratching, rolling, etc. Catnip may be one of the most pleasant and attractive scents in the world to many cats. But if your furry friend is not doing these two processes and shows any discomfort. Some cats show aggression after exposure to catnip. If your cat already overate the catnip, it can be toxic. Catnip Effects on Cats Is catnip safe for cats? Dosage of Catnip differs in certain factors such as age. Now you have to provide her veterinary attention to prompt her to vomit. You can use catnip spray for training purposes, such as spraying a new cat scratch tower, bedding or steering your cat toward, Bol, Sebastiaan, PhD, et al. "Be mindful of overindulgence though — cats are unlikely to overdose on catnip, but they can get sick if they eat too much," suggests The Human Society. Catnip causes neurologic changes in cats and is considered a mild hallucinogen. When you give fresh catnip, just crush it a bit, more scent will be released. Those that are will generally do all sorts of nutty things, like paw at it, roll around at it, and maybe growl or meow. The answer appears to be “no.” Catnip is a member of the mint family, and contains an ingredient called nepetalactone. In such cases, also do not give them any dosage. The only thing it gets more sensitive to catnip. But can cats overdose on catnip? See, https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6, https://www.wikihow.com/Give-Catnip-to-Your-Cat, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1480656/, Head shaking, rubbing chin and cheeks on the plant, and a “head-over” roll and body rub, Euphoria (not sure how to quantitate this one either), Reproduction, menstruation and child birth in women. No, cats can’t overdose on catnip. Catnip is a uterine stimulant, so it is not recommended for pregnant queens. This is manifested in diarrhea and vomiting. It can cause heavy sedation in others. However, if she eats more catnip, you may see her vomiting, or in some cases, she may have diarrhea. To be frank, the quantity of catnip varies based on the cat’s nature. As a cat owner, you should know about catnip, its benefits, and its disadvantages. If the symptom of an excess persists, contact your veterinarian and diagnose it. But if your cat has too much catnip, she will go crabby as well as a sedative. She will get exhausted due to this. Catnip can be invasive. Can catnip be helpful? Although not lethal, nepetalactone can have some adverse effects in large amounts. Probably your answer will be yes. Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family labiatae. If you are giving catnip regularly, you can still moderate it without any difficulty. When you give catnip to your kitty for the first time, she will go cracked. Some cats may become cranky or nauseous, that’s also because of too much exposure. Some will be depressed or altered, but these neurologic signs will be only short-lived. How dangerous is it for your cat? The (relatively) good news is that, when all is said and done, the worst that'll probably happen is a rug full of cat diarrhea. Nepeta is easier to grow than lavender and makes a similar statement in a garden. Your cat will have fun with catnip, and it’s stimulating too. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb that belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. Can cat overdose on catnip? It is also not suitable for epileptic cats because it can increase seizures. High doses can cause some cats to become very overstimulated, possibly even aggressive. What could be better? Although cats are unlikely to overdose on catnip, they can get sick and have diarrhea or vomit from eating too much of it — whether that means they’ve consumed all of the catnip hidden in their toys, or too much catnip oil is rubbed onto them. Your email address will not be published. However, they CAN get sick from eating a large amount of catnip. This is what generally happens. I would suggest you stimulate your cat with catnip toys, instead of oral consumption. The Maximum Amount of Catnip You Should Give a Cat Although many cat owners may want to experiment with giving their cats catnip, it can be hard to know how much is too much. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a terpene, that is thought to mimic feline sex pheromones. Even though catnip is like a drug, there are no withdrawal symptoms. Check Now: Blue Buffalo • Science Diet • Purina • Wellness • 4health • Canine Carry Outs • Friskies • Taste of the Wild • See 200+ more brands…. The oil will cause changes in the behavior of your kitty. You will see, large quantities of catnip can make your cats sick. Be Focused and Be Safe. We didn't think it would effect him at all, but we were wrong! Well, it’s okay. Is catnip harmful to your cat? Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb of the mint family. All About Cat Grass Cat grass is a blend of many kinds of grass grown from seeds. This may cause them to be sick for a while though they may regain their health later but according to Dr Shelby Neely, cats normally sense it when they have had enough of the drug leaf. Actually, some cats even don’t like the flavor of catnip so once inhaled and the buzz goes off, they are no more interested to smell or eat again. All About Cat Grass Cat grass is a blend of many kinds of grass grown from seeds. When your cat feels it’s enough, she will stop and return to her regular activity. Effects on cats. Can catnip be helpful? They might over-consume it sometimes. Can Cats Overdose On Dried Catnip. Especially if your cat becomes exposed to the actual catnip plant. You can also grow catnip in your home. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a terpene, that is thought to mimic feline sex pheromones. When sniffed, catnip will stimulate a … References : Dark Baron Says: January 18th, 2013 at 6:13 am. These behaviors can include overt signs of affection, relaxation, and happiness. However, cats are known for their ability to gauge how much of catnip is enough for them. Keep in mind all the points mentioned above and then go ahead. Let me tell you the reason behind the catnip, which makes your kitty go crazy. Second one Amygdala processes emotions. Some problems may cause to her in certain situations. Dried catnip still has plenty of nepetalactone within it meaning your cat can still have a reaction to it. If your cat looks like she had enough and more what is needed, then just take away the catnip. Even though cats do not overdose on catnip, it is important to make sure your cat does not consume too much of it. In this case, the catnip essence will be present in the bottle. If you give her catnip and watch, you can see her doing the same. Cats don’t need fiber in their diet. I’ll explain to you why it is so. Catnip is a plant…it won’t hurt him. I planted a new Cat’s Meow Catmint in my garden a few weeks ago. You should also know that kittens are likely to be even more sensitive to the bloating and laxative effects from the fiber in catnip. It is not like dried catnip, and it won’t make the place untidy. Catnip bubbles are available in the market. Effects on cats. Your email address will not be published. As I’ve already said, everyday consumption will lead to insensitiveness. It leans a bit to the left now but should overwinter fine and come back stronger in the spring. People have used catnip for centuries, but its usage has largely been replaced by more effective drugs. However, no case of an overdose of catnip has ever been reported. Approximately two thirds of cats are susceptible to the effects of catnip, as the phenomenon is hereditary. Another way of giving catnip is in spray format. So please be sure that your kitty doesn’t have epilepsy before you give catnip to your kitty. Grognet, Jeff, DVM. A small amount of catnip is harmless to your cat. We’ll discuss this below, so keep reading. It may cause vomiting and diarrhea in a cat. This is manifested in diarrhea and vomiting. However, cats have a unique trick by birth to limit everything on its own. There are no rules that says exactly how much and how often you should or shouldn’t give a catnip. But if your cat eats it, then things will get upside down. So if your cat loves catnip, don’t hesitate to give but with conscious. You should try to stick to an amount that is quarter-sized. Being a plant, catnip contains moderate amounts of dietary fiber. The first one is the Olfactory bulb, this processes scent. The nepetalactone binds to their olfactory receptors. It’s also called catmint, catsup, catwort, nip, new and field balm, and most of these names come from the plant’s obvious attraction to cats. Can Cats Overdose On Catnip As we have already touched on, the catnip plant is able to cause your pet cat to “overdose” if it is given too much access to it. If yes, then it may be due to the consumption of more amount of catnip than needed. Can my cat overdose on catnip? They best way to introduce a new kitten to a house with other cats is to keep the kitten in it's own room for about a week. Providing catnip is something extra you can do for your cat, whether you want to stimulate or make your furry friend happy. Catnip is a plant…it won’t hurt him. Catnip mimics feline sex hormones, so cats enjoying this substance will often display behaviors similar to a female cat in heat (although both male and female cats can experience the effects). So… Can cats overdose on catnip? There is a theory that it is some kind of a generic trait that gets passed down. However, catnip is probably most well-known for its effects on cats. If you don’t have a garden, you can grow a small catnip plant indoors. Plenty of owners choose to give their cat some catnip as a way to reduce anxiety or stress and encourage their cat to relax. Kittens do not respond to catnip until they are at least 9 weeks old. First, we will find out what catnip is and why cats can’t tolerate their perennial herb desire. which you might have seen many times. I will explain to you clearly this concept. An ornamental plant commonly called catmint (Nepeta curviflora, to name one) is attractive to cats to a lesser extent. Many cat owners are giving catnip on a daily base. If you are a scientist, you might reference […] As I mentioned, catnip has a chemical known as Nepetalactone, similar to the cat’s pheromones. I've read that it's not possible to overdose since cats will know when to stop. Full Guide and Reviews. After this period, your cat will be back in the usual position. The Maximum Amount of Catnip You Should Give a Cat Although many cat owners may want to experiment with giving their cats catnip, it can be hard to know how much is too much. No, not at all. Don’t ever give catnip to your kitty if she is pregnant. The best way to use catnip is to buy refillable toys to put inside fresh catnip. To be precise, catnip will not overdose your kitty. If a cat ate a significant portion of catnip in a short period of time, he or she might show very strong symptoms of a catnip reaction. Once it reaches the brain, it will make some sort of changes in the hypothalamus. Here's the bad news: yes, as it turns out, it is absolutely possible for a cat to overdose on catnip. Buy organic catnip or loose catnip. That’s the magic of catnip. Some websites include mint as toxic and talk about catnip as possibly toxic. You can give your kitty catnip without fear because it is very safe. “How to Give Catnip to Your Cat.” WikiHow. Nepeta species are cat-friendly and deer-resistant. The plant is a short-lived perennial and comes up in your garden from late spring through autumn. Historically, catnip has been drunk (catnip tea), smoked, used as a poultice and topically. So if you are worried about it, I would recommend you not to give your cat a catnip. Can my cat overdose on catnip? But once you make her inhale catnip, the reaction will be the same for all cats. Most cats don’t eat enough catnip to make them sick. Normally small kitties won’t react to catnip.Another factor is your cat’s health. But as i said before, catnip is safe and harmless. Nepetalactone is an essential oil (and the main ingredient in the plant that is attractive to cats). Again, these episodes are short-lived (10–15 minutes) and self-limiting. A large amount of ingested catnip may cause vomiting/diarrhea. The cat’s own body does a fairly adequate job of removing the toxin from the body through … That being said, there is such a thing as too much catnip. Top 10 Unsafe Foods for Cats So, what is catnip anyway? They can get sick if they have too much of it, but it’s rare. To most cats, catnip is like a crack. In some cats, catnip is found to be a depressant rather than a stimulant. The exact effect catnip has on cats varies widely. Catnip overdose would be highly unusual. Catnip is unlikely to cause an overdose, however too much can trigger nausea and throwing up. She looks like a cat-girl, fights for justice, loves animals (particularly cats), and leijon is a Swedish word connoting lion or lionhearted. Cats respond to catnip by chewing it, pawing on the source of catnip, and rolling on it. Some Catnip Facts. (Historically, catnip was used in women to bring on contractions.). You should try to stick to an amount that is quarter-sized. If the answer is yes, don’t worry because the catnip is completely safe. There is also one fun way to give catnip to your furry friend. You can also freeze catnip in a freezer bag or plastic container. And cats don't overdose on catnip. On This Page So, what is catnip anyway? Catnip clearly causes neurologic signs, either stimulation, depression or alteration. I love the perennial Nepeta plants in my garden, and my cats show mild to moderate interest in them. If you are a scientist, you might reference […] Catnip and Cats. Can a cat have too much catnip? The symptoms will be similar to the reaction when poisoned. Did your cat had too much of catnip? Is your cat crazy for catnip, and you want to know why she loses her mind over this herb? The literature states that up to half of cats do not respond or react to catnip. Scherk, Margie, DVM, DABVP. What is a pheromone? Catnip: Toys and Training A new variety is called Felix. Catnip is perfectly safe for cats and not addictive. Mostly all these kinds of cases will be okay within 15 to 30 minutes. 2. That’s the bad news, the good news is that a overdose in this sense is unlikely to be fatal. Common sense dictates catnip should be used occasionally. When you do this, your feline friend will get attracted to the appropriate scratching spot. This type of stuffed balls is excellent as your cat can play, smell, and enjoy it. Elliott, Pippa, BVMS, MRCVS. Catnip is very safe, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t do harm. They best way to introduce a new kitten to a house with other cats is to keep the kitten in it's own room for about a week. Catnip generally is harmless — and, no, cats cannot overdose on it. As I said, some cats won’t get attracted to the catnip. Not All Cats Respond to Catnip What exactly is catnip? But one of our cats ate some of his catnip toys, so it's not like he could know when it'll be too much. Not all cats are affected by it. Not All Cats Respond to Catnip What exactly is catnip? 11 Best Soft Cat Treats | Q&A | Full Guide, 8 Best Toothpaste for Cats for 2020. If your cat seems obsessed with the toy, take it away after 10–15 minutes and give the cat a rest. As I did a web search for “Nepeta,” many references to Nepeta Leijon came up. Let me explain…. Catnip is a harmless stimulant, so even though you also give more, that won’t cause any serious issue to your feline friend. The occasional use of catnip is safe and recommended as a lifestyle enhancer by feline experts and behaviorists. That being said, some people believe chronic exposure to catnip may cause an apparent loss of mental faculty in their cat. The plant isn’t toxic even if cats ingest it, so don’t worry if you see your furry little friend eating a little bit every now and then. Scientifically it has not mentioned the amount of catnip to be given to your cat. Mine are still healthy and happy. Especially if your cat becomes exposed to the actual catnip plant. There is no concept like overdosing in the catnip. If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. Perhaps they self-regulate their transient drug-induced behavior. 3 Responses to “Can a cat overdose on catnip?” cathy Says: January 18th, 2013 at 5:49 am. When your kitty inhales catnip, its smell stimulates the neurons through which all information will pass to the brain. It was a tender new plant, so I was amazed at its resilience when my cat rubbed himself all over it one day after planting. If this occurs, pet owners should eliminate catnip from their feline’s environment. 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