What does catnip do to cats?

Most people have heard of catnip but don't know much about the plant and how it affects a cat's mood and behavior.

What is catnip, and what does it do to a cat?

Catnip is one of the 250 species in the mint family, and it is easy to grow in North America. Catnip leaves have been used to make tea and flowers for cough relief. Catnip is also a main ingredient in some bug sprays. Catnip is not an herb given to cats to get hair out of their stomachs, but it is used solely for the pleasure and joy of your pet, which loves its smell.

What does catnip do to cats?

Cats have the vomeronasal gland, an extra scent organ in the roof of their mouth. This particular pathway allows scents to be carried to the brain. Nepetalactone is the oil found in the leaves of catnip. It is famous for causing changes in feline behavior. Nepetalactone "mimics" the smell of pheromones, so when your cat rubs its head against catnip and smells it, its sense of smell detects an essential oil smell very similar to cat urine released by female cats looking for a male cat to mate with. Cats, thus, get a sexual stimulus similar to the one they feel when they detect pheromones in the air.

How long does catnip's effect last?

Most cats react to catnip by rubbing, rolling, flipping, and eventually zoning out. They usually meow or growl at the same time. Not all cats are the same, so some become hyperactive or aggressive, especially when you approach them. According to experts, the duration of this stimulus lasts about ten minutes, which is quite enough for cats to feel joy, be satisfied, and most often, get a burst of positive energy, so expect them to run happily and play.

Surprising facts about catnip

⦿ Catnip doesn't work for all cats - some veterinary studies show that about 60 percent of cats react, while the rest do not.

⦿ Cats can ingest catnip, which can be helpful for their digestive tract.

⦿ On the other hand, too much catnip can cause digestive upset, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness.

⦿ Some veterinarians recommend using catnip to relieve stress in cats that need to be separated from their owners for a certain period (separation anxiety).

⦿ Dried catnip is less potent than fresh catnip.

Catnip Highs as Evolutionary Rewards

Scientists believe there is an evolutionary component to the behaviors induced by the catnip. Cats tend to stalk their prey in the grass, exposed to insects. Cats may instinctively smell catnip and use it as a natural bug spray.

What are the benefits of catnip?

Cats are born to move (even if they sleep most of the time). To keep their instincts, cats must spend time in a stimulating environment. Under stimulated indoor cats might respond well to catnip, which would put them into action. If this is not the case, the result will be aggressive and anxious pet behavior.

Can I give my cat catnip every day?

You can give your pet catnip occasionally; it doesn't need to be daily. The best thing to do is to limit your feline's exposure to catnip to once a week.