What is catnip and why is my cat acting like a spaz?
January 5th, 2010 | Published in Cat Information | 21 Comments
I’ve never owned a cat and actually had to ask people how they got their cat to go in a litter box. What I’ve gleaned from their answers is that they just magically do it somehow.
I think this cat needs a 12 step program!
Obviously, I’m a big dog lover and didn’t know much about cats until I started pet sitting and had to get to know them very quickly. I have learned that not all cats want to scratch your eyes out and hiss at you. I’ve grown to appreciate their beauty and their subtle affection.
But, what is it about the catnip? I’ve always been curious about how catnip effects cats and why does it make them go crazy.
Here’s what I learned:
- Catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family – Labiatae. It originally came here from the Mediterranean, but it’s now native to North America and Canada.
- The active ingredient that makes cats react is called Nepetalactone. This chemical goes through their olfactory system that only cats have a receptor for. This is what makes them roll around in it, rub their bodies and for a few minutes act like their having an LSD trip. It only lasts for about 15 minutes at most and can’t happen again for over an hour or so.
- It’s not the smell of the catnip herb that makes cats go crazy but the Nepetalactone that triggers this response. They’re not sure why the cat’s brain reacts in such a way.
- If you have tried catnip toys, but don’t see any response, don’t be alarmed. Not all cats will react to it. Very young kitties and older cats are less likely to have a reaction to catnip. Actually, the reaction to catnip is hereditary. That’s why some cats will have a huge reaction and some won’t. About 10-30% of cats don’t have any reaction no matter what age they are.
When I chose to offer catnip on my store, I wanted a natural, organic choice. Waggy’s organic catnip is harvested in the USA and is USDA certified organically grown with no stems or fillers, and it’s Oko-Tex Certified Safe! You can read about Oko-Tek in the prior post, Eco Friendly on Steriods – Oko-Tex Standard 100 certification.
I think I’ve satisfied my curiosity and hope that you’ve learned a little something too.
Now go out and give your kitties and nice scratch behind the ears!
Chris L Wagner
January 29th, 2010 at 2:51 pm (#)
I always avoided cat nip because it seemed like a drug. I know it is natural and everything, but then again so is pot.
Speaking of litter boxes (yes, they instinctively know to use them), did you know that you could actually train your cat to use the potty? I’ve seen detailed articles with pictures about it. They can be taught to do their business there and sometimes even flush.
I love cats. I have two. They use the litter box, but I always found this concept fascinating!
January 29th, 2010 at 4:01 pm (#)
Hi Laurie, LOL I’ve only seen cats go in the potty in a movie! I never thought of catnip as being like pot, but you’re right. From what I read, it doesn’t harm them, but it does put them in an altered state.
I think I’ll get a cat someday rather than another dog. Cats are much easier to take care of and you don’t have to walk them.
Have a great weekend,
Chris
May 15th, 2010 at 2:35 am (#)
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May 31st, 2010 at 10:25 am (#)
yeah totally, catnip is like cat marijuana lol. And its legal. Cats get everything going there way. I remember getting this little fake mouse toy that had catnip inside it. It was supposed to teach your cat to hunt mice. Some cats , though, are unaffected by catnip
trishool@why do cats knead´s last blog ..Why Do Cats Knead? – Bullet Point Information
May 31st, 2010 at 1:12 pm (#)
Hey, you’re right, not all cats succomb to the evils of cat nip! no worries mon.
June 3rd, 2010 at 5:34 pm (#)
As a matter of fact, my next blog will have a video. I’ve been working up to it. Thanks for your comments. Chris
June 10th, 2010 at 8:15 am (#)
Thank you! Chris
August 3rd, 2010 at 12:41 pm (#)
Cats that are descendants of cats that come from parts of the world where catnip is not found will generally not respond to catnip.
Catnip Seeds´s last blog ..Cockapoo Puppies Make Good Friends
August 3rd, 2010 at 2:23 pm (#)
Makes sense and thanks for the info. Chris
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