why do cats love catnip.?

Question

Im expecting 10 answers from vets and pet experts.

Answer 1

Here ya go!

Catnip (Nepatia cataria) is a plant native to North America . Fresh leaves of the catnip plant have a mint-like scent, while dried leaves smell like alfalfa. In all members of the cat family, contact with this plant causes a peculiar reaction called the catnip response. The primary active compound is catnip, nepetalactone, is chemically similar to hallucinogens. Catnip is not toxic to pets.
The catnip response includes initial investigation, oral contact, grasping and kicking, and abandonment. It lasts an average of about 6 minutes but is most intense for 2-3 minutes. Male and female cats of reproductive age are more sensitive to catnip than very young or old cats.

Cat owners derive great pleasure from the apparent enjoyment of their pets. Some cats are eager when catnip is offered and seem to revel in its effects, while other cats appear to avoid it, despite prior displays of catnip sensitivity.

The behavior pattern associated with catnip may be more closely related to predatory behavior. A cat’s reaction to the detection and capture of prey parallels many of the phases of the catnip response. Pawing and marking, clasping and rolling onto the side, and rhythmic kicking with the back feet are common to hunting behavior and the catnip response.

Catnip is commonly incorporated into cat toys. It may be applied to the surface of scratch posts to attract a cat’s interest. Available in dried form and marketed as a cat treat, it is by no means necessary for the well-being of any cat. Catnip may be grown in indoor gardens, providing a fresh supply and to distract cats from chewing ornamental houseplants.

Answer 2

The effect that catnip has on cats is similar to what humans experience after smoking or ingesting marijauna. But the effects of catnip don't last very long, and it's harmless to them. Many cats feel euphoric and happy, some get paranoid....and there are some cats that aren't affected at all by catnip. My female gets a little twitchy and rolls around for a few minutes after ingesting it, but my male really couldn't care less. It seems to maybe relax him a bit, but that's all.

Answer 3

They are just very attracted to it -- the smell and then the pleasure they get from getting a high from ingesting it and having it go up their nostrils.

Only about 30% of cats are responsive to catnip. The response is associated with genetic inheritance. My six cats really never took to it.

Answer 4

I believe it is the smell. Catnip is also an appetite stimulant. I love giving my cats catnip and watching them roll around and get spurts of craziness. Then they go to sleep.

Answer 5

as quickly as I have been given my cat and had an previous cat they ended up merely adjusting. yet as quickly as we've been given yet another kitten my cat became a jerk. We had to maintain the kitten in a separate room and slowly introduce them. started with small conferences and feeding them on opposite aspects of the door. It took some month yet they are perfect friends now.

Answer 6

in fact not all cats like catnip its a fact but my cats hate it!!

Answer 7

Nobody knows.

We know the active ingredient, we know how cats tend to respond, we know that kittens aren't affected, we know that some adults aren't interested and we know that most adults like it. But we don't know why.

Answer 8

It like a beer to cats, makes them a littie drunk

Answer 9

The smell is what they love it makes them go crazy and wild.

Answer 10

It is a feline version of cocaine. It stimulates their nervous system.