Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

Introduction

Have you ever seen a cat go wild after smelling or eating catnip? It's even been known to make cats who we think of as cold and aloof show signs of happiness and pleasure. But why do cats act that way around catnip, and why don't all cats have the same reaction? This guide will help explain the effects of catnip and some insight into why certain cats might be attracted to it.

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is a member of the mint family, and it produces an odour that can attract as many as two-thirds of all domestic cats in North America. When ingested, some kitties become noticeably sedated while others get quite excited and playful for up to 15 minutes at a time. Although it’s unlikely your feline friend has heard about the therapeutic health benefits of catnip, there are numerous qualities within this herb that appeal to cats on an instinctual level.

What is Catnip?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria), also known as catswort, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. It is native to Europe, Asia and Africa, where it has been used by humans in teas and as an antispasmodic for centuries. It is a member of the same family as lavender, rosemary and sage.

Catnip contains an ingredient called nepetalactone, which cats find irresistible — about two-thirds of cats are sensitive to this substance. Cats typically become hyperactive when exposed to catnip and may engage in behaviours such as rolling around on the floor, rubbing their face in it, drooling and purring; some mild aggression can also occur. Cats usually remain unaffected after multiple exposures; after just 30 minutes the plant will become less stimulating until they eventually trade-off with another group of cats.

For cats that are immune to catnip’s seductive effects, there are other herbs which may have more subtle but still enjoyable effects — silvervine (Actinidia polygama), honeysuckle (Lonicera), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica). Although catnip may not have any effect on some cats, it does provide a great way for them to have fun!

The Science Behind Cats and Catnip

The scientific name for catnip is Nepeta cataria and it belongs to the mint family. Catnip has an intense aromatic oil that cats find irresistible. The active ingredient in the oil is nepetalactone, a terpene - or general hydrocarbon molecule - which cats detect through their olfactory senses.

When a cat inhales nepetalactone, chemical bonds send electrochemical messages to two special receptors: the mesolimbic dopamine system and the olfactory bulb in the brain. This causes an immediate reaction in cats like excitement, rolling around, meowing, drooling and even leaping around in joy. This reaction - usually lasting about 10 minutes - is stronger if cats have direct physical contact with Nepeta cataria plant material itself rather than access to simply its odour.

Research has suggested that only about 70 per cent of all cats are affected by catnip at all given its genetic inheritance factor; it's possible to predict a kitten’s response even before they become exposed to it. Besides Nepeta cataria, there are other plants like a silver vine (Actinidia polygama) and Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) which also contain actinide which excites felines although not as intensely as nepetalactone does!

Benefits of Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb of the mint family, and it's well-known for its effects on cats. This interesting plant contains an ingredient that cats find desirable, and when eaten or smelled, it can cause a range of reactions from mild pleasure to outright euphoria. As a result, many pet owners provide catnip for their feline companions as both an occasional treat and as something to play with.

The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone, an organic compound that mimics the pheromones found in the urine of wild cats. When this compound is inhaled by domestic felines it triggers an intense response— cats may lick, eat, roll over or even become aggressive while enjoying the herb. This reaction will typically last between 5 and 15 minutes after which the effects wear off and your pet will return to normal behaviour.

Catnip has several benefits for domesticated cats including helping them relax after stressful events such as a move or a new pet in the house. It can also be used to encourage play behaviours which help keep them mentally stimulated. Additionally, because catnip is low in calories it makes a great treatment option compared to traditional table foods that are not meant for felines.

Apart from its use as an entertaining treat, some experts have also suggested that eating catnip can help promote good overall health in cats by strengthening their immune system due to its high vitamin C content or reducing hairballs due to its fibre content. However further research has yet to confirm this claim so proceed with caution if you plan on feeding your pet this herb regularly!

How to Give Catnip to Your Cat

Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family that produces a strong scent and can be used to entice cats. Despite being an age-old favourite, it’s important to understand how to use and administer catnip properly so as not to overstimulate or under-stimulate your pet.

When giving catnip to your cat, there are several ways you can do it. One is to sprinkle some fresh or dried catnip onto their scratching post, bedding or toys. You can also give them something with a pocket or pouch that you can fill with fresh or dried catnip so they have something to explore and rub against. For cats who are particularly fussy about texture, you can sprinkle their wet food with ground-up catnip for a unique treat. Additionally, you can buy specially made toys already filled with the herb for maximum stimulation.

No matter which method you choose, always remember less is more when introducing your furry friend to the herb — start small and only give them more if necessary. It’s best not to give them too much so that they don’t become unresponsive after overexposure. Above all else, make sure your feline has access to plenty of water both during and after playtime–catnip consumption can cause them to feel thirsty!

How to Plant Catnip

Planting catnip is easy and it can be very rewarding for your feline friend. If you live in a cool climate, it’s best to start with a ready-made seedling from a garden centre or online supplier. You can also grow catnip from seed sown directly into the garden bed when the soil is warm enough in spring and summer.

Catnip prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. It’s best to avoid overly rich soils, as these tend to produce too much foliage at the expense of flowers and buds. Make sure your chosen spot is not too damp, since catnip is prone to root rot if left standing in water. When planting seeds, sprinkle them thinly across the surface of moist soil and rake gently over them to set them into place — do not bury them. Water with a fine mist sprayer occasionally until new seedlings appear (about two weeks). Once sprouted, keep plants well watered until established, then limit watering for optimum development of flower buds & leaves.

If your cat loves its treats you can still encourage bigger blooms by prepping the plants with high-nitrogen fertilizers but take care not to overdo it — extra nitrogen will make leaves grow larger but may reduce bud production overall. The flowers are essential for attracting bees and other pollinators that help bring out all that essential oil cats love so much!

Potential Risks of Catnip

While catnip may bring out the playful nature of cats, it is important to remember that it can have potential risks associated with its use. Some cats have been known to eat too much catnip, which can lead to digestive problems such as vomiting or diarrhoea. It is also possible for your cat to experience a reaction from consuming catnip, leading to symptoms such as agitation and sensitivity. As with any supplement or medication, you should speak with your veterinarian before using any kind of catnip product around your pet.

In addition, cats should not be exposed to large amounts of catnip at once. Cat owners should be aware that over-exposure might lead to an exaggerated response or even minor health risks. When giving your pet a treat like Catnip, begin with a very small amount and gradually increase the serving size if needed. You may also want to monitor your cat while they are ingesting the herb and discontinue its use if you notice any negative reactions during the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cats are naturally intrigued by the aromatic compounds in catnip that resemble the pheromones that other cats use to mark their territory. While the plant does not pose any threats or harm when eaten or used as a toy, it does affect some cats. The main reaction is a sedative effect that helps cats relax and become more docile. It can also cause aggression in some cats and result in hyperactivity. If your pet becomes overly active after consuming catnip, then it may be best to limit its exposure or remove it completely from its living environment.