So What Does Catnip Do To Cats
Cats are receptive to a volatile oil found in the stems and leaves of the catnip herb. When cats get a whiff of catnip, they behave similarly to female cats in heaterratic movements, strange howls, and all. This out-of-fur experience is due to the active ingredient in the oil, nepetalactone. It binds to receptors inside the cats nose and drives its sensory neurons crazy, according to Daniel Rotman, CEO of PrettyLitter.
However, when a cat eats the herb, it has a calming effect. If the catnip is ingested, it causes fatigue and works as a sedative. For cats that sniff catnip and rub against the plants, theyll get more of the stimulating effects, Rotman said. Both smelling and ingesting catnip is safe for your feline family member. Cats cant only eat catnip treatsthe best dry foods for cats will hold them over.
What’s The Strongest Type Of Catnip
Various forms of catnip exist, including sprays, dried leaves, and the entire plant. Although each varies in its concentration of nepetalactone, there is minimal difference in how profoundly these different forms affect cats.
Since catnip is not a drug, its effects dont depend on the amount given or the concentration. There only needs to be enough nepetalactone to trigger the endorphin response. This causes a cats body to release those endorphins at a strictly regulated level that is not proportionate to the amount of nepetalactone inhaled. This is why cats cannot fatally overdose on catnip.
How Long Does Catnip High Last
about 10 minutesLuckily, the effects of catnip only last about 10 minutes. If used too much, a cat can become insensitive to it. Often, a simple sniff of catnip can do the trick, but eating it can also work. If you spray a cat toy or fill one with dried catnip, you’ll have to do it again as the oil wears off after some time.
You May Like: Blue Buffalo Divine Delights Review
How To Use Catnip
Catnip is available in many forms:
-
Fresh catnip
-
Dried catnip
-
Catnip sprays or bubbles
-
Toys stuffed with dried catnip
Catnip sprays are a good option for cats that get an upset stomach from ingesting the plant. You can spray your cats favorite toy or cat tree or cat scratcher. You can also sprinkle dried catnip on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher, or you can roll a toy in it.
Some of the top recommended catnip brands/products include:
How Does It Affect Cats
The special little ingredient that makes your cat go bonkers when it gets a whiff of catnip is nepetalactone. When your cat inhales catnip, they inhale nepetalactone, which binds to receptors inside your cats nose, which then stimulates sensory neurons leading to the brain.
Once it reaches the brain, it triggers the euphoric state in cats that many cat owners have seen, including behaviors like rolling, swishing tails, twitchy backs, rubbing their faces in the catnip or on their toy, meowing, licking and even drooling. Reactions vary from cat to cat, but the bottom line is that most cats go bonkers for catnip! The effects generally last anywhere from 5-30 minutes, and cats will often become immune to the effects of catnip for about 10 minutes afterward.
If youve tried to no avail to get your cat interested in catnip, dont worry. Theyre not weird or broken! One in three cats actually do not respond to catnip, according to a 2017 study. However, about 80 percent of all cats will respond to a catnip alternative known as silver vine.
Silver vine is chock full of actinidine, which acts as a powerful cat attractant. It elicits the same euphoric behaviors that catnip does, but more cats are likely to respond to this potent catnip alternative!
You May Like: Cat Calorie Requirements
Why Cats Go Crazy For Catnip And Silver Vine September 18 2020 6 Comments
Have you ever wondered why your cat goes crazy for catnip? Or silver vine? What causes their backs to twitch, their tails to swish and their pupils to dilate until they look like big, black saucers? And is it really safe to basically give our cats what is essentially a recreational kitty drug? If youve ever wondered any of the above, read on for answers!
What Does Catnip Do To Cats And Why Do They Like It
When cats sniff catnip, a chemical compound called nepetalactone thats found in the plant enters their nasal tissue. There it binds to protein receptors that stimulate sensory neurons which in turn send signals to the brain. These signals reach the parts of the brain called the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional responses, and the hypothalamus, responsible for behavioural responses, and create a reaction similar to that caused by a cats natural sex pheromones.
The effects will usually last for a period of around 10 minutes, after which the cat will become temporarily immune to the plants effects for 30-60 minutes.
This animation by Simon’s Cat shows why catnip drives cats wild too!
Read Also: Blue Buffalo Adult Cat
All Of This Still Doesn’t Answer The Question Of Why Cats Rub Catnip In The First Place
Since this adaptive behavior occurs with most species of Felidae and without being taught by their parents, there must be a more important function. It turns out that the nepetalactone compound acts as a natural mosquito repellent, so by rubbing their faces and bodies in catnip, cats are protecting themselves from pesky biting insects.
Catnip appears to have a two-fold effect on cats:
Induction of a euphoric state, and protection from mosquitoes which could protect them from mosquito-borne diseases like yellow fever. Because the catnip is inhaled to activate the opioid center, there doesn’t appear to be any addictive qualities to catnip, and cats only react to catnip for 5-15 minutes before becoming desensitized to it.
So go ahead and give your furry friend a fun treat!
Can Catnip Affect Dogs
Catnip is safe for dogs, but it typically has the opposite effect on dogs that it does on cats. For cats, catnip is considered a stimulant at least for 10 minutes before it calms them down into a zen-like state. But for dogs, catnip is more of a sedative.
Because of its ability to calm down dogs, catnip is most often used with dogs who have anxiety, trip anxiety, or struggle with loud sounds like thunderstorms or fireworks. According to The Nest, catnip can be safely used on dogs by adding catnip leaves to their water. If you prefer to use dried catnip, add anywhere from 1/8 to ½ teaspoon per pound of dog food.
Catnip, in dogs, has some other uses, too. It can be used as a diuretic, as in dogs, catnip oil usually causes dogs to urinate more. Catnip can also soothe a dogs intestinal issues. It can effectively relieve gas, soothe a dogs stomachache, reduce cramps, reduce spasms, and curb diarrhea.
If you are considering giving your dog catnip, consult your veterinarian first. While animals generally cannot overdose on catnip, too much catnip can cause intestinal issues. Be sure to speak with your vet first to ensure you are giving the proper amount of catnip.
Don’t Miss: How Old Is My 11 Year Old Cat
How Does Catnip Work
The organic compound in catnip, nepetalactone, is what gives cats these bizarre reactions. Once the nepetalactone enters the cats nose, it binds to the olfactory cells which send their signal to the brain.
The nepetalactone is stored in little microscopic bulbs that coat the plants leaves, stems and pods. It is released when the plant is crushed, chewed or when your cat rubs up against it.
How Catnip Makes The Chemical That Causes Cats To Go Crazy
- Date:
- John Innes Centre
- Summary:
- Researchers have shed light on how catnip — also known as catmint — produces the chemical that sends cats into a state of wanton abandon.
Researchers at John Innes Centre have shed light on how catnip — also known as catmint — produces the chemical that sends cats into a state of wanton abandon.
The remarkable effect catnip has on cats is well known thanks to the scores on online videos showing pets enjoying its intoxicating highs.
The substance that triggers this state of feline ecstasy is called nepetalactone, a type of chemical called a terpene. This simple, small molecule is part of an unusual chain of events, not previously seen by chemists.
The researchers believe that understanding the production of these nepetalactones could help them recreate the way that plants synthesise other chemicals like vinblastine, which is used for chemotherapy. This could lead to the ability to create these useful medicines more efficiently and quickly than we are currently able to harvest them from nature.
Usually in plants, for example peppermint, terpenes are formed by a single enzyme. In their paper published online this week in Nature Chemical Biology, the researchers report that in catnip terpenes are formed in a two-step process an enzyme activates a precursor compound which is then grabbed by a second enzyme to produce the substance of interest.
Story Source:
Recommended Reading: Cats Standing On Hind Legs
Why Cats Go Crazy At Night And What You Can Do About It
Have you ever found yourself lying in bed at night unable to sleep because your cat has become possessed by some strange energy? If youre the owner of an indoor cat, the answer to this question is probably yes!
Perhaps it happens once or twice a monththe cats start running around at 3am and wont calm down until 5am. Even the best-behaved cat can sometimes get totally out of control when the sun goes down and it can be very distressing to those living with them. If you want to learn why cats go crazy at night and what you can do about it, then keep reading!
Cats are considered to be “crepuscular” . This term is used to describe animals that are most active at 2 peak times in the day: sunrise and sunset. A cat’s hunting instincts are intrinsically connected with their crepuscular nature. They reserve their energy for these nighttime periods. Before cats were domesticated, they would have to be very active at these times of day, looking for, chasing, and catching their prey. Though house cats no longer have to hunt for their meals, their instincts encourage them to save their energy for early mornings and late evenings. Some crepuscular creatures like cats have slit-shaped retinas which allow them to see well in low light. In other words, at these 2 times of day, it’s bright enough to see, but dark enough to decrease the likelihood of being caught and eaten.
Behaviors They Exhibit
Reasons for Kitty Hijinks
So what can you do??
What Is Catnip And Why Does It Make Cats Crazy
01 May, 2019
Catnip is a toy or a snack for many cats. Not all cats react to it the same way, which isnt surprising because cats are so unpredictable. However, in general, a large majority of felines love this plant its like a fetish of theirs. So, lets take a closer look and answer the questions: what is catnip and why is it so popular among cats?
Don’t Miss: How Many Calories Does A Cat Need In A Day
Can Cats Overdose On Catnip
Too much catnip can cause health problems in cats, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or having trouble walking. Use just a little at a time, and you can always discuss the correct amount for your cat with your veterinarian.
Fresh catnip is more potent than the dried form, so you wont need to give your cat as much of it. It is also recommended to avoid highly concentrated catnip oils due to their potency.
What Does Catnip Do To Cats
The scent of catnip has the strongest effect on cats. A study by the American Chemical Society found that the nepetalactone in the plant binds to the olfactory receptors in a cats nose and triggers a euphoric neurological response.
Experts arent sure, however, exactly why the herb triggers such an emotional response. Some scientists think the smell mimics a happy pheromone, and cats brains react to it, according to The Humane Society.
Some cats, however, will become aggressive, rather than euphoric, when they smell the herb due to a different reaction to its stimulant effect.
Ingesting catnip also impacts cats, but not as strongly as smelling it. When eaten, it tends to make cats mellower rather than happy.
You May Like: At What Age Can Kittens Have Catnip
Why Does Catnip Make Cats Go Crazy
Cats inhale the essential oil nepetalactone, which then binds to the receptors inside a cats nose. These receptors work in tandem with sensory neurons in a cats brain.
According to Vox, This appears to alter activity in several areas of the brain, including the olfactory bulb, the amygdala, and the hypothalamus. This last area, among other things, is involved in regulating the animals emotions.
With the hypothalamus and other areas of a cats brain inhibited by the nepetalactone, a cat is likely to act intoxicated.
When first introduced to catnip, a cat might sniff it, rub their face in it, drool, and roll in the catnip. During this first phase of catnip the phase that is most often described by cat owners as the cat going crazy a cat can appear to be euphoric. This may present itself in a similar way to how queens in season or females in heat react, Scientific American explains.
They may rub their heads and body on the herb or jump, roll around, vocalize, and salivate, according to Scientific American. This response lasts for about 10 minutes, after which the cat becomes temporarily immune to catnips effects for roughly 30 minutes.
In short, catnip causes most cats to go crazy because they are experiencing euphoria.
Why Does Catnip Make Cats High
Whatever the cat has, we want some of that! No, but seriously, if you have ever seen a cat enjoying the pleasures of catnip, it may look similar to the Cheshire Cat, as in, a crazed cat who appears to be experiencing euphoria. While its certainly entertaining for the humans many cat-owners want to know more about why catnip affects cats the way it does, if its safe, and how much catnip is too much catnip.
Catnip is actually a plant a shrub that falls into the mint family called Nepeta cataria. While it was native to Europe and Asia, it now also grows wild in the U.S., according to Vox. In fact, it might even be growing in your backyard.
But despite it being commonplace, catnip is highly coveted by animals, particularly the animals for which it’s named.
Keep reading for more info on why catnip makes cats high and other answers to your catnip-related questions!
Recommended Reading: Blue Buffalo Cats
Did You Know That Humans Are Susceptible To Catnip
Humans can be emotionally affected by catnip too, although not as strongly as cats are! Its more of a sedative for people.
When used in tea, it can be kind of like chamomile. The sedating effects can also sometimes help with headaches, nausea, or toothaches.
In a concentrated form, it may repel mosquitoes and other bugs, but it doesnt last as long as store-bought repellents, and some experts say that it loses its effectiveness when applied to the skin.
Catnip is a safe product for your cat, but if you have a multi-cat household, you should probably introduce each cat to it for the first time individually. This is just in case you have a cat who turns anxious or aggressive instead of happy when exposed to it.
The effects only last about five to 15 minutes. If you find that your cat likes it, you can buy toys and even scratching posts that are infused with it and reward your kitty with an unexpected treat.
Does your cat love catnip? How do they react to this herb? Let us know in the comments below!
Catnip Effects On Cats
The active ingredient in catnip is an essential oil called nepetalactone . Exactly how this chemical affects the wiring of your cats brain isnt clear, but it is noted to bind to receptors inside a cats nose, which then stimulate the sensory neurons leading to a cats brain. So, what exactly does catnip do to cats? Its thought to mimic feline pheromones, which cause a euphoric reaction.
The blissful high of catnip doesnt last very long, oftentimes less than 30 minutes. Your cat might get nutty for about ten or fifteen minutes and then wander away for a nap. Once a cat has partaken of the catnip, it takes a couple of hours before they can be affected by it again.
Catnip can make cats meow, purr, growl, roll on the ground, zip about, and even drool. It can also have a mild hallucinatory effect, which helps explain why a kitty on catnip might bat at the air or dodge something that isnt there. Sniffing catnip has more of a stimulant effect, whereas eating it is more likely to make a cat all sorts of relaxed and sleepy.
Some cats can react to catnip with mild aggression, such as low growling or swatting. If you have more than one cat in the house, you should consider giving it to only one cat at a time to avoid potential fights and definitely keep an eye on them during their trip.
Don’t Miss: String Of Hearts Cat Safe
Why Do Some Cats Not React To Catnip
Catnips effects on cats can be different, with some cats appearing to be immune to the spell of the plant. Researchers estimate that about 30% of them dont have any reaction to catnip. Experts think this is a genetically inherited trait that is passed down from parents, which means that in some cases the gene responsible for the catnip reaction is either missing or turned off. The researchers also noticed that both kittens and senior cats are less likely to be affected as well.
However, its not just for domestic cats big cats like lions and tigers can also have a reaction to catnip!