also is it suitable for cats (kittens) under 1 year of age...i heard it may not be
2006-08-23 02:01:59 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...it gives some of them a europhoric high. Then there are two possible explanations for why a cat is not responsive to catnip:
1. Reaction to catnip is genetic (see last paragraph). Cats must possess a gene for it. While most cats do, about 15 percent reportedly do not. Kittens, whether they possess the gene or not, generally do not react to catnip until they are from six to nine months old. Try reintroducing the catnip then and you will probably find that your cat will greatly enjoy it. If your cat is an adult, you may have one of the few adult cats that do not possess the gene.
2. Inferior quality catnip. Many other catnip brands are "cut" with straw, stems and other filler. This may fool the cat owner, but it doesn't fool kitty! Try some Certified Organic Catnip or fresh Catnip.
It's not known why the reaction to catnip seems to occur only among the feline species. What is known is that the ability to react to catnip is a genetic one. Cats that react to catnip possess a gene that programs them to react to catnip. The gene does not develop until after six months of age or so, and not ALL cats possess the gene. About 15 percent of the cat population does not possess the gene, so this may explain why your cat does not react. If they do possess the gene, cats of all sizes - from housecats, cheetahs, mountain lions, pumas, etc. - will love catnip.
2006-08-23 02:09:01 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It could be an identical via fact the way alcohol impacts people. some people have a drink, get happy and are super exciting to be around. Others have a drink and start up telling you each little thing that's faulty with you. there is not any way of predicting how something that alters suggestions chemistry will behave on all people. I fairly have one cat that rolls around in it, smiles (sure, it fairly feels like a grin) and then unearths a severe-high quality window for an fairly long nap. The matriarch cat gets propose. and that i in my opinion can no longer say that arduous adequate. She gets junkyard dogs propose! all the different animals run and cover as she roams the residing house searching for somebody to %. on. So, we have not got any catnip around. all people's suggestions chemistry is slightly distinctive and that i think that's why we don't all react an identical to suggestions-chemistry-changing components.
2016-11-05 10:52:51 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very strange answers above. Catnip is like a sleeping pill. In the south country folks use it to make a tea for their babies when they have their night and days mixed up. It helps to calm nerves also, at least it helped me. You can buy little cat toys with the catnip dry leaves in it. But kittens sleep alot anyway without it. Call your local pet shop or vet and ask. I'm sure they can help you.
2006-08-23 02:47:35 · answer #3 · answered by alabamalady813 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's kind of like pot or alcohol...it affects different cats differently.
My old cat got hold of an entire catnip plant that I had and when I came home there was dirt everywhere, his bowl was empty and he was passed out in the middle of the kitchen floor flat on his back. The cats I have now tend to lick each other for a few minutes and then beat the crap out of each other for another 30 minutes and then go to sleep. My dad tried smoking it once...didn't do anything for him.
KIttens, in my experience, do not react to it. Usually around a year and a half old they start to like it.
2006-08-23 02:29:37 · answer #4 · answered by crale70 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The scent of cat nip mimics the sexual scent of cats.
And they get "high" and usually roll around in it, rub their chins in it, or will eat it.
You can get dried or fresh (grow your own)
It should be safe for a kitten but I would consult your vet just to make sure. However because it mimics the scent of sex, a kitten may not be mature enough to respond to it.
Also catnip leaves make wonderful tea to aid HUMANS with stomach-aches - catnip is a member of the mint family, and has a great relaxing quality. (thats probably why its considered "marijuana for cats")
2006-08-23 02:29:49 · answer #5 · answered by friskygimp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some cats will never go crazy over catnip, and most kittens under 6-9 months won't go crazy for it either. My cats don't have that gene, so we dont get to see them go crazy for it.
2006-08-23 02:19:05 · answer #6 · answered by macleod709 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is different with all cats. My cats get goofy and roll around all over the place. We gave cat nip to my gradmother's cat and he go really mean. He was scratching and hissing at the other animals.
2006-08-23 02:07:48 · answer #7 · answered by StaLynnCey 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Isn't catnip like marijuana for cats?
2006-08-23 02:07:50 · answer #8 · answered by YouDon'tKnowMe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My two cats seem to ignore it . . fussy little witches.
Check the link anyway for an explanaton
2006-08-23 02:42:55 · answer #9 · answered by dougie boy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cats go crazy on the stuff they get a natural high from it kinda like pot
2006-08-23 02:24:50 · answer #10 · answered by lady heather 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋