As cat mothers and dads, all of us have one thing catnip-related in our houses, however how a lot do you actually know concerning the herb that drives cats wild?
WHAT IS CATNIP?
Nepeta cataria, generally often known as catnip, cats-wort, or cat-mint, is definitely a plant from the mint household. It’s a short-lived perennial and grows 20-40 inches tall and grows greatest in full daylight. Catnip could be grown as a decorative plant that’s identified to draw cats and butterflies. The oil extracted from the catnip plant, nepetalactone, is the chemical that triggers a response within the mind of a inclined cat. It may also be used as a mosquito and bug repellent (supposedly stronger and safer than DEET!)
IS CATNIP SAFE FOR MY CAT?
Nepetalactone is launched which causes your furry mates to really feel euphoric. Catnip can be utilized in coaching and conduct modification. Use catnip to entice a depressed kitty to have interaction in much-needed playtime, loosen up a cat that has nervousness, or encourage an obese kitty to get some train.
Catnip ought to be used as a instrument for play, not given as a meals or snack.
WHAT DOES CATNIP DO TO MY CAT?
The chemical nepetalactone in catnip triggers a response within the mind of inclined cats. About 50-75 % of cats are triggered by catnip. The response appears to be a type of euphoria that lasts for about 10 minutes. Kittens and aged cats don’t usually reply to catnip.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON RESPONSES TO CATNIP?
Most cats react by enjoying extra aggressively, licking, chewing, and rolling round in bliss. Some have the other response and simply mellow out. Cats will want a few hours to turn into inclined to the consequences of catnip once more as soon as the “buzz” has worn off.
DOES IT MATTER IF ITS EATEN OR INHALED?
Inhaling catnip is extra probably to offer your cat the crazies, whereas consuming it should trigger many cats to loosen up.
DO EITHER MALE OR FEMALE CATS SEEM TO PREFER CATNIP MORE?
Male cats could desire catnip extra as a result of its pure chemical carefully resembles a chemical present in feminine cats’ urine. YUCK!
CAN CATNIP BE USED FOR ANYTHING BESIDES PLAYTIME?
Have you ever ever purchased your cat a elaborate new mattress or scratching put up, solely to have them fully ignore it? Attempt sprinkling some catnip on it to entice kitty to test it out!
CAN HUMANS USE CATNIP TOO?
Sure! It may be taken in capsule type out of your native well being meals retailer or made right into a tea to alleviate human illnesses corresponding to complications, nausea, and toothaches. A scorching cup of catnip tea every evening may even relieve insomnia! It may also be used as an herb for cooking or utilized topically on cuts.
However don’t be concerned, you will not end up rolling round on the ground alongside your cats!
Though that is likely to be enjoyable…
