Crazy for Catnip

 Is your cat crazy for Catnip?

Cats of all sizes, from domesticated tabbies to mountain lions, have been known to roll over, rub their faces, and twist their bodies in patches of the aromatic herb Catnip. Researches report that up to 70 percent of cats exposed to catnip display some type of reaction and that the level of response appears to be influenced by genetics.  Kittens don't appreciate catnip until they are at least 6 weeks old and about 30 percent of adult cats show no reaction at all. Different cats, even from the same litter, can display different responses to catnip, ranging from no reaction to total bliss to irritability.

Rafi playing with Catnip Toys

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. The oil from catnip leaves contains a chemical called nepetalactone, the odor of which closely resembles a substance present in a female cat's urine. Researchers do not know how the stimulus works, but the depetalactone must be inhaled to reach the vomeronasal smell receptors and trigger a reaction. Most cats will rub their chins and cheeks or roll their entire bodies in catnip, while some cats lick and chew it. The effects last, on average, from five to fifteen minutes.

A pinch or two of fresh or dried catnip is enough to bring out the wild antics in your cat. It is interesting to note that this psychosexual response cannot be triggered again for at least another hour after being exposed to catnip. For some reason, cats need some time between servings of catnip to reset their senses. Offer your cats some catnip about 20minutes before bedtime. The herb should stimulate them to do enough exercise to become tired enough to sleep through the night.

Coco Playing with Catnip Toys

I recommend that you treat your cat to toys filled with organic catnip, the highest quality of this feline-favorite herb. Store loose catnip in an airtight, dry container out of direct sunlight. Do not keep catnip in the refrigerator because cold and damp will weaken the herb's potency.

You might try making a cup of fresh steeped catnip tea for yourself. For humans, catnip works as a sedative, not a stimulant, making it a perfect choice to help us fall into dreamland.

*This information was gathered from "The Cat Behavior Answer book" by Arden Moore