The herb Nepeta Cataria, commonly known as Catnip or Catmint, has long been used by humans for medicinal purposes. In teas, tinctures and other preparations, it has been used as a remedy for everything from insomnia to respiratory infections, indigestion, and headaches. Applied topically, it has also been used to treat burns and cuts due to its antiseptic properties and the tannins it contains which may promote healing of skin tissues.
However, catnip is probably best known as that intoxicating herb that drives cats wild. So, just what is this mysterious herb, and are you encouraging substance abuse by giving it to your cat?
A perenniel herb, catnip is a member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. And though it seems to drive some cats into a frenzy, it is actually quite harmless to them. High in iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, vitamins A and C, it may even have some health benefits if ingested. For indoor cats that are energized by it, it could also motivate them to get more exercise and help prevent boredom. Ingesting it also provides some of the fiber that outdoor and wild cats get from the greens they consume outdoors.
The effective ingredient in catnip is nepatalactone which is similar to a chemical present in the urine of female cats. Because of this, unneutered males may react more strongly to it than females or neutered males. Kittens under 3 months of age tend not to have any interest in it at all.
The vomeronasal organ is what gives cats a special genetic disposition to catnip. Located above a cat's palate, it is the receptor for the nepatalactone. Therefore, it seems catnip must be inhaled for the nepatalactone to reach their receptors. Crushing, bruising or chewing catnip releases more of the nepatalactone which makes the herb even more attractive to the cats that are affected by it. For them, it can temporarily alter their behavior and mood, though the effect varies from one cat to another. Some may become extremely active, even aggressive, while "under the influence", while others may become mellow and "dreamy" or euphoric. Still others don't seem to react to it at all. The herb seems to affect about half to two-thirds of all domestic cats. It's believed that large wild cats such as lions and tigers also react to catnip.
The nepatalactone in catnip has also been found to repel insects including mosquitoes, flies, and even cockroaches. Studies in the lab have shown that oil distilled from catnip is about 10x more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, though it has not been found to be as effective when used directly on skin.
Nepatalactone also has properties similar to those found in valerian root which has a mild sedative effect in humans. Valerian is often used in teas and treatments for insomnia in people. Catnip seems to have a slight sedative effect in humans as well. And valerian root may also affect some cats like catnip!
Buying Catnip:
When choosing catnip products for your cat, we strongly recommend going organic. Your cat will be inhaling and ingesting some of the herb, so you want to avoid products that have been treated with pesticides and other chemicals.
The buds or blossoms are the most potent part of the catnip plant, followed by the leaves. The cheaper and most common catnip products sold for cats typically contain leaves with the stems included for bulk. Some even have a bit of hay added as filler, so a bag filled with stems and hay that your cat won't appreciate is not a good value. Unfortunately, many pre-filled toys contain this low quality catnip. So, if your catnip-loving pet doesn't seem to respond to these toys, try refilling them, if possible, with more potent catnip and see if your cat becomes more interested in them.
Storing Catnip:
Nepatalactone is UV sensitive and can lose some of its potency if exposed to light, so store catnip in a covered container that blocks out light. Freezing will also help preserve freshness. (This is best for dried catnip, as all moisture should have been removed before freezing.)
