Sporadic behavior, crazy dilated eyes, strange (and funny) movements and noises, or perhaps calm and mellow… if you are witnessing either of these types of behavior, your cat has definitely been into some catnip! So exactly what does catnip do to your cat ? Let’s find out below! In this article you will find:
- What is catnip
- What it does to your cat, it’s effects
- Benefits of catnip for cats
- Final thoughts
- Great catnip products by Kong
Catnip: What is it ?
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, originates from parts of Europe and Asia. It contains a feline/cat attractant known as nepetalactone which famously attracts all types of cats (and not just our domestic little furballs). It has several other uses, too such as being brewed as a herbal tea for human consumption, or for repelling some insects like mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and termites. The odor that catnip gives off usually affects cats behavior for the following 10-15 minutes. And once this 10 minute euphoria wears off, your cat won’t be able to be stimulated by the aromatic oil released from catnip again for about 2 hours.
What does catnip do to your cat ?
When someone thinks of the effects of catnip on their cat, they usually think of crazy, wild behavior. However, little known to some, catnip can actually have a very calming and blissful-like affect on your cat. And not every cat will experience the same side effects. Actually not every cat will be affected to the herb at all; two out of three cats are sensitive to catnip and it all depends on their genetic code. As a cat owner, you will be able to determine whether your kitty is sensitive to catnip after 12 – 24 weeks of age.
But if you’re here just to know the basics, don’t worry – catnip is non-addictive and completely safe to eat/chew/sniff/lick. Cats usually bite or chew the plant, stems, etc., to release the aromatic oil which is what stimulates them by latching on to their olfactory receptors. So cat’s don’t chew, bite, or lick the catnip for the taste but rather for the smell it releases.
Source: Flickr
Benefits of catnip for cats
Catnip creates happiness for cats just like cocktails do for businessmen and women or just like what candy does for children. Not sure if those comparisons really compare well, but you get the idea. So what are the benefits of catnip for cats ? Let me put it simply.
- Catnip = blissful, euphoric happiness
- Can be used as a training aid or method
- Yes. Catnip can be used like treats in order to train your cat or to distract him from unwanted behavior.
- Used to relieve stress
- Though eliminating the source of stress is priority when your cat is under stress, catnip can be also used to provide comfort and a bit of relaxation and distraction right after a stressful event (like taking a trip to the vet).
- Will save your furniture and plants
- If your cat is prone to scratching up your furniture, try rubbing some catnip on his kitty post in order to distract him – he will no longer be interested in that boring ole’ couch cushion.
- Can make fat, lazy cats turn into playful kittens again
- Yes, that’s right. If your cat used to be a playful little kitten but now he’s all fat and lazy, giving him some catnip may spruce up his senses; getting him to run around a bit for some much needed exercise. 😉
Keep in mind that too much of anything can be a bad thing. Though normal, daily use of catnip is okay for your cat, overexposure to the plant is not. Check out this list of toxic plants for cats that are possibly in your home.
Source: Wikimedia
Final thoughts: What does catnip do to your cat
I’ll never forget the first time I gave catnip to my Siamese cat when I was little. Already a hyperactive cat, Max went wild for that catnip! His sister wasn’t as sensitive to it, however. And now, our fluffy Yoda is just as crazy for it. The first time we introduced catnip to him was by a catnip filled little mouse. Immediately he was sniffing all over it trying to get more and more – there was nothing else that could have distracted him except for that catnip mouse!
Happy New Year 2016 everypawdy! Don’t forget to check out these products by Kong and give your furiend some fun this year!
<3
Brittany, Paul, and Yoda