2006-09-21 15:02:40 · 5 answers · asked by Road Trip 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
I see all excellent answers so far, so I'll let the Yahoo community decide the best answer. Excellent information! Thanks!
2006-09-21 15:12:11 · update #1
Catnip can turn a usually reserved and haughty feline into a playful, drooling kitten after just a few sniffs. 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.
It's not just domestic house cats that have an affinity for catnip -- even lions, pumas, and leopards are said to enjoy a roll in the 'nip. But 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. Catnip sensitivity is genetic and may also be influenced by learning and experience.
For those hep cats that do get a kick out of the stuff, the good news is that catnip is harmless and non-addictive. So thankfully no Narcotics Anonymous meetings for Fluffy.
2006-09-21 15:06:27 · answer #1 · answered by Indianna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Approximately two thirds of cats are susceptible to the effects of catnip, as the phenomenon is hereditary.
Catnip contains nepetalactone, a terpene, that is thought to mimic feline sex pheromones. Cats detect it through their vomeronasal organs. When cats sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip, they will rub in it, roll over it, paw at it, chew it, lick it, leap about and purr. Some cats will also growl and meow. This reaction only lasts for a few minutes before the cat loses interest.[1] It takes up to two hours for the cat to "reset" and then it can come back to the catnip and have the same response as before. Young kittens and older cats are less likely to have a reaction to catnip but big cats, such as tigers, seem to be extremely sensitive to it
2006-09-21 22:05:02 · answer #2 · answered by Shaun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is the smell, not the taste that affects cats. It is a compound called nepatalactone that creates the hallucinogenic effect. The compound is found in female cat urine.
2006-09-21 22:08:38 · answer #3 · answered by ibirish55 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually it is Marijuana. This the legal way of selling it. But, maybe the above answers more correct.
2006-09-21 22:12:44 · answer #4 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dunno, but my cats love it.
2006-09-21 23:13:41 · answer #5 · answered by hello_kitty_2004 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋