What is in cat-nip that makes cats go nuts?
2006-12-07 08:17:25 · 9 answers · asked by Naomi S 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Catnip triggers strange behavioral changes in cats when they come in contact with it. The aroma of catnip drives cats crazy sending them into a state of friskiness and excitement.
Cats react to catnip in many peculiar ways: some cats eat or lick it, others roll in it, some play with it and others will simply just sniff it. All of these reactions release an oil called nepetalactone that stimulates chemical responses in cats causing them to become energized and wild.
Not all cats react to catnip. Young kittens and old cats tend to have no reaction to catnip. However, large cats like tigers and leopards could be sensitive to catnip. Catnip is completely safe and non-addictive to cats.
Although catnip does not have the same response on humans, it is useful to them in other ways. For at least 2000 years, this mint herb has been used in medicines. In addition, it is also found in brewed tea to help humans with digestion and sleep.
**It's hillarious to watch them on it! : )
2006-12-07 08:22:02 · answer #1 · answered by ANGEL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A natural chemical in catnip gives off a smell that both relaxes and excites many cats. They roll around, jump, rub, and act just plain silly. Even big cats such as lions can go wild for catnip. But not all felines join the fun. The scent affects only about 50 to 70 percent of cats. Luckily the harmless chemical wears off after about five to fifteen minutes. I hope i helped you out!
2006-12-07 17:28:39 · answer #2 · answered by BMax 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cats love cat-nip
2013-11-01 20:39:58 · answer #3 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like cat- nip. Just the strong smell I guess. My two cats fight over it! XD
2014-06-29 16:27:36 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ummm its some chemical that has a different effect on humans than on cats that why we arent affected by it, its like we can eat chocolate but if u give it to dogs they die i dont know he name of the chemical exactly... but ummm lsd works better LOL
2006-12-07 16:23:57 · answer #5 · answered by Tig 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
it like crack for cats thats why doctors say limt the amount u give them besides who cares it's so domn funny LOL LOL LOL LOL :)
2006-12-07 16:26:13 · answer #6 · answered by kitty_17 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
IT HAS A VERY NICE TASTE TO CATS
2006-12-07 16:19:24 · answer #7 · answered by MO 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
who knows
2006-12-07 16:25:17 · answer #8 · answered by mz_u_dont_know_me 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no idea, but, it's compared to trippin on acid for humans
2006-12-07 16:23:23 · answer #9 · answered by jimdamailman 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋