Is catnip a drug? We can see a collection of videos on the Internet showing cats nibbling, licking, rolling on the floor, and other unusual behaviours upon exposure to catnip. That being said, most cat owners may have heard about the effects of catnip on feline behaviour. However, only a few seem to understand the reason behind this. Is catnip good for cats? Is it really safe to give catnip to your cat?
Catnip as a herbaceous species
Catnip is one of the diverse types of species under the mint family Nepeta cataria. This is a perennial herb that can grow up to two to three feet tall (50–100 centimetres) with heart-shaped leaves. Initially, catnip can only be found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Soon, it was imported to North America.
Apart from the association of cats to catnip, it also had soothing effects on humans. Catnip is a traditional herbal medicine that has the following properties beneficial to humans:
- Antispasmodic
- Anti-catarrhal
- Astringent
- Diuretic
- Sedative
- Tonic and others
Science explains the relationship between cats and catnip
The sensitivity to catnip is said to be hereditary. There is an estimation of 50 to 75 per cent of cats with susceptibility to such a reaction. Even the family of large cats such as lions, leopards, cougars, and tigers may inherit nepetalactone sensitivity. If your furry companion belongs to the one-third of cats who have no reactions to catnip, she may instead respond to valerian (Valeriana officinalis).
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What is catnip used for?
How do you use catnip and why do you use it?
- It serves as a great insect repellent against cockroaches, mosquitoes, flies, and termites. However, nepetalactone loses its ability as an insect repellent when rubbed onto the skin.
- Catnip in capsule form is used as a treatment for digestive upsets and headaches.
- When catnip is sprayed over her scratching post and other cat toys, it entices your furry friend to use it.
- Catnip also encourages an inactive house cat to move around.
- As it has certain effects on some cats, there are now cat toys available in pet shops with a mixture of catnip. There are people who choose to create their own use of catnip powder. Firstly, dry the plant. Next is to crush it into bits of pieces. After that, it can be sprinkled onto your cat’s toys.
Cats’ catnip experience
However, when eaten, instead of being in a euphoric state, you may observe him relaxed and calm. They may appear sedated. The effect may last for ten minutes or so and may take at least two hours for her to show interest on the catnip again.
Advantage and disadvantage of catnip
The benefits of catnip:
- Introducing scratching posts with the help of catnip scent will help her recognise which areas to scratch and not. This helps keep them away from scratching the furniture.
- It encourages cats to play with their ‘old’ toys again.
- It helps to keep them entertained and prevents them from getting bored.
- It helps enhance cat moods, especially on stressful events.
- It comes with a relaxing effect when chewed and ingested.
- It helps an anxious feline get acclimated to a new home around new people.
- It encourages couch-potato felines to move around more, which helps them to burn off some calories.
The downside of catnip:
- The fact remains that the effect of catnip does not apply to all felines.
- Some reactions may result in an aggressive cat especially to multi-pet households. Although this effect does not last long, it should be taken with precaution.