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

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales