why are cats so obsessed with cat nip and they go crazy over it when they smell it too.it is completely insane!!!!
2007-01-02 10:40:17 · 9 answers · asked by talk and chatz 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
good question but I dont know. why wont you put that question on google and ask.
2007-01-02 16:10:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catnip is a weed-like plant that is originally from the Mediterranean. It has a chemical in it that, when cats smell it, causes them to go nuts playing with it. They'll lick it, sniff it, roll around in it, and rub onto stuff. They do that for about 5-10 minutes, then they won't really be into it again for another hour or so. A lot of cats don't respond at all, though - it's estimated that roughly 15-30% of the cat population doesn't have the response. Also, older cats and young kittens are less likely to respond.
Is catnip dangerous?
Nope. It's safe for cats, no matter how crazy they start acting. The only thing to watch out for is that you shouldn't just let them start eating gobs of the stuff. Some cats want to eat it - it's not toxic, but if they eat it in large amounts they may vomit or get diarrhea. So just don't feed them chunks of it and you're OK, or take it away if they start eating it up.
Is my cat getting high off catnip?
No, it's not the same thing as a drug. It stimulates the pleasure centers of the cat and the cat will really enjoy it, but it isn't addictive and isn't causing the cat to hallucinate or anything. It's more similar to the way sugar will cause kids to be energetic and active
2007-01-02 19:27:19 · answer #2 · answered by Liddy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there ...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.
2007-01-02 19:47:59 · answer #3 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Some cats are immune to it. Some go nuts over it. My Sammy couldn't care less. I agree it is fun to watch when they are high on the stuff. I don't know why it affects them like that. Catnip is in the mint family, but that doesn't really help. Maybe your Vet could give you some insight! Blessings!
2007-01-02 18:58:51 · answer #4 · answered by jnjsnana 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know the answer to your question but have had cats that both love the stuff and those that weren't the least bit phased by it. One time, and I haven't got a CLUE how it happened, catnip got to growing in my front yard-I guess maybe one of their toys busted out there or something. We had half the cats in the neighborhood out there rolling in it!
2007-01-02 18:55:50 · answer #5 · answered by Betsy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My cat isn't one least bit interested in cat nip. She could care less. I'm not sure why most cats love it. But they sure are sill and fun to watch when they are on a cat nip high.
2007-01-02 18:43:51 · answer #6 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My cat isn't too fond of it.
Its a drug for them
Like the ones we humans have like glue etc.
The cats just intake it in by sniffing or eating it and they just go insane
2007-01-02 18:58:31 · answer #7 · answered by Choco 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the cat. I have one that loves it and one that smells it and walks off.
I've had other cats in the past that have done both...again, depends on the cat.
2007-01-02 18:44:09 · answer #8 · answered by rugbee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
best place for cats is deaed **** every one else garden about from home
2007-01-02 18:50:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋