What is catnip? What does it do to a cat?

Answer 1

Catnip is a kind of mint (plant). Cats like it because it gets them all excited and then mellows them out. It's a little like kitty-drugs only no hangovers and it's not addictive.

Answer 2

Hi there ...catnip is great treat for all cats. Every cat responds differently to catnip. Some cats find it makes them feel euphoric and others angry. However, very young kittens may not respond to it until they are little older if they possess the gene for it.

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. 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.

Answer 3

What is catnip, anyway? Is it a drug?
catnip is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family Labiatae. Catnip is known in scientific nomenclature as "Nepeta cataria". The plant is a weed-like mint that is now native in North America and Canada after being introduced from its native Mediterranean soil.
How does catnip work?
The active ingredient in catnip is called Nepetalactone. The response to this chemical is mediated through the olfactory system (vomeronasal organ) that cats have a special receptor for. From the About.com Chemistry site:

Answer 4

"Catnip contains a substance called cis-transnepetalactone which when inhaled or eaten is thought to be hallucinogenic through the stimulation of centres in the brain. However, only about 50-70% of cats show the typical behavioural response - so there may be a genetic basis to the behaviour."- PROVET HEALTHCARE

Answer 5

catnip comes from a plant. It smells kinda minty. It suppossedly gets cats high. When I give it to my cats they go nuts playin with it and then they get all tired; like they're high.

Answer 6

yeah... catnip makes kitties act like theyre drunk or something... its pretty funny! its temporary & theyre fine! my neighbor used to have wild catnip... that was the best!

Answer 7

It's an herb that cats really get off on.
It seems to be an upper for them.
They love it.

Answer 8

basically a combination of herbs that effects your cat like a drug such as pot, they make your cat happy and want to roll around and play

Answer 9

I really don't know what it is, but i do know cats love the Hell out of it.

Answer 10

kitty drugs! Have u talked to your cat about nip yet?