What exactly IS catnip and what is it made of? Why are cats so attracted to it? Is it bad or harmless to my cats? If it is bad, what can it cause my cats to do??? Thanks for answering!!!
2007-03-19 07:52:36 · 13 answers · asked by Alison 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Catnip is a member of the mint family of plants. Its cousins include basil, oregano, and spearmint. All these plants produce essential oils that contain flavorful and aromatic terpenoids such as limonene, menthol, and spearmint.
The leaves, stems, and seedpods of catnip are covered with microscopic bulbs called trichomes, which store the essential oil until they reach maturity and burst. External forces, such as a hungry bug biting into a leaf or a passing animal brushing up against the plant and bruising the leaves, can also release the oil.
That the essential oil is contained inside the fragile bulbs may explain why cats are seen rubbing up against, and even chewing, the leaves. Cats gain nothing by ingesting the leaves because the biological activity of nepetalactone is most likely centered in the olfactory tissues. But chewing the leaves will rupture the tiny packets of oil and release nepetalactone into the air.
2007-03-19 08:00:28 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
catnip is actually an herb. also called "catmint".
How does catnip work?
"Catnip" is the common name for a perennial herb of the mint family. It is native to Europe and is an import to the United States and other countries. The catnip plant is now a widespread weed in North America.
Given to the right cat, catnip can cause an amazing reaction! The cat will rub it, roll over it, kick at it, and generally go nuts for several minutes. Then the cat will lose interest and walk away. Two hours later, the cat may come back and have exactly the same response.
Because there really isn't any scent that causes this sort of reaction in humans, catnip is hard for us to understand. However, it is not an uncommon behavior in animals that rely heavily on their noses. For example, there are many scents that will trigger intense hunting behavior in dogs, and other scents will cause dogs to stop in their tracks and roll all over the scent.
Although no one knows exactly what happens in the cat's brain, it is known that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the thing that triggers the response. Apparently, it somehow kicks off a stereotypical pattern in cats that are sensitive to the chemical. The catnip reaction is inherited, and some cats are totally unaffected by it. Large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it as well.
The reaction to catnip only lasts a few minutes. Then the cat acclimates to it, and it can take an hour or two away from catnip for the cat to "reset." Then, the same reaction can occur again. Very young kittens and older cats seem less likely to have a reaction to catnip.
Humans can use catnip as well. You can put it in salads, sauces, stews and fruit dishes. It also makes a great minty tea.
Medicinal uses are for insomnia, colds, flu, palpitations and colic.
2007-03-19 08:04:58 · answer #2 · answered by Alley_Kat 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Okay, here goes: Catnip is a plant in the Mint family that grows wild as a weed and is commonly found in the Midwestern United States.
The active ingredient in catnip is a substance that resembles a chemical found in the urine of female cats (nepatalactone). This would probably explain why males that have not been neutered have the greatest reaction to the substance.
Catnip is a stimulant that causes some cats to salivate, roll on the ground, rub themselves feverishly and even leap in the air. However, not all cats respond to the catnip. It is believed that this is due to environment, genetics and gender.
You may apply the catnip to scratching posts or play toys, not more than once a week otherwise its effectiveness will diminish. Cats prefer fresh, green leaves or stems; however, you may also give it to them dried. Just remember not to over do it!
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Nepeta Cataria is the official name for catnip, a plant related to the mint family. It's greatest mystery is why some cats go crazy for it and others shun it. Genetics is a major reason cats react to catnip. About 50% of all cats possess this genetic trait.
Most reactive cats do not show a response until they are at least 6 months old. Some cats do not develop a taste for catnip until they are several years old. Other cats require a totally stress-free environment before they will allow themselves to indulge.
Interestingly enough, most lions, leopards and pumas react to catnip, while tigers do not. The reactions of house cats and the big cats are similar. The enticing odor of the catnip oil triggers certain nerves within the cat's brain. Some cats will roll and rub on the catnip, purring loudly. Others wallow in it, eating it and exhibiting inebriated behavior for 5 to 15 minutes. After the initial "high," most cats sleep it off or remain pacified and overly calm for several hours. There are no unpleasant after effects from this harmless herb.
All catnip is not the same. Look for 100% pure catnip. Keep in mind also that catnip pellets are 50% stronger than leaves and some cats find it too strong.
Good luck!
Hope this info is helpful
2007-03-19 08:02:47 · answer #3 · answered by Somanyquestions,solittletime 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Catnip is derived from a plant and it's basically like marijuana for cats - less the smoking. It's makes them high naturally, playful and happy. It is harmless, the worst I have seen it do to my cats is make them sneeze because they are sniffing it so much.
2007-03-19 07:57:54 · answer #4 · answered by OscarsMum 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what it is made of catnip, I know some cats like it it's like maijuana for cats and some cats like my cats could care less about it. Cats act silly when you give it to them or you can buy a toy w/catnip in it and keep it to give to the cat periodically.
2007-03-19 07:57:43 · answer #5 · answered by kathmrc 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is a plant that attracts cats. the scent on it causes the cats to be aroused. it is generally harmless. its helps to stimulate interest in cats that are bored. it is normally grown or bought from pet stores. don't worry too much about catnip. cat nip also comes in liquid form nowadays. =)
2007-03-19 07:58:53 · answer #6 · answered by Felicia C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
harmless to cats. it's dried leaves from the cat-mint plant. whether it gets them "drunk" or "stoned" is arguable, but they certainly love the smell/taste of it & go absolutely nuts for it (in most, not all, cases) i'd recomend not letting them eat too much. give them a little at a time. just to be safe. also, there are toys (mice, balls & such) filled with catnip. i highly recommend these.
2007-03-19 08:36:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catnip is a plant, a type of herb. No, it isn't harmful to cats. They love it! I buy the dried kind and put it in an old sock and tie a knot in it. It gives them a kitty "high", but is not harmful at all. It just makes them hyper and goofy. No harm to them at all. You can buy it at any pet supply store.
2007-03-19 07:59:14 · answer #8 · answered by Starscape 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband buys catnip seeds each and every of the time from Wal-mart. we've catnip flora throughout our outdoor and our cats like to roll in them! you should in all possibility order seeds on line too.
2016-12-18 17:53:03 · answer #9 · answered by shery 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A television show said the plant smelled like cat urine, that's why some cats go 'nuts' over it.
2007-03-19 07:59:33 · answer #10 · answered by Ands 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋