We’ve all witnessed a cat go crazy for catnip. But what is catnip? And how does it affect our feline friends?
Catnip is a herb which grows throughout Europe, Asia and North America from the Nepeta genus. It is a member of the mint family, usually the plant Nepeta cataria. You’ve probably come across it in the wild, or in your own back garden.
Whilst scientists aren’t 100% certain, the general consensus is that the oil, nepetalactone, acts like a pheromone to cats and causes behaviour similar to a female cat in heat. When a cat smells or eats catnip nepetalactone enters their nose and activates sensory nerves which ends up sending signals to the parts of the brain that control emotions and bodily functions.
Behaviours vary from cat to cat. Generally, they will be very interested in the catnip, licking and rubbing against it. Some cats can become relaxed and chilled out, while others are hyperactive, running, rolling, jumping, and meowing loudly. Some might even become aggressive. But not to worry, the effects are short lived (10 minutes), and there’s a few hours of cooling off where catnip have no effect.
Whilst is might sound like a drug for cats, it isn’t addictive!
Not all cats like catnip. There is a certain gene that must be present and active for a cat to respond to catnip – 20-40% of cats don’t.
For cats that like it you can get catnip based toys, a ball full of catnip can be as much fun for a cat as it is for you to watch get batted around the house.
Our Animal Sound Cat Ball Toy is perfect to add some catnip to and weatch the hilarity commence!
