2006-09-15 11:35:31 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
Catnip chemically mimics cat pheromones. Human pheromones are chemically different, so catnip has no effect on us.
2006-09-15 11:38:01 · answer #1 · answered by Jazz In 10-Forward 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there...catnip contains the ingredient nepetalactone that is thought to mimic feline sex pheromones. Human sensory receptors are different so it doesn't affect us.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catnip
EDIT:
Approximately 2/3 of the feline population (both domestic and exotic) are also not affected by the catnip as well:
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, etc. - will love catnip.
2006-09-15 12:17:32 · answer #2 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you boil catnip in water it makes a tea that is supposed to relax you before bed.I have'nt tried it but an indian medicine man told me it really does work so apparently it does have some affect on people.Don't know why cats love it so much.
2006-09-15 17:05:26 · answer #3 · answered by misbehavin165 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a chemical in cat-nip that gives cats intense pleasure and I mean *INTENSE* pleasure.
Infact, it is a chemical that is related to sex and the smallest dose; about 0.1cc is enough to give a cat an orgasm.
I gave my cat a kilogram of it and it had to be rushed to accident and emergency at the vets. It suffered 17 convulsions and cardiac arrythmias due to a 5 hour orgasm.
This can be research on wikipedia to show that this is not a lie.
CREED
2006-09-15 11:40:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't work on all cats either.
Probably a receptor on the surface of the brain cells. It basically works like a lock, a chemical messanger has to fit perfectly, just like a key otherwise the signal doesn't go off.
2006-09-15 11:43:29 · answer #5 · answered by Crystal Violet 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
<<
Damn... a five hour orgasm.
Who ever invents People-nip would make a fortune.
5 minutes ago>>>>
It's called marijuana...LOL
2006-09-15 11:51:42 · answer #6 · answered by LVieau 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
cats are used to eating raw meat
but we're used to cooked, and refined food.
Also different things like different food.
For example, we wouldn't eat a mouse, but to a cat it looks very fun.
2006-09-15 11:48:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Damn... a five hour orgasm.
Who ever invents People-nip would make a fortune.
2006-09-15 11:44:33 · answer #8 · answered by John H 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
did you taste it?!!?!?!?
2006-09-15 12:13:48 · answer #9 · answered by bribabygirl5 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋