I bought some for my cat, but not sure if they eat it or just smell it?? Anyone who can fill me in, that would be GREAT!
2007-01-14 05:49:22 · 21 answers · asked by MarlaMaples 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
They sniff it, lick it, munch on it...just LOVE it. You can sprinkle some on a scratching board. The cat will keep scratching to get at it and will have a lot of fun with it. It also encourages the cat to keep using the scratching post instead of furniture. Keep in mind that some cats don't like catnip or have a bad reaction to it, so start with a very little bit and make sure it doesn't get sick. My cat adores catnip and just goes crazy for it!
2007-01-14 05:54:35 · answer #1 · answered by remyd212 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catnip is a perennial herb in the Mint family that causes many a cat to roll around rapturously and generally behave bizarrely (to us silly humans) upon inhaling its aroma.
The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone. It is completely harmless and nonaddicting. Some cats like to simply breathe it in, others will roll around in catnip, many will rub their faces into it and others will do their best to eat it. All cats are different! In fact, there are some cats that will have no reaction to it at all!
If you bought dried catnip leaves, try sprinkling a little on the floor and see what kitty does. There are many toys on the market that have catnip in them too. Some are refillable so you can keep adding fresh catnip to keep the fun going.
Toys that do not have catnip in them can be stored inside a tub or bag of loose catnip!
You may notice the effect wearing off after a few minutes. This is normal. Once kitty walks away, put the catnip toy in a plastic bag if you like (and put away where kitty can't reach it) to keep it as fresh as possible. Then take the toy out later for a renewed catnip experience.
Another great way to use catnip is to rub it on scratching posts to encourage kitty to use her post instead of furniture or carpet.
Have fun!
2007-01-14 06:01:53 · answer #2 · answered by lvt4cats 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the catnip. If it's a catnip plant, then just plant it and your cat will love on it. If it's the kind that are like little pellets, then you just spread it out on the ground, and your cat will sniff it, eat it, or just roll around in it. Don't mess with your cat when he's playing with catnip, though, unless you want to get scratched. I hope this helps!
2007-01-14 05:54:24 · answer #3 · answered by aishanlove 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can do either really, but smelling it is enough and it lasts longer. You can rub it on their scratching post or put it in a toy and they love that. Some cats do not react to catnip. One of mine does and the other doesn't. The one that does goes NUTS. He will roll around all over the catnip and drool and lick it. If it's in a toy, he will suck on the toy and get it all soggy. The other cat just thinks he's crazy.
2007-01-14 05:53:10 · answer #4 · answered by Lauren M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Put a pinch of catnip in your fingers and squeeze it as you sprinkle it onto carpet or a scratch pad. Cats will rub their fur at the spot of the catnip and entertain you. Some cats do not respond to catnip while most go nuts.
2007-01-14 05:56:30 · answer #5 · answered by Igor B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is loose, it is a little messy. I usually put a small pile (maybe a tablespoon) on my kitchen floor and the cats roll around, in it. If you have never used it before be aware that catnip does not have the same effect on all cats. I won't use it any more because it makes one of my cats very aggressive and she trys to fight with the other two. The other two act like they are a little drunk when they have had it.
2007-01-14 05:54:19 · answer #6 · answered by felix 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are toys made to hold catnip. Different shapes and sizes. You can put the catnip inside and it should be able to be sealed up so the catnip doesnt come back out. Every so often change out the catnip.
2007-01-17 07:57:48 · answer #7 · answered by applenifer 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are many different way but I find the easiest way is to geta ball from the pet store tht opens up so you can fill it with catnip it also has holes so the cat can smell and taste the goods. plus its really easy to put it up when you want to stop the cat from the crazy catnip trip.
2007-01-14 06:20:19 · answer #8 · answered by lisagene2005 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats love catnip..and they can eat it, smell it, whatever. It is safe to eat I believe. My cats do and they seem healthy. It can be messy though...might want to put some in an old sock and tie it in a knot so they can cuddle with it. Also if you don't mind the mess..sprinkle it on a towel or their favorite toy. Mine just stick their faces right in the jar...funny.
2007-01-14 05:53:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just take a kitchen towel and spirnkle some catnips over it. Your cat will love it. Likely will rub itself all over the towel, maybe eat pieces here and there - catnip makes them very content so your cat will love it!
2007-01-14 05:53:36 · answer #10 · answered by MasLoozinIt76 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋