For those of us who have cats and offered up that catnip "toy" we then become amazed at the cat's reaction. However, let us take a look as to the science behind the behavior.
Catnip is a perennial herb and member of the Mint family Labiatae. It is native to Europe & Asia and most recently become a wild plant in North America. Catnip is also known by the following names: Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Heal All, Cat's-play, Cat's Wort, Catswort, Garden Nep.
The active ingredient which causes this is an essential oil called "nepetalactone", which can be found in the leaves & stem of the plant. When a cat encounters catnip, it usually sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it & finally eats it. Even cats who can't smell well can still respond to Catnip. It is the sniffing that produces the "high". It's believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip & therefore release more of the "nepetalactone". The "high" produced will usually last between five & ten minutes. Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They will not overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough & will refuse any further offers.
Catnip is usually fairly easy to grow, you should be able to purchase the plant from your local garden center. It likes light sandy soil, and grows best in full sun. Most pet shops either sell catnip toys, or dried catnip. When storing catnip, put it in an air tight container and place in the refrigerator or freezer. To dry fresh catnip, hang upside down in a dry, ventilated area, away from the sun.
So, go ahead and indulge your cat in some catnip! Perhaps, hang it from a cat perch or another piece of cat furniture and watch your pet companion enthusiastically go after the prize!
Catnip is a perennial herb and member of the Mint family Labiatae. It is native to Europe & Asia and most recently become a wild plant in North America. Catnip is also known by the following names: Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Heal All, Cat's-play, Cat's Wort, Catswort, Garden Nep.
The active ingredient which causes this is an essential oil called "nepetalactone", which can be found in the leaves & stem of the plant. When a cat encounters catnip, it usually sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it & finally eats it. Even cats who can't smell well can still respond to Catnip. It is the sniffing that produces the "high". It's believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip & therefore release more of the "nepetalactone". The "high" produced will usually last between five & ten minutes. Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They will not overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough & will refuse any further offers.
Catnip is usually fairly easy to grow, you should be able to purchase the plant from your local garden center. It likes light sandy soil, and grows best in full sun. Most pet shops either sell catnip toys, or dried catnip. When storing catnip, put it in an air tight container and place in the refrigerator or freezer. To dry fresh catnip, hang upside down in a dry, ventilated area, away from the sun.
So, go ahead and indulge your cat in some catnip! Perhaps, hang it from a cat perch or another piece of cat furniture and watch your pet companion enthusiastically go after the prize!
About the Author:
Robert works with New Cat Condos to develop cat condos that your kitty can depend on. Be sure to visit their cat condo site where you can find the perfect cat condo for your kitty.
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