You’ve heard stories about the effects of catnip — cats flipping out, drooling, rubbing themselves on it. It’s natural to wonder: can something that provokes such a strong response be safe for cats? And what, exactly, is catnip?
These are all perfectly normal concerns many pet parents have when it comes to this intoxicating kitty herb. Let’s explore the properties of catnip and how it works so you can decide if it is right for your feline friend.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip has a scientific name — Nepeta cataria — but it is also called catswort and catmint. It is in the mint family (Lamiaceae) and grows between 20 and 39 inches tall (50 to 100 centimeters) with downy, heart-shaped, jagged leaves and purple-spotted white flowers. It is native to the southern and eastern parts of Europe, the Middle East, central Asia and parts of China.
Even though catnip is not indigenous to North America and New Zealand, it was brought over by settlers and now grows and spreads throughout these areas with the ease of any weed. In addition, many people love to grow this plant in their gardens for its beauty and insect-repelling properties.
What Makes It Intoxicating?
Catnip makes some cats go wild because of a chemical called nepetalactone, which is found in the tiny bulbs located on the leaves of the plant as well as in the stems and pods.
To produce the classic “crazy” effect, your cat will need to actually sniff it. Once inhaled, the nepetalactone stimulates sensory neurons, sending signals to the brain.
When you cat sniffs catnip, several brain regions are impacted, including the amygdala (located in your cat’s midbrain and controls emotional responses) and the hypothalamus (the brain’s “master gland” that regulates hormones which affect things like hunger and emotions), according to Scientific American. In a nutshell, the nepetalactone mimics a pheromone, which can alter the animal’s behavior.
How Will My Cat React to Catnip?
No one really knows how their cat will react to catnip until they try it. Studies show that 70 to 80 percent of felines are genetically predisposed to respond in some way to it, and it is medically safe for cats to smell and ingest.
The common side effects of catnip are usually licking, chewing, rolling, meowing, drooling or running around the house. Others may get aggressive, and do things like swat or growl. These effects may diminish after 15 minutes or so.
How to Give Your Cat Catnip
If you have decided to let your cat try this plant, here are a few ways to try it:
Purchase toys that are already stuffed with dried catnip. These are readily available at and can be given to your cat at any time.
Use catnip spray. This is useful for when you are trying to attract your cat to a certain object, like a scratching post, a new cat bed or toy (providing they respond to the herb).
Try an infused bubble solution. This is one of the newer and more creative uses of the plant. Catnip bubbles are just like the soap bubbles children blow with bubble wands, but infused with catnip for an extra interactive twist when the bubble pops.
Give it to your pet fresh from the plant or dried. How much is too much? Cats seem to know when they’ve had enough; it’s unlikely that they’ll overdose by inhalation. However, digestive upset can happen if too much is eaten, so limit your cat to just a sprinkling (one-quarter-teaspoon or less) on the floor or in their favorite kibble. If you cat eats catnip, the behavioral changes will not be as marked because it is being digested through the stomach.
Although catnip has no long-term addictive properties, use this herb in small doses to ensure you can gauge its effect. Ultimately, to allow your cat to have catnip or not is up to you. Unless your feline has had it before, the effects of the herb may just surprise you, so be ready.
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