2006-11-01 22:44:14 · 9 answers · asked by skitman_1080 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Hi there...catnip (Nepeta cataria--also part of the mint family of plants) contains a substance called cis-transnepetalactone which when inhaled or eaten is thought to be hallucinogenic through the stimulation of centres in the brain--it gives some cats a europhoric high. So in a sense it's like a drug. However, not all cats are responsive to catnip and here's why:
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.
2006-11-01 22:51:29 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Catnip IS a drug for cats...not Like a drug. Seattle, is, I am sorry to say, Wrong...my 10 week old tiger loves his catnip. His sister loves catnip. Every cat I have ever known -regardless of age- loves catnip. Yes, there MAY a gene...
Catnip is best home grown :-) But it is a diuretic, too, so watch out for accidental floods. In some cats, catnip has the effect of intense play...aggressive in some cases, so watch the dose.
Have a wonderful day!
2006-11-02 01:19:44 · answer #2 · answered by The Mystic One 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really want to watch your cat go bonkers, get some catnip seed and grow your own. After it is grown just pull a small handfull and crush it and then put it in an old sock and tie a knot in it and watch the fun.
2006-11-01 23:00:24 · answer #3 · answered by golden rider 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They roll around in it sneeze roll around in it some more and then look up at you with this vacant "oh wow" look in their eyes. I tried to grow some in a pot but they went after it like fiends. I put the pot in another room and they stood by the door and meowed and meowed.
I am very glad they have not figured out how to use this computer to order from Petsmart or someplace. I'd come home to a bale of the stuff.
2006-11-01 23:06:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they love it. I planted some and one of my cats ate the whole 6 inch plant in a very short time. When I feed him he insists I sprinkle some of the "special herb" on his food. All three of my cats enjoy Pawbreakers...do a search.
2006-11-02 00:22:58 · answer #5 · answered by mickeyg1958 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes its a drug for cats. It makes them crazy, and then they crash out. Its like their marijuana. It also has an affect on humans if they smoke it like bud, but it makes you trip out. you start seeing things. I used to work at Petco and this guy would come in every week and buy a lot. One day I asked him if he had a lot of cats and he said its for him, I was tripped out.
2006-11-01 23:29:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi well they sure act like it is when they eat it & roll around in it...Most cats love it & you would think they had been on something when they are around catnip...totally harmless though...Regards Jake
2006-11-01 22:48:01 · answer #7 · answered by Jake 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is, it's a mint that cats are wildly attracted too.
2006-11-01 23:20:35 · answer #8 · answered by MKM 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try some and find out after all your avatar looks like it's a slang term for a kitty kat
2006-11-01 22:54:26 · answer #9 · answered by grim_reaper_69 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋