why does cat nip only affect cats and not humans? and why does it make them go nuts wat is in it??

Answer 1

Catnip is the popular name for a plant of Asiatic origin called NAPETA CATARIA. It has a chemical within the stem and leaves called NEPETALACTONE. The names "catnip" and "catmint" are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are two different varieties of nepeta, a perennial groundcover and a member of the mint family. It is a hardy perennial groundcover that grows 2- to 3-feet high. Nepeta faassenii, better known as catmint, forms soft mounds about 2-feet high. Both varieties grow throughout North America.

It is thought that the ability to detect catnip, may be inherited. Only 2/3 of cats respond to it.Catnip was originally native to Europe and Asia. Over 2000 years ago Romans used it for cooking and healing. During the Middle Ages, catnip was used for the treatment of nervousness, colds, and gastrointestinal complaints. It was introduced to the New World by early settlers who cultivated the herb for medicinal purposes and food. As America expanded, so did the popularity of catnip.

Just how did cats become acquainted with it? Some theorize that the Egyptians, known for their worship of cats, were probably the first to offer catnip to their furry idols. Those who support this theory suggest that since Egyptians introduced domestic cats to the Middle East, they may have also introduced the pleasing effects of catnip on most cats. Whenever a cat comes across this growing in a garden, he will often rub up against it and roll around in it, in a sort of drug trip. Most members of the cat family [wild and domestic] react the same way, although not all of them. Young kittens don’t react this way though, and are often repulsed by it. They don’t learn to appreciate it until they are over 3 months old.

The responsive cat approaches the plant and sniffs it. He then proceeds to lick it, bite it, chew it and rub up against it repeatedly with head and chin, then purr loudly, growl, meow, roll over and even leap about. Many of the movements a cat makes mimic the movements seen when a cat is in heat, giving some people the thought that catnip is a [female] feline aphrodisiac, something that most cat scholars refute because it affects both male and female alike.

Feline catnip addicts are lucky though, because they suffer absolutely no side effects from this, unlike humans do when they smoke cannabis, a "kissing cousin" to catnip. Catnip is not the only plant to have this effect on felines. VALERIAN is another one, plus plants that contain ACTINIDINE.

The strange action of these plants though is the strangest thing of all to understand. If any of these plants were given internally, instead of putting FRISK back into the word FRISKY, the actually sedate the cat. It is strange indeed, when they are "uppers" when sniffed, and "downers" when swallowed.

Catnip is easy to grow, and the fresher the product, the more the reaction. Many toys for cats are sold as "with catnip", which supposedly encourages the cat to play. I rarely find these work, as they have been on the shelf for any length of time. I do buy, however, toys which are made with fresh catnip, as my cats like this better, and even when they have ceased to carry the odor, the cats still play with them, but more from habit. For the catnip-loving cat, sniffing this herb is harmless and non-addictive

Answer 2

Does Catnip Affect Humans

Answer 3

There is a chemical in cat nip that acts like an upper for them. It does not affect the human body the same way.

Answer 4

I'm not sure that catnip affects humans any more than basil or parsley would, but certain chemicals in the plant DO have an effect on a cat's delicate system. It would have the same effect on a cat as caffeine would on a human...sort of. I've included a link to a website that can break it down for you much better than I could LOL. Hope it helps!

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
why does cat nip only affect cats and not humans? and why does it make them go nuts wat is in it??

Answer 6

If human smoke cat nip its effect is like marijuana but not as potent.

Answer 7

Catnip affects humans as well. While I would not use the catnip commercially prepared for cats, I have purchased catnip tea. It is an herb. It is a relaxant. Enter it in your search box and you will find info on it. I keep a collectioin of herbal books and have found that it is used for colds, flu, fever, and respiratory problems. It has antibiotic properties. It can be used as an effective enema in the removal of disease-causing bacteria.

Back to cats: It is a relaxant for humans, but I think it makes cats high. I also know it is very good for their body fur (or their "coats"). They like to roll around in it and it promotes a high gloss and healthy coats.