What exactly is in catnip ?

Answer 1

Catnip is the popular name for a plant of Asiatic origin called NAPETA CATARIA. It has a chemical within the stem and leaves called NEPETALACTONE. The names "catnip" and "catmint" are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are two different varieties of nepeta, a perennial groundcover and a member of the mint family. It is a hardy perennial groundcover that grows 2- to 3-feet high. Nepeta faassenii, better known as catmint, forms soft mounds about 2-feet high. Both varieties grow throughout North America.

It is thought that the ability to detect catnip, may be inherited. Only 2/3 of cats respond to it.Catnip was originally native to Europe and Asia. Over 2000 years ago Romans used it for cooking and healing. During the Middle Ages, catnip was used for the treatment of nervousness, colds, and gastrointestinal complaints. It was introduced to the New World by early settlers who cultivated the herb for medicinal purposes and food. As America expanded, so did the popularity of catnip.

Just how did cats become acquainted with it? Some theorize that the Egyptians, known for their worship of cats, were probably the first to offer catnip to their furry idols. Those who support this theory suggest that since Egyptians introduced domestic cats to the Middle East, they may have also introduced the pleasing effects of catnip on most cats. Whenever a cat comes across this growing in a garden, he will often rub up against it and roll around in it, in a sort of drug trip. Most members of the cat family [wild and domestic] react the same way, although not all of them. Young kittens don’t react this way though, and are often repulsed by it. They don’t learn to appreciate it until they are over 3 months old.

The responsive cat approaches the plant and sniffs it. He then proceeds to lick it, bite it, chew it and rub up against it repeatedly with head and chin, then purr loudly, growl, meow, roll over and even leap about. Many of the movements a cat makes mimic the movements seen when a cat is in heat, giving some people the thought that catnip is a [female] feline aphrodisiac, something that most cat scholars refute because it affects both male and female alike.

Feline catnip addicts are lucky though, because they suffer absolutely no side effects from this, unlike humans do when they smoke cannabis, a "kissing cousin" to catnip. Catnip is not the only plant to have this effect on felines. VALERIAN is another one, plus plants that contain ACTINIDINE.

The strange action of these plants though is the strangest thing of all to understand. If any of these plants were given internally, instead of putting FRISK back into the word FRISKY, the actually sedate the cat. It is strange indeed, when they are "uppers" when sniffed, and "downers" when swallowed.

Catnip is easy to grow, and the fresher the product, the more the reaction. Many toys for cats are sold as "with catnip", which supposedly encourages the cat to play. I rarely find these work, as they have been on the shelf for any length of time. I do buy, however, toys which are made with fresh catnip, as my cats like this better, and even when they have ceased to carry the odor, the cats still play with them, but more from habit. For the catnip-loving cat, sniffing this herb is harmless and non-addictive.

Answer 2

Catnip, a member of the mint family, is a harmless "high" for felines. Although many cats will eat it, scientists say they're reacting to the smell rather than the taste. Felines bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip to release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. Catnip is harvested when this essential oil production reaches its peak, and leaves and fragrant flowers are carefully air-dried to preserve essential oils at their best.

About 80% of adult cats -- including lions, pumas, and leopards! -- react to this irresistible, intoxicating, analgesic soporific. The tendency to like or ignore catnip is inherited, and it's true that some cats are immune to its influence.

Taken as a hot infusion, Catnip promotes sweating and is beneficial for colds, flus, fevers, and infectious childhood diseases. It is soothing to the nervous system and calming to the stomach. It aids with flatulence, diarrhea, and colic. It is sometimes used as an enema to cleanse and heal the lower bowel (use in diluted form). Catnip helps to prevent miscarriage and premature birth as well as allays morning sickness.

Answer 3

Catnip is a natural herb that seems to affect cats in the funniest way. I love when mine plays on his scratching box and then runs around the house like a clown. It makes him soooo happy, it's adorable.

Answer 4

Catnip is a weed.it grows where it wants to the kind you find at the store is just a dried up form. btw catnip is a good way to train your cat to sleep in a particular place.

Answer 5

Catnip is time-honored for its behavioral consequences on cats. They use it for leisure. some cats will rub the plant, chew on it, roll on the floor, paw at it, and lick it. eating to lots could lead them to drool, sleep, bounce approximately, and purr. some cats will growl at it, meow, scratch, or chew the hand conserving the catnip. Others will only consume dried catnip. 2/3sof cats are stricken by ability of it. My cat is one that's no longer. He sniffs it, and he walks away. additionally, i think of it would not have any result on kittens under 12 weeks.

Answer 6

It is actually a weed with the effects of weed to a person if you get my meaning here is the exact definition: A hairy aromatic perennial herb (Nepeta cataria) in the mint family, native to Eurasia and containing an aromatic oil to which cats are strongly attracted.
Any of various other mostly aromatic plants of the genus Nepeta, cultivated for their ornamental foliage and clusters of blue, lavender, or white flowers.

Answer 7

Catnip is actually a type of mint. If you smell it when its fresh it smells minty. I don't know why it seems to excite cats so much. I keep a planter box of it on the back porch for my cats to graze on.

Answer 8

It's like crack for cats. But not all cats react well to it. I've found some of my cats love it and have fun with it, but I've had a few cats that I had to keep them away cause they would freak out! Running around scratching stuff and hissing! So just be careful. My husband swears against it, but I have friends that buy it the sack.

Answer 9

It is in the mint family and can be grown in any garden. For some reason it drives kitties wild!

Many nurseries can't even carry the plants as the cats come from all over to get to it.

Answer 10

Catnip is just a plant like marijuana is and gets cats high like pot does humans.