Catnip

Catnip, sometimes called catmint, is a group of plants that stimulate the pheromone receptors of cats and cause a sense of euphoria. The scientific name for catnip is nepeta cataria. Catnip is native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Though not native to Canaa and the United States, catnip is now common there too.

When presented with catnip, a cat may chew, lick, paw, rub, or roll in it. Some cats will react verbally by meowing. Many cats will drool while playing with catnip. A cat may play with the catnip for up to ten minutes before they generally lose interest. The cat may return to the catnip after roughly two hours. This significant break from the catnip is because it takes up to two hours for the euphoric sensation to dissipate.

Catnip is not the only plant that produces this reaction in domestic cats. Not all cats react to catnip. Even though catnip is popular for its effects on cats, only about two thirds of domestic cats have a euphoric reaction to catnip. The cat’s reactivity to catnip is genetic. Cats in Australia are not reactive to catnip. Kittens and senior cats may not react to catnip.

Catnip is marketed in numerous ways to cat owners. Stuffed cat toys often include catnip in the stuffing. Catnip plants and oil are sold in many pet stores. Cats do not typically ingest much catnip while playing with it. The intoxicating effects is from the oils of the plant. A cat may chew on the plant to release more of the oil. Though too much catnip is not considered a health hazard, it may cause vomiting or diarrhea.

Some cat owners choose to grow catnip themselves. The growing of catnip should be in a confined area unless the cat owner does not mind that it will spread and may take over the entire garden space. Some cat owners remedy this by growing cat nip in containers. Cat owners may decide to grow catnip indoors. It is sometimes suggested that once stalks of catnip are picked, they should be stored in the freezer since catnip tends to deteriorate over time.