If you own a cat, and have not exposed your kitty to the wonders of catnip, you, and your cat, are missing out my friend! Watching a cat that is enamored with catnip is quite an entertaining event. Cats that are affected by catnip generally roll around, kick and lick, drool, and growl, and just act plain whacky for a few minutes. One might suspect they have snuck in the liquor cabinet.
What exactly is catnip, and why does it make my cat crazy?
No way to make this explanation entertaining, but here it goes...catnip is the common name for a perennial herb called "Nepeta cataria", a member of the Labiatae (mint) family. Indigenous to the Mediterranean region, catnip is now found in much of North America and Canada. The active chemical in catnip is nepetalactone, which simulates the affected cat when it is inhaled or smelled. Kitty will usually have a reaction for ten to twenty minutes, until he becomes acclimated, when he will no longer respond. However, if you re-introduce the catnip a few hours later, he could very well enjoy once again. What is still unknown is what actually happens in the brain of a cat which causes this behavior.
It appears that the reaction to catnip is inherited; therefore, up to 30% of all cats are not affected by "the lure of the nip", which is unfortunate. And some cats, who do respond, do so by displaying sedate or droopy behavior. In addition, most young kittens, less than 6 months old, and older cats, generally have a lesser reaction or no reaction at all. So bottom line, when you bring that kitten home, there's really no way to tell whether she will respond favorably to catnip.
Is catnip safe?
For the most part, catnip is not harmful to cats, nor is it addictive. However, some cats have had some stomach upset when a large quantity of catnip had been ingested. If your cat does have an adverse reaction after ingesting, just limit the catnip use to socks or toys where it can be contained.
Where can I find catnip?
Cat nip is easily accessible. Most pet stores sell a variety of dried catnip, or organic catnip, which could be healthier for your cat, as well as catnip toys, oils, etc... Another option would be purchasing a catnip plant, or you can grow catnip yourself.
Over time, nepetalactone will degrade, therefore the fresher the catnip, the more potent. If you place your catnip in a container or plastic bag, and store in the freezer, it will maintain its potency longer.
Happy "nipping"!
