Catnip: How does it affect your cat?
Maybe you’ve seen your feline friend tightly clutching a little stuffed pillow with its paws, clearly delighted by… well, what exactly? It’s probably filled with catnip. But what exactly does your kitty find so irresistible about it?
What is it about catnip that attracts cats?
Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint or true catnip, is mainly found in southern Europe. It blooms from July to September and is the most popular subspecies of catnip.
There are about 180 different Nepeta species worldwide, but only about 20 are used as ornamental plants in our homes. Catnip gets its name from its effect on our feline friends.
With its lemony, tangy scent it smells pleasant to us as well and is full of essential oils. Besides your living room lion, catnip also attracts lions, tigers, and other wild cats in the wild. Intoxicating!
The effects of catnip
Exactly how catnip affects your kitty is still not fully understood. However, observations show that cats especially in stressful situations turn to catnip, to relax. It’s basically the green treat for your feline friend. Well, legal and without any addictive potential, of course!
Reactions to the “consumption” of catnip range from contented nibbling and rolling to increased hunting instinct and even real highs. Since most cats respond by relaxing, catnip is great for helping your pet get used to carriers or unfamiliar places, such as a new home, and to make it feel cozy and safe.
Even if you’re planning a change in your pet’s food, catnip can help make the unfamiliar food more appealing. Just place a pot of catnip next to the food.
My cat isn’t interested in catnip— is that normal?
No worries if your kitty isn’t enchanted by this member of the mint family! Current research shows that about 67% of all house cats get a buzz from catnip.
For the rest, it means absolutely nothing. Maybe your cat is still very young or already a senior— because for young kitties and seniors it’s more common that they find catnip not all that exciting.
Can catnip be dangerous?
If you’re now wondering: But isn’t a state similar to intoxication harmful for my cat? Can she become addicted? The answer is: No, catnip can neither cause addiction nor does it have any harmful effects on your cat’s health.
Only excessive consumption could give your kitty a stomachache, but most cats won’t voluntarily eat more than a few nibbles. Small amounts in food can even naturally increase acceptance.
Give this a try!
Do-it-yourself: Make your own catnip toys
Catnip is easy to care for and therefore perfect for your garden, balcony, or windowsill. Instead of buying toys filled with catnip, you can easily make your own:
Pick a handful of catnip and let it dry for several days. Take an old sock and fill it with the dried catnip. Then sew up the sock and you have the perfect catnip pillow— lovingly handmade and homegrown.
If you want to make things more interactive, you can attach the pillow with a string to a stick— et voilà: a cat fishing rod for fun & play with your feline friend. Tips on how to keep your cat entertained at home can be found →here.
