My cat doesn't respond to catnip...?

Question

My cat, between 6 and 7 months old, doesn't seem phased by catnip at all. Does anyone else have a cat that doesn't react to catnip? I bought it hoping that after I put it on her scratching post that she'd start scratching it instead of my sofa...but nope...sofa still gets all the attention.

I also have a cardboard scratcher and she won't touch that either.

Answer 1

Hi there ...every cat responds differently to catnip. Some cats find it makes them feel euphoric and others angry. However, young kittens may not respond to it until they are little older if they possess the gene for it. Try using special kitty treats to encourage your kitten to scratch the posts. As soon as she touches (not necessary scratch) the posts/scratchers offer her a treat. Soon she will learn that these places earns her rewards.

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 2

When cats are born, they cannot smell/react to catnip. They begin to do this at about 6 months, but sometimes it takes up to a year for catnip to have any impact on the cat.

She still scratches your sofa because it is there, and is scented to her. Cover your sofa with a blanket and put the scratcher in front of where she used to scratch the sofa.

Answer 3

it really is a false impression, precise there. that each and each and every one cat's love catnip. There are distinct manufacturers of catnip and some are not nicely surely worth the money you spend on them. also, my own youthful cat wasn't too in touch till precise this second, at the same time as i had to play with him, yet did not have time. So I spread out a plastic bag of ? kind catnip that were round for over 14 months or so. end of tale, he loved it; then took a lengthy nap. yet, i understand the guy who gave this to me for (then) my new kitten, spent countless money. Sorry, i do not understand the emblem, the carton changed into discarded a lengthy time period in the past. Oh! you could also with information from catnip flora. not too particular how secure they are although. may disillusioned their stomachs being sparkling leaves etc. a lifeless ringer for grass is with cats. Makes them vomit. desire this solutions your question. Bye.

Answer 4

She may be too young for it still. But there are some cats who are immune to the effects. Get her one of the corrugated cardboard scratchers, most cats love that as well as the sisal (rope) wrapped scratchers. To try to turn her away from using the sofa, try putting some aluminum foil on the places where she is scratching.

Answer 5

I work in a Vet's office so maybe I can help.

Kittens often don't respond to Catnip. They will as they age.

As far as scratching the couch here are a few things you can try.

Roll up pieces tape and stick them to the couch they won't like the sticky feeling.

Tape a section of fine sandpaper to the couch.

Tape Aluminum foil they don't like the feeling of that either.

Also placing a lotion or perfume (I used gold bond on tin foil) that they don't like will keep them from the area.

Also you should redirect your kitten to the scratching post and praise them like mad when you see them do it.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

Answer 6

I have two cats. One loves her catnip and ask for it by sitting and crying by the cupboard every morning. The other one has no interest at all. To keep them from destroying furniture My thing is declawing. Saves your skin to, but if you don't like that idea, use the soft paws others are talking about.

Answer 7

When my cats were young catnip did not affect them at all. Now they are both two years old and love it. For some reason it doesn't seem to affect younger cats.

Answer 8

There is no need to panic. My 2 month old cat doesnt respond, and they say they shouldnt until the first year, as for the sofa, there is a spray on the market called feliway...it works, it also stops male cats spraying everywhere, hope it helps

Answer 9

Your cat might still be a bit too young yet. Another alternative to stop furniture scratching is to fill an ordinary spray bottle with warm water, and spray the cat when she attempts to claw. A few spray treatments should get the message across.

Answer 10

not all cats like catnip, probably about 1/20 cats.