Cats and catnip have a long and fascinating relationship. Even big cats like lions and tigers love their catnip. This weedy member of the mint family can be an easy source of enrichment for all cats that appreciate it.1https://pets.webmd.com/cats/catnip-effects-on-cats# Just toss out a few catnip toys and watch the excitement begin.
Despite its name, catnip is not just for cats. Humans have been using the herb for centuries for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, anxiety, and insomnia. Catnip is a popular ingredient in herbal teas and other natural remedies. It is also a natural mosquito repellent. But its main use in modern times is as a recreational drug for cats.
Contents
What is Catnip?
Catnip is a herb that is a member of the mint family. It is also known as Catmint, Catwort, or field balm. The scientific name for catnip is Nepeta Cataria. Catnip is found all over the world. It is a perennial plant that grows up to three feet tall.
Fresh catnip has stems with heart-shaped leaves and can sprout small white, blue, pink, or lavender blooms. It does well in full sunlight and grows rather easily.
Catnip contains a chemical compound called Nepetalactone, which is what makes cats go crazy for it. When cats smell or ingest catnip, they may exhibit a range of behaviors, including rolling, rubbing, and licking. Some cats may become more vocal or hyperactive. Some cats, like my Midnight, are “mean drunks” and become aggressive under the influence of catnip. Midnight was only allowed his catnip in a different room from his friends.
How Does Catnip Work?
The oil in catnip, Nepetalactone, stimulates receptors in the nasal tissues and Kitty’s vomeronasal organ, also called the Jacobson’s organ, on the top of her mouth causing a response in the brain. Researchers suspect that catnip targets feline ‘happy’ receptors in the brain.
When Kitty sniffs catnip, the scent molecules of Nepetalactone are detected by the receptors of this organ, and the effects of catnip kick in. It creates an immediate and intense sense of excitement and happiness. Kitty starts rolling around in the catnip, licking or kicking her toys. When Kitty eats catnip, however, catnip tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out.2https://naturvet.com/blogs/tips-and-tricks/what-does-catnip-do-to-cats
Is Catnip a Drug?
While many people refer to catnip as “weed” for cats, it’s actually not related to weed. Some people also describe the effect of catnip as a “high”, because many cats become very relaxed, calm and happy after interacting with the catnip.
Does Catnip Get Cats High?
In a way, but it’s different from what we humans think of as being “high.” There are no hallucinations and the cat is aware of their surroundings. There are no known long-term effects on a cat’s brain or other parts of their body. It is not a long-lasting effect.
Can Cats OD on Catnip?
Cats are unlikely to overdose on catnip, but they can get sick if they eat too much. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea, similar to eating grass. Trust your kitty to know when they’ve had enough.
Can Cats Become Immune to Catnip?
Not exactly. But cats do get used to catnip. Some cats develop a tolerance to catnip over time, which can reduce the intensity of their reaction. If you give it too often, it will be less effective. Additionally, older cats may become less responsive to catnip over time.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Catnip mimics the happy cat facial pheromones. When they get catnip they behave similarly to cats in heat. The rolling around in catnip leaves is a functional behavior. In the wild, rubbing at the plants protects cats against mosquitoes.3https://www.science.org/content/article/why-cats-are-crazy-catnip
Why Do Some Cats Not Like Catnip?
Not all cats are affected by catnip. The sensitivity to catnip is hereditary, and only about 50-70% of cats will respond to it. Cats also don’t develop a reaction until they hit puberty, so kittens under the age of 3-6 months are not usually affected by catnip. Older cats are often less responsive to catnip.
Alternatives to Catnip
Fortunately for the cats that aren’t affected by catnip, or have an adverse reaction to it, there are other plants and herbs that can provide similar effects to catnip for cats.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is a plant that has a strong, pungent smell that is attractive to cats. It contains a compound called Actinidine, which can produce a similar effect to catnip for cats. However, Valerian root has a stronger scent than catnip and can cause a more intense reaction in some cats. It is important to note that Valerian root can have a sedative effect on cats, so it should be used in moderation.
Silvervine
Silvervine is a plant that is native to Asia and has been used as a cat attractant for centuries. It contains the same compound as catnip. However, Silvervine is more potent than catnip and can produce a stronger reaction in cats. Like catnip, not all cats are affected by Silvervine.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle is another alternative to catnip for cats. It also contains nepetalactone. Honeysuckle has a sweeter scent than catnip and can be more appealing to some cats. Not all cats are attracted to honeysuckle anymore than they do to catnip.
Cat Thyme
The strong, pungent odor of cat thyme is attractive to some cats. However, cat thyme is not as potent as catnip and may not produce as strong of a reaction in cats. Cat thyme should not be confused with the regular thyme you find in your pantry, which is not attractive to cats.
Overall, there are several alternatives to catnip that can provide similar effects for cats. Like catnip, not all cats will be attracted to these plants and that they should be used in moderation.
What Do Catnip, and the Alternatives, Do to Cats
It stimulates several areas in the brain, including the hypothalamus and amygdala, which are involved in regulating a cat’s emotions. Nepetalactone may also mimic pheromones, chemical substances that can act like hormones and make cats feel happy and safe. 4https://naturvet.com/blogs/tips-and-tricks/what-does-catnip-do-to-cats
Catnip’s Effects on Cats
In addition to the euphoric effect, catnip can also have a calming effect on cats. This is why it is often used in toys and scratching posts to help relieve stress and anxiety in cats.
Behavioral Changes
When a cat sniffs or ingests catnip, it can cause a range of behavioral changes that typically last for several minutes. Depending on how Kitty consumes his catnip, he may become more active and playful, while others become more relaxed and sedated.
Some of the most common behavioral changes that cats exhibit after being exposed to catnip include rolling, rubbing, and licking. They may also become more vocal and meow or purr more frequently. In some cases, cats may become more aggressive or hyperactive, which can lead to scratching or biting.
Benefits of Catnip for Cats
Overall, catnip can be a great addition to a cat’s life. It can help relieve stress, encourage exercise and play, stimulate appetite, and even provide pain relief. However, it is important to note that not all cats are affected by catnip, and some may have adverse reactions.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Catnip has a calming effect on cats and can help reduce anxiety and stress. It is known to have a sedative effect on cats. When cats eat catnip, they tend to become more relaxed and calm.
Exercise and Play
Catnip can also encourage cats to exercise and play. The herb stimulates the receptors in a cat’s brain that makes them more active and playful. This is why cat toys and scratching posts that contain catnip are so popular with cats. You can also use catnip as a training aid.
Appetite Stimulant
Catnip can also be used as an appetite stimulant for cats. If a cat is not eating well or has lost its appetite, a small amount of catnip can be given to stimulate their appetite.
Pain Relief
Catnip has also been known to have a pain-relieving effect on cats. It contains compounds that can help reduce pain and discomfort in cats. This is why catnip is sometimes used to help cats with arthritis or other types of pain.
Mosquito Repellent
Kitty’s vigorous actions bruise the leaves of catnip and Silvervine enough to release sufficient amounts of Nepetalactone and Nepetalactol to serve as a repellent against the mosquito
How Long Does the Effects of Catnip Last?
The effects of catnip typically last for around 10-15 minutes, after which the cat will usually lose interest in the plant. However, some cats may continue to exhibit behavioral changes for up to an hour after being exposed to catnip. Once the pleasure passes it’ll be about two hours before kitty responds to catnip again.
What Kind of Catnip is Best?
Catnip can be used in its fresh or dried form. Catnip’s potency doesn’t last forever; the essential oils quickly dissipate. Fresh catnip is more potent than dried catnip, and it is ideal for cats who are more sensitive to the herb. Since cats experience the joy of catnip through their nose, the fresher, the better.
Dried catnip is more convenient and can be stored for a longer time. So if you buy dried catnip for your feline friend, store what you don’t use in the freezer.
If you buy a catnip- stuffed toy, it can lose its potency after a few weeks. That’s most likely why the cat who rubbed all over it initially has lost his interest. You can revive it by “marinating” it in dried or fresh catnip before offering it to Kitty again.
Other forms of catnip like sprays or bubbles generally don’t have enough Nepetalactone to get kitty too enthused.
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Buying Guide
What to Look for When Buying Catnip:
- Buy organic if you have the option, especially if your kitty is likely to eat it. You’ll have assurance that it is pesticide-free.
- Choose a reputable brand. The higher end products contain more flowers and leaves. Cheaper brands are often virtually dust.
- Catnip loses potency over time, so select the freshest product you can find. Don’t buy huge tubs of it. Keep it in the fridge or freezer to make it last longer.
- Choose a variety of products: fresh, dried buds and flowers, flakes, oils, sprays, treats and toys.
Some of my favorite brands that my cats appreciate are Meowijuana, From the Field, Yeowww!, and Kong Naturals. You can always grow and dry your own.
FAQ
Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Catnip is safe for cats to ingest, but there are situations where the herb should be avoided. If Kitty ingests too much catnip,she could experience vomiting or diarrhea. Cats with asthma can react poorly to the small particles in dried catnip. Catnip should not be given to pregnant cats, as it may cause uterine contractions. Catnip should be used with care in cats with a history seizure. But generally speaking, catnip can be a fun and safe way to entertain your furbaby.
Overconsumption
Cats can overconsume catnip, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues as well as dizziness and lack of coordination. To avoid this, it’s important to limit the amount of catnip your cat has access to. You can do this by only giving your cat small amounts of catnip at a time, or by using toys that contain small amounts of catnip.
Allergic Reactions
Some cats are allergic to catnip, which can cause symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and watery eyes. If your cat shows signs of an allergic reaction after consuming catnip, it’s important to stop giving them catnip and consult with your veterinarian.
Asthma
If your furry friend has feline asthma, you should ask your veterinarian if it’s best to stay away from catnip. In some cases, the small particles can make coughing and wheezing worse if inhaled. Kitty might do better with fresh whole leaves and flowers, or just avoiding the herb altogether.
Interaction with Medications
Catnip can interact with certain medications, such as sedatives and blood pressure medications. If your cat is taking any medications, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before giving them catnip.
Safety Precautions
To ensure your cat’s safety when consuming catnip, it’s important to follow these precautions:
- Only give your cat catnip that is intended for cats
- Store catnip in a safe place, like the fridge or freezer, where your cat can’t access it unsupervised.
- Monitor your cat’s behavior after consuming catnip to ensure they don’t injure themselves or others
By following these precautions, you can help ensure that your cat enjoys catnip safely and without any negative side effects.
How Much Catnip is Too Much?
It is possible to give your cat too much catnip. This can cause various symptoms, depending on how your cat takes the catnip.
- Eating too much catnip can cause digestive upset like diarrhea.
- Smelling too much catnip can cause dizziness or trouble walking.
- Overstimulation: can cause anxiety, hyperactivity, or aggression.
It’s okay to give your cat catnip every day, but cats will stop responding to it if they are exposed too frequently
Can Kittens Have Catnip?
There is no reason not to give catnip to a kitten but there’s no reason to do so either. Kittens under the age of 3-6 months old won’t respond to the herb. You won’t know until she reaches maturity whether or not she is one of the percent of cats that isn’t genetically prone to react to catnip.
Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Catnip is non-addictive and safe to eat.
Summary
Overall, catnip can be a fun and harmless way to provide stimulation and entertainment for cats. However, it’s important to monitor your cat’s behavior and ensure that they don’t become too aggressive or destructive after being exposed to the plant.
