Is catnip a drug for cats? I gave my cat a catnip toy and he was hyped(high) up for a few minutes then he like crashed.(like drugs do to a human) And is it addictive. Can you give me and info
2006-12-28 15:17:23 · 5 answers · asked by (Vicki) 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
It does give them a rush but only for about 20 minutes, and then it's like they can't react to it for a while anymore. It's true not all cats react to it. Catnip is a safe way to get your cats to release some extra energy, especially if you have more than one and they're being aggressive.
2006-12-28 15:26:03 · answer #1 · answered by wiscoteach 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Vicki ...catnip is great treat for all cats. Every cat responds differently to catnip's drug-like effects. 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. It isn't addictive so to speak nor harmful to cats, but for those cats who enjoy it can appear as it addictive.
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.
2006-12-28 23:31:22 · answer #2 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catnip: The Drug of Choice for Cats
Apparently they are born addicted or not. Not all cats react to it. But it does no harm.
2006-12-28 23:22:52 · answer #3 · answered by Old guy 124 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
catnip is crack for kitties..It's not addictive but draws the cats to it.. people also put catnip in marijuana to weigh it down, if allergic can make you deadly ill..
2006-12-28 23:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by happy2BAlive!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im not exactly sure how it works, but i dont think its addictive. But fun as hell to watch my cats on it!
2006-12-28 23:22:18 · answer #5 · answered by redeye069 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋