If you’re new to raising cats, you’d probably be shocked to hear about the plant that makes cats go bananas. But that’s OK because catnip is sometimes unfamiliar to long-time cat owners.
This article will explain how Catnip affects your cat and how to use it correctly.
So, what is Catnip?
Catnip is a plant. It’s official botanic name is “Nepeta cataria”, also known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint. The plant is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which is native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
The names catnip and catmint are derived from the intense attraction cats have toward it. The sedative and relaxant properties of catnip make it an excellent ingredient for to help cats relax and feel more comfortable. Most cats will roll, flip, rub, and eventually zone out when they are exposed to catnip. Occasionally, they may growl and meow at the same time. This effect might last 10 minutes or so and comes very handy when there’s a need to put a cat in a cage, drive it to the vet, bring it home for the first time, etc.
What does catnip do to a cat?
It turns out that researchers aren’t sure why cats react to nepetalactone so strongly, some believe that nepetalactone is a pheromone that cats respond to when presented with it. This reaction is triggered as your cat licks, smells, and rubs on the herb, and as a result, causing it to release the substance nepetalactone.
Is catnip safe for cats?
Catnip is a favorite among cats and it’s also perfectly safe – your cats won’t get hurt if you give them a large dose of catnip. If he eats too much catnip, his stomach may upset slightly, but that’s not unusual.
Does catnip help cats with anxiety?
The calming properties of catnip are attributed to nepetalactone and nepetalactone acid compounds. In animal studies, catnip reduces anxiety. Although there isn’t enough research to determine if this is true in humans, nepetalactone may lower nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness in cats.
Can you give your cat too much catnip?
Although catnip is not a true toxin and is not addictive, consuming it in large amounts can cause a poison-like reaction. A feline that has consumed too much catnip will display clinical signs of vomiting and diarrhea without any other accompanying symptoms. Protect yourself and your pet.