How Do Cats React To Catnip
The first thing many owners notice when giving their cat some catnip is that they start acting in ways that help release nepetalactone. You might see your cat roll in a patch of catnip or start trying to eat it to get more into her system.
As the catnip hits her system, your cat might become hyperactive, running around the room and jumping on furniture or a favourite cat tree. Some cats start stretching and drooling while rolling around on the floor. Other cats have a more sedated reaction, becoming calm and relaxed after inhaling the potent scent of catnip. Essentially, the effects are different for each cat, so you can’t predict exactly how your pet might respond until you let her experience the joys of catnip for herself.
How To Give Your Cat Catnip
There are hundreds of catnip-based products out there, all readily available from pet shops, supermarkets or online. If you just want to give them a treat now and then , catnip can be given in pouches or toys to simply enjoy. However, we think a better use for catnip is as a training aid.
Cats will associate objects with catnip if you sprinkle some around. This could encourage the use of scratching posts, litter trays, bedding, toys or cat carriers. Do it a few times and your cat will hopefully use them happily!
It can also be useful if you have a particularly nervous cat. Either used around the house during a noisy family Christmas, or in the car if they need a booster the effects of catnip can be good at reducing anxiety in some cats. You may be lucky enough to get a new feline friend for Christmas catnip can be perfect to introduce a new cat to your home. A little spread in each room can tell your cat that the room is safe and enjoyable.
Because catnip can cause hyperactivity in some cats, a little catnip now and then could help encourage exercise in fat cats needing to lose some weight, particularly around the usually lazy Christmas period! Even if they arent overweight, playtime is a good stress-buster. Balls filled with catnip are a good choice. However, remember some cats do the opposite on catnip, and become very lazy
What Does Catnip Do To Cats & Why Cats Like It
As the only recreational drug for cats, catnip is a uniquely stimulating plant thats almost as puzzling as cats themselves.
Between 67% and 80% of the adult feline population is sensitive to catnip.
Sensitive cats react to catnip by going a bit crazyrolling around on the floor, licking up as much nip as they can, rubbing their heads in the catnip, and frisking around the room. Some cats start drooling. Others get agitated and violent.
Both small and big cats react to catnip. Lions, tigers, leopards, and other big cats exhibit all the same reactions to the herb. But while the experience is widespread among all types of cats, theyre the only animals that get this much buzz out of catnip.
For the rest of us, its anything between a repellent and a mild sedative. Brewed into a tea, smoked, or mixed into treats, catnip and catmint are soothing to humans, dogs, and other animals. And if youre not excited by stimulated cats or chilled-out humans, you might like knowing that the active compound in catnip is a mosquito repellent more powerful than DEET.
Whether youre watching a cat in the middle of a catnip high or studying the secrets hidden within the nip itself, the dynamic between the plant and the feline is a constant source of fascination.
In this article, well dig deeper into the mysterious ways of catnip, discovering what it is, how it affects cats, and how you can get started with catnip yourself.
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The History Of Catnip
Catnip isnt native to North America. It came to the United States in the 18th century when English settlers set out to explore the New World. They brought along plants for food and medicinal purposes, including catnip. There is even a recipe written in 1712 in Massachusetts that calls for catnip.
Nepeta cataria was used to treat a wide variety of ailments. For many people, catnip worked as an excellent sedative. It was commonly used this way for children, said to cure sleep problems, headaches, and even scabies. Native Americans believed the herb helped women with menstrual aches.
Some people even suspected that catnip made them more aggressive. This notion led to many boxers using catnip. They would chew the mint before a boxing match, believing it would help them take down opponents.
While catnip isnt used for medicinal purposes anymore, its still a popular plant for a feline. Kitty owners use it on their cats toys, play areas, and even in their baths!
Negligent Response To Catnip By Cats
We have already seen that a considerable portion of the cat population shows no stimulation post catnip exposure and some might even show signs of dislike. Now, these kinds of reactions simply stem from the lack of catnip gene in these cats and the age factor when you think ‘do kittens like catnip‘.
The response of cats to catnip can also possibly weaken when being exposed to it too much. That can become the case if you are using catnip excessively for training your cat or other purposes.
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What Can Be Done For The Catnip Non
Dont despair if your cat does not respond to catnip. If you truly want your cat to experience the catnip effect, there are several catnip alternatives. Cat owners can try another plant called silvervine or a shrub called Tatarian honeysuckle.
In one study by Bol et al., from 2017, the researchers found that one in three cats did not respond to catnip. Of the cats that did not respond to catnip, 75 percent of them showed a response to silvervine. Also one in three of the catnip non-responders showed a response to the Tatarian honeysuckle.
There are plenty of catnip alternative products available, like the Cat Twig Silvervine stick toy. For a mixed feline family in which one cat is a responder and the other cat is not, there are products that contain both catnip and silvervine, like Petlinks HyperNip Silvervine & Catnip Blend and Petlinks HyperNip Hoppers cat toys.
Other plants that you can try with your cats are rosemary and peppermint. They have both been found to have a stimulating effect on cats and other species.
Featured Image: Krzysztof Smejillis/Shutterstock.com
How Should You Give A Cat Catnip
You can rub catnip on a cat toy to encourage your feline friend to get more exercise through active play. There are also catnip toys available that have a pouch inside to place fresh catnip before you initiate a play session. Using catnip to make your cat more active is a good way to help your overweight feline lose weight.
Catnip on a scratching post captures your cat’s attention and can entice her to scratch there instead of on your furniture. Catnip-flavoured cat treats make a great reward or training aid for your active feline companion.
If catnip has a calming effect on your fuzzy friend, you can use it as a gentle sedative to relax your cat when travelling in a car or meeting a new addition to your household. Simply sprinkle some catnip inside her carrier or in her favourite napping spot before the potentially stressful event.
When you’re introducing your cat to catnip for the first time, only give a small amount to see how she responds. Watch for any adverse reactions and base the amount you give on how strong of a reaction she has.
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Positive Responses Of Cats To Catnip
To put it simply, the impact of catnip on cats is equivalent to getting a pleasurable and happy time with scent without any risk and consequence. So if you think that why do all cats like catnip, these impacts of catnip on cats will make you understand:
- Cats take in the catnip smell deeply and show calmed down reactions mostly.
- They also try to rub or roll over the catnip object on themselves.
- The level of activities in the cat has been observed to get visibly increased post-exposure to catnip.
- Catnip is a form of enrichment and therapy via scent for cats and it improves their overall well-being quotient.
My Cat Likes To Eat Catnip Is This Safe
Catnip is safe for cats to ingest. In fact, catnip has been used by humans for centuries as a tea to support digestive health or alleviate intestinal discomfort. Catnip ingestion by cats may also have the same effect for your cat. At the very least, consuming catnip wont be harmful to your cat as long as it is consumed in moderation, which is true of all things you may offer to your cat.
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Does Catnip Affect Humans
Humans don’t react to catnip in the same way felines do, but people sometimes use the herb as an alternative remedy for conditions such as migraines, insomnia and arthritis. Catnip also works as a gentle insect repellent, though it tends not to be as long-lasting or effective as traditional mosquito repellents.
Is Catnip Safe For Humans
Although humans tend to buy or cultivate catnip purely for the entertainment of their feline friends, some people think that the plant can have a soothing effect on their own minds.
For example, some people like to brew catnip tea, and some have even tried rolling the plant into cigarettes and smoking it. It makes people feel happy, contented, and intoxicated, like marijuana, an older study notes.
As a supplement, people have also used catnip to treat symptoms such as coughs or toothaches, and as a digestive aid.
Is it safe? This much remains unclear. So far, there has been little research into the effectiveness or safety of catnip when it comes to treating various conditions in humans.
Some specialists suggest that catnip can cause contractions of the uterus, so they recommend that pregnant women avoid this plant.
Given the scarcity of evidence regarding the safety of this plant, however, our readers may be better off saving it for their cats enjoyment that is, if they are part of the majority that do appreciate it.
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Find A Cat Sitter Your Cat Likes As Much As Catnip
Who do you trust to watch your cat when youre away? If you live in San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas and need a cat sitter who will do more than just refill food and water bowls, you can trust The Comforted Kitty to provide your cat with the same love and attention you do.
Each visit lasts a minimum of 30 minutes. In addition to feeding your cat, refilling water bowls or fountains, and cleaning out the litter box, your sitter will play with, pet, brush, or interact with your kitty in whatever way your cat prefers. During each daily visit, the sitter will send you a picture of your cat with an update on their health and happiness.
If thats not enough, our cat sitters may retrieve garbage cans, administer medication, bring in your mail, water your plants, and make your home look lived in.
Schedule your next cat sitting with The Comforted Kitty today and relax knowing your cat will be loved while youre away. now to make an appointment.
Does Catnip Make Cats High
While cats are under the effects of catnip, theyre aware of their surroundings and arent hallucinating or in any kind of drug-induced reality. Cats just like how catnip makes them feel.
Catnip also produces the same response in cats every time they smell or eat catnip. This is different from human drugs because although the drug reaction in peoples brains will be the same, the physical response can vary between people . But when any cat interacts with catnip, you can pretty much expect the same response every time.
When a person takes a drug, it causes a reaction in their brain that makes them feel good, which usually makes them want more and can lead to an addiction. In comparison, cats dont usually develop that drive since catnip is not addictive to cats. When a cat rubs his face or rolls in catnip, hes not trying to get more of it its just a response thats triggered by the catnip.
Another difference between catnip and human drugs is that not all cats are affected by catnip, whereas drugs will cause a reaction in every persons brain no matter what. Your cats genetics actually determine whether or not hell like catnip. A preference for it is an inherited trait, and only about 50 to 80 percent of cats are affected by catnip.
Catnip also doesnt have any known long-term effects on cats.
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Where Does Catnip Come From
Its believed that the term catnip was adopted solely because of cats love for the plant. The perennial herb is native to the Middle East, China, Europe, and Asia. Its part of the mint family, growing up to three feet tall and producing green-brown leaves. Its flowers bloom between late spring and autumn.
While the herbs rise in popularity is mostly due to cats crazed reaction, Nepeta cataria was a useful garden crop before felines got their claws on it. Its drought-tolerant, deer resistant, and even deters mosquitos. The flowers also have the ability to attract butterflies. These traits have made catnip a great addition to many gardens!
The Best Ways For Your Cat To Enjoy Catnip
Cats need to have their own space to relax, play, and enjoy their catnip. When you get a cat pyramid from Litter-Robot, youll have the perfect piece of cat climbing furniture for your feline friend to chill out without anxiety. It also offers a safe space for them to be goofy and playful.
Dont have the space for a cat pyramid but still want to give your cats a place where they can enjoy their catnip? Cat shelves are just what you need. Sprinkles the shelves with dried catnip, spray them with a liquid form of catnip, or put a catnip-filled toy on them.
From there, just step back and let your cat go to town. Your kitty will be able to jump, zone out, and nap without you having to worry about tripping over them while theyre sprawled out on the floor!
Why do cats go crazy over catnip?
Catnip is a plant from the mint family that contains an oil called nepetalactone. When cats smell nepetalactone, it produces a chemical response and releases pheromones that give your cat a euphoric and relaxing feeling.
How much catnip should I get my cat?
Its always a good idea to read the directions on catnip products when it comes to better understanding proper dosing amounts. You can also ask your vet what they would recommend for your cat.
Can catnip make cats aggressive?
Yes, some cats may show signs of aggression, especially when approached. If your cat exhibits aggressive behavior in response to catnip, its probably best to avoid giving catnip to your cat altogether.
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Why Do Cats Like Catnip What You Need To Know
If you have a cat, the chances are youve bought your pet some catnip, whether loose or in a toy. It doesnt take long for its effects to occur. Youll notice even older pets will roll around, clutching their toy in their paws and acting like kittens. Undoubtedly, there are thousands of videos on YouTube documenting the antics of felines with their nip.
The fascinating thing about catnip is the reason behind the reaction. Its not food, although cats will often eat it. It may have minimal nutritional value. The question is, what is the appeal of what many people may consider a weed?
The Effects Of Catnip On Your Cat
May 10, 2019
As a pet owner, youre probably familiar with theoften mesmerizing reaction that many cats have to catnip. About half of catslove the stuff, while others may not be enthused by it. So what is it aboutthis plant that some cats cant get enough of? The catnip herb containsnepetalactone, which attracts and affects cats. The reaction many cats have tothis substance is referred to as a sort of high, causing their pupils todilate, often making them drool or become very playful. But what is happeningto your cat when they smell and eat this herb?
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Why Do Cats Love Catnip So Much
There is an active compound in catnip called nepetalactone.
Cats are known to be very sensitive to some smells and they love and adore this scent in particular.
It is believed to be similar to the smells of cat pheromone and that is probably the reason why they love catnip so much and go wild for it.
cats love catnip
What Is Catnip Made Of
When we talk about the catnip we give our cats, were referring to a specific preparation of the harvested leaves and stems. The catnip plant is first dried, and then chopped into a mixture of leaves and stems or ground into a rough powder.
The composition of catnip and the chemicals it contains have been studied extensively. The chemicals in catnip seem to affect both humans and cats, though quite differently.
Some products marketed as catnip may actually be other plants, such as Tartarian honeysuckle, valerian root, and silver vine. These plants contain chemicals which can have similar effects on cats as true catnip.
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