Catnip - the ‘Cannabis’ for Cats
Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a plant in the mint family that has won over millions of cats around the world. This magical herb has a euphoric effect on many felines, although not everyone reacts the same way. If you’ve ever wondered what catnip is and how it affects cats, here is everything you need to know about this amusing plant and how to use it correctly to the benefit of your furry-tailed friend.
If you keep a cat and toke weed you’ve probably tried to blow smoke on your feline’s little moisty nose at some point, thus activating their zoomies. However, cats don’t need marijuana to get ‘high’ sort of. They have their own kind of ‘weed’ and you’ve probably heard about it or better yet seen a crazy cat reel with the feline insanely jumping up and down the house - probably on catnip.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which stimulates a specific response in cats. Nepetalactone acts on the feline’s nervous system, triggering a series of characteristic behaviors. Every cat is different, so the reactions from catnip exposure might vary. However, most cats respond to it by displaying a temporary euphoria that may include rubbing against the ground, rolling, jumping around, meowing, or even drooling. While some become very active and playful, others seem to get down and relax. In most cases, the jumpy phase lasts around 10 minutes, after which the cat calms down and begins to groom itself.
Is It Safe and How Many Times Can You Give Catnip to Your Cat?
Catnip is safe and not addictive, but just like weed, it’s best not to abuse it. It is recommended to offer it occasionally, 1-2 times per week, so that your cat can enjoy the effects without becoming tolerant to it. The more you expose your feline friend to catnip, the less it will react to it. After each session, it is advisable to wait at least one hour before giving catnip again.
Where Do You Get Catnip?
You can buy catnip in almost every pet shop. It’s available either in dried form (looks like oregano) or a spray, or it can be infused in a toy. If you are up for something more natural, you can also buy catnip seeds and grow them at home. This way your cat can enjoy fresh catnip whenever it wants to.
What Are the Benefits of Catnip for Cats?
Catnip offers several benefits for cats, and it can soothe particularly well indoor cats who need a more playful environment and where to spend to those extra bouts of energy.
Some of the benefits include:
- Mental and physical stimulation: Cats become more active and playful, which can help combat boredom and obesity.
- Stress reduction: Can help calm anxious or nervous cats.
- Behavioral improvement: Catnip can attract cats to certain toys or scratching posts, making them more interested in these objects rather than exercising their claws on the nice furniture around the house.
- Natural repellent: Nepetalactone in catnip can also help repel insects such as mosquitoes.
How to Use Catnip Correctly?
Although catnip is not addictive or harmful, too much catnip can reduce your cat’s sensitivity to its effects. If your cat sniffs too much catnip in a short period of time, it may become temporarily immune, and the effects will become less intense. Other times, overexposure can lead to a more agitated or aggressive behavior, which might involve cat fights. Therefore, it’s good to be mindful and limit how much catnip your cat gets to smell.
- Moderate use is recommended. Do not overfeed your cat with catnip. A couple of times a week is more than enough.
- Control the environment. Always make sure that your cat is safe in the surroundings where it gets the catnip. Because the catnip will make it more high-spirited and sometimes you won’t be able to control her or his behavior.
- Store away the catnip source when you don’t use it. If you leave food all the time, your cat will always go back and nibble. Same with catnip.
There are several ways to give catnip to your cat:
- Toys with catnip: Many cat toys already come with catnip inside. You can give these toys to your cat to have fun while enjoying the scent.
- Catnip spray: You can also use catnip in spray form to apply on scratching posts, beds or any other object you want your cat to focus and use more.
- Fresh catnip: If you have a catnip plant, you can give fresh leaves to your cat. You can keep this plant in a room where your cat has little or no access to.
- Dried catnip: If you buy dried catnip, sprinkle it on the floor or on some forgotten toys and they will quickly find those toys interesting again.
How Long Does the Effect of Catnip Last in Cats?
Clockwise, the effects of catnip on cats usually lasts between 5 and 20 minutes. Cannabis-wise, the effect is shorter than taking a few puffs from a good joint. After the effect is gone, cats calm down and, after a brief rest, may show a milder response if offered again. However, it’s important to wait a while before offering some more of the catnip so that the effect can kick in again.
Homegrowing Your Own Catnip?
Catnip is easy to grow in pots or in the garden, so if you enjoy gardening you can always try this plant without giving too much effort. The best time to plant catnip is during late winter or early spring, although if you live in a warm location, you can plant it any time of the year. Make sure it receives adequate sunlight (at least 6 hours a day) and avoid extreme temperatures.
Is There Any Special Reason Why Cats Like Catnips?
The answer to why cats like catnip is related to their genes. Approximately 70-80% of cats have a genetic predisposition to respond to nepetalactone, the chemical compound present in catnip. Cats that have this gene react in a similar manner, displaying behaviors of euphoria, amusement and bewilderment.
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S
Stephen Andrews
