Does catnip only affect cats?

Question

More specifically, exactly how does it affect cats?, Are there other animals that would feel its effects? How about humans?

Answer 1

Hi Thomas ...catnip only affects the feline species. 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 a 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

Catnip Affect Cats

Answer 3

Cats are the only ones that have that strong reaction. People can drink catnip tea. It's quite tasty... minty. It's like chamomile tea and is supposed to help you relax. My friend's dog sniffs the cat's catnip toys, but it seems that she just wants to see what it is. She doesn't get any of the zippiness that the cat does.

Answer 4

Cat nip is an herb that has a special effect on cats. maximum cats grow to be mellow, yet some cats can grow to be hyper from it. frequently in the event that they grow to be hyper that is an strengthen in playfulness or they in basic terms go with to roll around in the catnip. Cat nip toys additionally are a large thank you to entice your cats to a toy particularly then scratching your furnishings. in basic terms be careful youthful kittens do no longer frequently respond to it. that is something that happens with age. that's a secure herb for human beings too. Cat nip tea is rather a superb domicile treatment for a chilly. It is obtainable in moist and dry.

Answer 5

I'm not sure if it's true, but I think it may also effect ferrets. I say this because my ferrets seem to have an extremely strong attraction for all toys with catnip in them.

Answer 6

Yes, and it doesn't even affect ALL cats. I have had two Snowshoe cats and neither one responded to catnip in any way.

Answer 7

Our zoo gives catnip plants to the tigers and jaguars.

For humans if you make a tea of the flowers (it tastes like it smells) the tea settles your stomach like camomile tea does.

Answer 8

to me it seems like my cat gets high on it like marijuana maybe catnip is marijuana for kitties, lol :)