2007-01-21 01:09:33 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Cats
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.
2007-01-21 01:28:56 · answer #1 · answered by ♪ Seattle ♫ 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I have a cat, and he has had catnip toys etc.. in the past - which makes him go completely bonkers - but he seems to love it.
Catnip is like a herb, from the mint family and the catnip plant is now a popular weed in America.
It depends on your cat, if you cat likes it - it will cause a great reaction and your cat rub it and rolls around it for several hours. It takes a couple of hours for the catnip to wear away, and if your cat goes back to the catnip it will happen all over again.
Some cats do not react well to catnip, as they can become quite aggressive. (It depends on your cat). Some cats are totally unaffected & others it has a big impact.
Kittens or older cats don;t seem to have a dramatic impact.
Bear in mind also, that alot of cat toys etc.. have catnip in them - so if your cat doesn;t like it you need to watch what you are buying
2007-01-21 11:07:25 · answer #2 · answered by ak1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cat nip is a kind of grass the is grown in California (mostly) there is some thing in it that just makes cats go crazy over the smell, even when it is serval years old.
2007-01-21 09:24:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
like dope for cats lol. its a plant, first discovered by the egyptians, which emits a chemical which makes cats aroused. only 2 thirds of cats can detect the chemical. no one knows exactly why catnip arouses cats in this way.
2007-01-21 09:17:25 · answer #4 · answered by stephizzal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a plant that all of my cats love. It contains a chemical that sends cats into a state of ecstasy. They'll slobber, purr, roll around, and become extra affectionate.
2007-01-21 09:27:04 · answer #5 · answered by MeSosa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋