Mary Allen
Many cat owners are always looking for that certain something for their cats and always want to offer their house tigers something new.
Catnip is exactly the right thing and many cat owners are guaranteed to have had experience with this miracle product and the almost magical effect on the velvet paws. But what is catnip and where does this strange effect come from? In this article, we report on catnip, its effects, and possible side effects that can occur in cats.
Catnip – what is it?
Catnip belongs to the perennial genus, which includes another 250 species. In the case of catnip, on the other hand, a very special type is usually spoken of, namely “Nepeta cataria”, which is also known under the name “real catnip” and lives up to its name. In addition, catnip is also often sold as cat balm or “catnip”.
The plant itself belongs to the mint family. In addition, it is one of the very few species that can also be found in our gardens. Cat owners can even plant and use the catnip themselves if necessary. However, most of the plants belonging to this genus grow in the dry regions of Europe and in Asia or North Africa.
In addition, some species can be found in mountains and in forests. The species Nepeta cataria has the strongest effect on cats. As you can imagine, the plant was named catnip because of its unique effects on cats, regardless of their breed, age, or indoor or outdoor cat. The greatest effect occurs in middle-aged, sexually mature tomcats.
Good to know: Not only our home cats are crazy about catnip. Lynx, lions, and other wild cats are also intoxicated by this “drug” and cannot resist catnip.
What are the effects of catnip on cats?
When using catnip, it’s easy to see that many cats become obsessed with it. For example, if a cat toy is filled with catnip, it can be observed that they rub against it or roll over it again and again. Many cats also lick their new toy and take many minutes to do so. It is the scents of catnip that have this special effect on cats.
On the other hand, the plant can have a very calming effect on stressed animals or nervous cats, and cats that are rather reserved can always be easily lured out of their reserve with the help of catnip. However, it doesn’t matter whether it’s catnip toys for cats or dried catnip, even in the garden the animals cannot resist the plant. Here, too, it can be observed that the cats roll around in the perennial or chew on the leaves or flowers. Many cats are much happier after eating, and some animals are now asking their owners to play more often.
Good to know: Behind the attraction to cats is a clever tactic of nature. When cats rub against the plant, chew the blossoms and leaves, and roll around in the perennial, the small claustrophobic fruits settle in the fur, and they fall off again at the latest the next time the cat is groomed. This is how the plant is spread by the cat.
Why does catnip have a special effect on cats?
Catnip contains special active ingredients. The substances nepetalactone and actinidin should be responsible for the special effect on the cats. Nepetalactone is a special pheromone, which has the task of protecting plants from various harmful insects.
Actinidin is also found in other plants, such as valerian, which also has a special effect on cats. Additionally, this ingredient is also excreted in the urine of female and unneutered cats. This should also be the reason why hangovers in particular react very strongly to catnip. In contrast to sexually mature tomcats, the effect is not quite as pronounced in very young and old cats.
Despite the fact that experts are almost certain that the two substances mentioned are responsible for the effect on the cat, the different effects cannot be explained.
Not every cat reacts in the same way and it can also lead to aggressive behavior. In addition, the effect is different in many cats. In fact, some scientists firmly believe that a preference for catnip is inherited.
Is catnip dangerous for cats?
Cats’ reactions to catnip are reminiscent of an intoxicated state. Catnip is also often referred to as a cat drug. No wonder, then, that the question arises again and again as to whether this can be dangerous for the cats or whether there is even a risk of addiction.
In general, however, catnip is a harmless plant for cats, as there are no known withdrawal symptoms. However, if the cat eats too much of the catnip, it can quickly lead to vomiting or diarrhea. For this reason, it is advisable not to make the cat toy with catnip available all the time, but only to offer it every now and then. This means that the cat is also interested in the toy for longer and is always looking forward to something new like this.
The cat toy with catnip
As already mentioned several times, catnip has a very special and irresistible effect on our cats and this is usually only positive. The offer in this area is very diverse and ranges from simple cuddly cushions with a catnip filling to small mice and cat rods. The catnip pillows in particular are very popular with cats of all ages and different traits. They are cuddled and played with and are especially ideal for quiet cats. Small toys such as balls and mice with catnip, on the other hand, are primarily intended for playful house cats, as they stimulate the play instinct and bring a lot of fun and action. Many cats even play with these products for a really long time. There is also catnip spray. You can use it to spray your cat’s toys, for example, or to make toys yourself.
Other uses of catnip
Catnip is no longer just for playing or rubbing. It triggers a feeling of well-being in cats, which cat owners can take advantage of. For example, you could spread dried catnip leaves or flowers around the home to get your cat used to an area of the home or to make the new bed more attractive. Many cat owners also use catnip for quieter transport, for example when going on holiday with the cat or when moving, to make it easier for the animals and to make acclimatization easier. Even when a new cat moves in, catnip is the perfect choice to help socialize both animals.
Our final word on catnip
Catnip should not be missing in the household with cats and can work real miracles. Not only does it get the house tigers to play and thus keep them physically busy, cats also feel much better, can get used to new surroundings better and stressful situations are now easier for the animals to bear. Whether as a pillow, as a toy, in dried form, or as a spray, the possibilities are almost limitless and everyone can do their darling a big favor and provide variety.