Why A Cat Likes Catnip

Why a Cat Likes Catnip

by

Yvonne Mastny

Razzle dazzle your cat with a catnip treat then sit back and enjoy the show.  A cat’s reaction to crushed catnip is inherited and over 50% of cats go crazy or act drugged when they come into contact with it.  Kittens and old cats rarely respond but both male and female cats, entire or desexed cats, and large cats, like tigers, react the same.  The active ingredient that affects the cat is nepetalactone, an essential oil found in the stems and leaves of catnip. Nepetalactone causes a hallucinogenic effect similar to LSD or marijuana. When a cat encounters catnip the primary response is via the olfactory system; cats can smell one part in a billion in the air.   The cat sniffs it, rubs against it, rolls in it, licks it, and then experiences a high for several minutes up to an hour.  The cat might then get disinterested but two hours later the behavior will be repeated.   If the cat eats the catnip, it will appear to be drugged.  Catnip is safe and isn’t addictive, but if a cat eats lots of fresh catnip it could puke or have diarrhea.

Catnip is a perennial herb available in garden centers with over 200 varieties available in seed.  It is fairly easy to grow and likes light, sandy soil growing best in full sun. Fresh catnip can be put into an airtight container in the freezer.   To dry fresh catnip, hang it upside down in a dry, ventilated area away from the sun.

Humans use catnip as an herb in cooking, in teas to help insomnia & upset stomachs, and as a healing agent

by placing crushed, dampened leaves over a cut.  Pregnant women should avoid catnip because it is a uterine

stimulant