everytime my cat sniff it it started rolling around going crazy like an old dude on cracks. will it do any harms or goods to the cats?
2006-07-01 07:22:56 · 18 answers · asked by Ms_♥ 4 in Pets ➔ Cats
It's primarily the scent of catnip, not the taste, that cats react to.
The pleasure factor in catnip is the chemical compound nepetalactone, which seems to have a mildly hallucinogenic effect on cats. Nepetalactone is similar to a chemical found in the urine of female cats, and this may be why unneutered males have stronger reactions to catnip than females and neutered males. Some speculate that nepetalactone stimulates the region of a cat's brain associated with sexual behavior.
Not every cat will get a catnip buzz. Kittens don't react to catnip until they are six to eight months old. And roughly 20% to 50% of all cats have no reaction to the stuff. For those hep cats that do get a kick out of the stuff, the good news is that catnip is harmless and non-addictive.
2006-07-01 12:32:24 · answer #1 · answered by bttf_85 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Grow your own catnip... many nurseries and petstores sell it (nurseries are usually less expensive though)... I also have a mint plant (there are many varieties) in front of a window that my cats like to look out from... The mint seems to have the same affect... carefull though if you plan on growing it outside... This plant will definately take over like a weed... It is a very resistant plant and easy to grow... just add water and sun and it will spread... My cats like the mint and catnip as it is growing (they also like the dry store bought stuff also though) but the fresh as it is growing helps with digestion just like grass will help the outdoor cat... Ever see a cat through up grass? not pretty, but I guess the grass helps settle the stomach...
As far as any long term health effect... no, this is not liking smoking or doing crack...
2006-07-01 08:15:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Evil bunny............it does nothing for their teeth! They don['t eat it! Duh!!!
Cat nip is a natural herb that for some reason makes a cat act whacky! It usually does not effect a cat until the cat is mature. My aunt used to raise it and send be big bags of it. My cats lay on it and roll around and purr like crazy. I really think it is a sexual thing.
2006-07-01 07:44:07 · answer #3 · answered by tjb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I have a Maine Coon, the world's laziest cat. The only way he will actively play is if he gets a whiff of catnip.
2006-07-01 07:28:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat Is Like Pot To Them They Get High.
2006-07-01 08:18:16 · answer #5 · answered by mks 7-15-02 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cant explain WHY it does what it does, but generally people do it just to watch the cat get a little wacky.... its harmless... unless the cat is hurt by doing something inappropriate. BE CAREFUL for it..
2006-07-01 07:26:15 · answer #6 · answered by Birdkeeper 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it does no harm to the cat, its just funny to see ur cat roll around like its high
2006-07-01 07:26:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It won't do any harm..some cat's are not even affected by it.It's basically just fun and relaxing for your cat.I guess the same reason people drink or do drugs.
2006-07-01 07:25:51 · answer #8 · answered by Courtney L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its just like a treat for them. Not like drugs, but like someone who has a cup of hot cocoa before goign to bed-or gettin a really nice stretch. I have heard they like the smell too.
2006-07-01 09:28:32 · answer #9 · answered by saasay00 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Itwon't do any harm it ctually helps them get exercise. Or at least it helps my fat cat get exercise
2006-07-01 07:27:25 · answer #10 · answered by Chocolate Lover♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋