Most people know about catnip, the herb that drives many cats crazy. But not as many people know about how or why cats love it so much. What is it about catnip that sends cats into a tizzy, and what should cat owners know about it? Here are five facts about this fragrant and fun herb.
Catnip is related to mint. There are over 200 species in the mint family, and the many varieties of catnip are among them. The particular ingredient in catnip that drives cats wild is an oil called nepetalactone. Cats detect this oil through their nose, which then stimulates the neurons in their brain to react the way they do. Cats react in a variety of ways, but one thing is sure: catnip makes them feel good.
Not all cats are attracted to catnip. Most cats respond to it, but not all do. Whether a cat is attracted to catnip is hereditary. In other words, cats with a family history of catnip sensitivity will be more likely to respond to it. In addition, kittens do not respond to catnip until they are at least a few months old.
The catnip “high” usually lasts a few minutes at a time. Typically, a cat will respond to catnip for ten to fifteen minutes at a time before the effect wears off. During this downtime, the cat will not respond to any more catnip for about an hour. Don’t worry – this is normal behavior. If your cat just had some catnip and is failing to respond to anymore, wait a while before trying again.
Catnip is a great way to train cats to use new toys or scratching posts. Trying to keep a cat from scratching the furniture? Getting him or her a scratching post or pad and drizzling catnip on it is a great way to teach a cat what they should be playing with. Catnip makes cats feel playful, so applying it to toys or scratching posts is a valuable training method. Even catnip infused toys will lose their potency after a while, so be sure to keep fresh catnip on hand to refill them.
There are many different ways to keep catnip fresh. If you want your cat to benefit the most from catnip, you’ll want to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Keeping it in a sealed bag or airtight container is the first step to ensuring that catnip stays fresh for a long time. Catnip can also be frozen or placed in the refrigerator, like other perishables. Finally, remember that catnip is activated by squeezing or crushing it. So before you sprinkle some on a toy for playtime, squeeze the flakes between your fingers to release the potent oils inside.
Catnip is a safe, fun way to encourage a cat to exercise or play. Keep some on hand at all times and you and your cat will always have a reason to party and bond together.
