As a cat owner, you have probably heard about catnip. You are probably also aware that it has a reputation for driving cats a little non compos mentis.
But how much do you really know about it?
For instance, do you know exactly how it works and how safe it is for your cat?
In this post, we’ll attempt to answer these questions and more!
What exactly is Catnip?
Catnip is a common lemony herb that is a member of the mint family.
In Latin, it is known as Nepeta cataria, but people often refer to it as field balm, catwort and catmint.
This plant is attractive to all members of the cat family, including panthers, tigers and lions, as well as your pet kitty at home.
How does Catnip work?
One of the main components found in catnip is nepetalactone, which is a chemical called volatile oil (aka terpene). It is found in the leaves and stems of the plant.
If cats smell this nepetalactone, it can stimulate certain chemicals in their brain that relate to happiness and mood.
Interestingly, the same does not happen in humans, due to us having very physiologically different brains to cats.
Is catnip a drug which can make my cat high?
Catnip is often referred to as ‘weed’ for cats because it can make cats appear ‘high’ after smelling it. In other words, happy, calm and relaxed.
But it is worth pointing out that it is not related to weed in any way. Indeed, scientific studies have proven that catnip does not affect a feline’s brain in the same way as other drugs like cocaine or marijuana do.
Even after getting a whiff of it, cats appear completely aware of their surroundings. They just appear to be a whole lot happier.
Overall, catnip is considered safe as it is not addictive and does not have any long-term damaging effects on a cat’s brain.
Why do cats love catnip?
Experts have posited that cats enjoy catnip because they get a sense of extreme happiness and euphoria, which is quickly followed by a feeling of total relaxation whenever they inhale catnip.
One possible reason for this is that the scent might mimic a feline’s sex pheromones. Typically, the effects for most cats last for about ten minutes.
When they come across catnip, felines might rub their face up and down it or choose to eat it, especially if fresh.
Does catnip have any benefits?
For cats, there are a few benefits to exposing them to catnip.
One of the main ones is that they can prevent them from being bored because most kitties love rolling around a bed of these minty herbs or playing with toys that are infused with them.
Additionally, they can also be used as a training aid. This can be particularly useful if your cat is scratching furniture or partaking in other unwanted behaviours, as you can just rub a little bit of catnip onto their scratching post every now and then to distract them.
How should I introduce catnip to my cat?
If you are interested in exposing your feline to catnip for the first time, it is a good idea not to buy too much until you are sure that your cat enjoys it (not all do).
However, you can do it in several ways:
- Purchase a catnip toy
- Throw down some catnip in a new space you want your feline to discover
- Sprinkle it loosely on your cat’s scratching point or toys to see if they like engaging with it.
- Use it to reduce any potential anxiety they have when meeting a new cat
- Put some in their carrier when going to the vet or another car ride
What type of catnip is best to give my cat?
Catnip comes in a variety of different forms, including a dried herbal format, which is the most common.
They are also available infused in chews and toys, fresh, or as a spray or oil extract. You should check out Zach’s Pet Shop to see the full range.
As all felines react differently, your pet will most likely prefer one type over another. So, you should take the time to experiment to ascertain which type they like the best.
Should you decide to buy dried catnip, it is important to store it in the freezer in an airtight container. This will ensure it does not lose its potency. It is a good idea to look for catnip that is 100% organic or natural.
Can my cat overdose on catnip?
Technically, cats are not able to ‘overdose’ on catnip. But at the same time, they should not eat too much of it in one go.
The reason for this is that they might experience mild gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhoea or vomiting.
If this does happen, remove all traces of the catnip from the areas in which your cat roams.
How long does catnip last?
As mentioned, the effects of catnip tend to last for about 10-15 minutes, though it does vary on the individual cat.
Once the effects have worn off, it might take between half an hour to an hour for your kitty to respond to you as normal. The exact length of time will depend on the potency of the catnip they inhaled.