2006-10-03 10:35:00 · 9 answers · asked by pooh82800 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
It makes them act like carefree kittens again. Apparently, it acts a bit like a narcotic, releasing pheromones that makes them all excited, but without harming them.
2006-10-03 10:43:18 · answer #1 · answered by starchilde5 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catnip and catmints are mainly known for, and named after, the effects they have on cats, particularly domestic cats. 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. Cat toys can contain catnip and some cats love to play with them while others are not interested. Cat owners do not need to worry about allowing their cats access to catnip because there are, for the most part, no negative side effects to doing so. However, some cats become overly excited when exposed to catnip, so aging or obese cats with heart troubles should be kept away from it. A diabetic cat can also have complications to catnip.
Other plants that also have this effect on cats include valerian and plants that contain actinidine or dihydroactinidiolide
At least three species attract cats: Nepeta cataria, N. grandiflora and N. Ã faassenii, but most other species have not been tested. Of these, both true catnip and Faassen's catnip have a sharp, biting taste, while the taste of giant catmint is bland.
2006-10-03 17:46:00 · answer #2 · answered by flo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's supposed to make them "stoned" in a way. You know, like if you smoked the ganja. But it really does depend on the cat. We gave catnip to our cat and she had no reaction to it. Just depends I guess
2006-10-03 17:38:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's kinda like hooch, or pot for kitty, except, as far as I know, it's pretty much harmless for their long-term well being.
2006-10-03 17:43:37 · answer #4 · answered by LorHod36 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cats love it, gets them high
2006-10-03 17:42:13 · answer #5 · answered by Jamie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it makes them go nuts...something about the scent just makes them go crazy
2006-10-03 17:42:29 · answer #6 · answered by nursejess8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
gets them HiGh.
2006-10-03 19:29:09 · answer #7 · answered by yormajesti 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it just gives them nutrience and food that they need to survive. that's it.
2006-10-03 17:37:39 · answer #8 · answered by Grilled cheese lover 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is like feline Pot.
2006-10-03 17:42:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋