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Catnip is totally harmless and the effects are non-addictive. The catnip herb contains a volatile oil that when inhaled causes kitty to become less inhibited.

Catnip can be a great way to jump-start a play session, help ease stress, or merely just for the joy of watching your kitty act silly.

The volatile oil is locked in the dried herb, so when you offer it to your cat in a toy or even just loose, rub the catnip between your fingers to realize the oil.

Don't assume there's anything wrong if your kitty does not react to catnip. The catnip response is an inherited gene that not all kitties have. Certain cats, especially males, may also get so exuberant in their response that they may get a little assertive.

The first time you offer catnip in a multi-cat home, do so with each cat individually so you'll know whether a specific cat gets too revved up.

Don't leave catnip-filled toys around all the time, and don't offer catnip to your cats more than two or three times a week. If exposed to catnip on an ongoing basis, cats can develop an immunity to its effects.

The catnip effect lasts about 2 to 5 minutes. After that, your cat will probably take a well-deserved nap.

Enjoy the party!


Make your own catnip toy with our Organic Catnip

Here's an inexpensive way to create your own catnip toys. Just fill the toe of an old sock with the herb, knot the sock, and offer it to your kitty.

Here's another great tip. Keep a few fuzzy toy mice marinating in a container filled with catnip so they'll be ready to go when it's time to party.  Click to Order Catnip Now!
 

Catnip (Nepatia cataria) is a plant native to North America. Fresh leaves of the catnip plant have a mint-like scent, while dried leaves smell like alfalfa. In all members of the cat family, contact with this plant causes a peculiar reaction called the catnip response. The primary active compound is catnip, nepetalactone, is chemically similar to hallucinogens. Catnip is not toxic to pets.

The catnip response includes initial investigation, oral contact, grasping and kicking, and abandonment. It lasts an average of about 6 minutes but is most intense for 2-3 minutes. Male and female cats of reproductive age are more sensitive to catnip than very young or old cats.

Cat owners derive great pleasure from the apparent enjoyment of their pets. Some cats are eager when catnip is offered and seem to revel in its effects, while other cats appear to avoid it, despite prior displays of catnip sensitivity.

The behavior pattern associated with catnip may be more closely related to predatory behavior. A cat’s reaction to the detection and capture of prey parallels many of the phases of the catnip response. Pawing and marking, clasping and rolling onto the side, and rhythmic kicking with the back feet are common to hunting behavior and the catnip response.

Catnip is commonly incorporated into cat toys. It may be applied to the surface of scratch posts to attract a cat’s interest. Available in dried form and marketed as a cat treat, it is by no means necessary for the well-being of any cat. Catnip may be grown in indoor gardens, providing a fresh supply and to distract cats from chewing ornamental houseplants.

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This article originated from the manual, Canine and Feline Behavior Problems written by Stefanie Schwartz, DMV, MSc, published in 1994 by the American Veterinary Publications, Inc. 5782 Thornwood Drive Goleta CA 93117.

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