BLOG / Cat

What You Should Know About Catnip

main banner
by Alexander Thompson
Aug 10, 2022
2 minute read
TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • What Is Catnip?
  • How Does Catnip Work?
  • Does Catnip Harm Cats?
  • How Long Does Catnip Lasts?
  • Conclusion
Although a lot of people are familiar with catnip, they don't understand the type of plant it is or how the science behind its effects on cats' moods and behavior.
Fortunately, this article discusses catnip and answers questions about how it works.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip, known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb native to Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and some areas of China. The plant belongs to the mint family, Labiatae, and it has several traits of the common mint. Catnip has green-brown leaves with saw-toothed edges and flowers. The flowers bloom from late spring into the autumn, and the plant can grow up to three feet tall.
a cat holds a catnip
The catnip plant is drought-tolerant, deer resistant, and a mosquito deterrent. Therefore, people often incorporate it in gardens. Furthermore, catnip attracts butterflies and cats. So, even if you don't have a garden, you can grow fresh plants in your home and purchase dehydrated plant pieces, catnip-stuffed toys, and sprays.

How Does Catnip Work?

Cats have a vomeronasal gland in their month's roof, which is an extra scent organ. This extra organ is a special pathway that passes scents collected in the nose and mouth to the brain.
Catnip causes behavioral changes in cats because of the nepetalactone oil found within the plant's leaves. Cats get exposed to this substance whenever they smell the catnip.
Catnip also mimics feline sex hormones. So, when male and female cats enjoy this substance, they display behaviors similar to a female cat in heat. Female cats in heat are overly affectionate, relaxed, and happy. They also display active behaviors, including playfulness and, in some cases, aggression.
a cat eats catnip
Cats that experience something positive with catnip experience pain relief and reduced anxiety.
Some veterinarians even recommend using catnip if your cat is home alone for an extended period because the substance helps with separation anxiety.

Does Catnip Harm Cats?

Although about half the population of cats love the smell of grass blades and like scratching, not all cats must eat catnip to maintain health.
Catnip is, in fact, a hallucinogenic plant that causes temporary behavioral changes in plants after eating. These changes include delirium, rolling, rubbing, chewing, sneezing, meowing, etc. Some cats even chase fantasy kicks after consuming the substance, while others sit and stare blankly. Fortunately, catnip does not cause any harm to cats, and neither is it addictive. Generally, catnip does not help or harm cat health substantially.

How Long Does Catnip Lasts?

Catnip causes various strange reactions in cats, similar to the effects of drugs like marijuana on people. Nevertheless, research shows that catnip does not have addictive effects on cats. Instead, cats smelling this substance usually return to normal after 5 to 15 minutes and tend to lose interest in plants. The longest addiction time to catnip is usually no more than an hour.
a cat eats catnip
After initial intoxication, it takes at least 2 hours for a cat to be interested in catnip. Although this plant is natural and harmless, cats are irresistibly attracted to it. Therefore, people use the plant as a magic weapon to deal with naturally loose and free cats. Besides fresh plants, navy professional cat toys contain compound chemical fragrances like nepetalactone. These toys include climbing stools and yarn balls.
On the market, many plants, called cat grass, are entirely different from catnip. These plants include wheat, foxtail, oat, and other plants. Cats usually swallow this grass to clean up their stomach. These plants do not harm cats, and neither do they impact cat behavior.

Conclusion

Catnip has different effects on different cats.
Although catnip can help adjust cats' moods, it is advisable not to force them during use; otherwise, it will produce counterproductive results.
SUBSCRIBE
Subscibe for our newsletter to get updates on the latest products, offers, and more.
CATEGORIES
Latest Articles
Professing love to your furry companions with considerable care.
Dog
Embarking on the exciting adventure with your canine pals.
Cat
Launching the journey into your feline friends' inner world.
CATEGORIES
Latest Articles
Professing love to your furry companions with considerable care.
Dog
Embarking on the exciting adventure with your canine pals.
Cat
Launching the journey into your feline friends' inner world.
BLOG / Cat
How to Prevent Cat Drinking Fountain From Getting Moldy?
by Alexander Thompson
Sep 08, 2023
3 minute read
For our furry friends, cat fountains provide a steady supply of clean, circulating water. These fountains, however, can unwittingly produce a moist atmosphere that promotes mold growth. You might be worried about potential mold problems if you’re thinking about buying a cat fountain. Mold spores that land on wet surfaces inside the fountain can quickly grow and develop mold patches that are fuzzy and either black or white.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
What Is A Hairless Cat Called?
by Alexander Thompson
Aug 17, 2023
3 minute read
Hairless cats are always a sight to behold. You do not encounter these captivating felines with unique appearances every day. Also known as Sphynx cats, hairless cats exist in different patterns and colors. These charming creatures are popular for their fine fuzz or thin coat of downy hair. Other endearing yet distinctive features of Sphynx cats have made them a topic of interest among pet lovers and enthusiasts across the globe.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How To Tell A Cat’s Age?
by Alexander Thompson
Aug 03, 2023
2 minute read
It is common among cat owners to ask how old their furry pal is. Unfortunately, most cat parents cannot answer this question - only a few know their pets’ exact or estimated age, either in cat years or human years. Knowing your cat’s age can help attend to their needs and keep them happy and healthy.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Kidney Disease in Cats: What Should You Know?
by Alexander Thompson
Jul 25, 2023
4 minute read
Billi is a 14-year-old cat who can use pet buttons to since May 2020. Many people may wonder whether Billi truly comprehends the meaning of the buttons. To be frank, we are unsure! But we can confirm that she presses the button in the appropriate context most of the time and she thoroughly enjoys using them.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How To Trick Your Cat to Drink More Water?
by Alexander Thompson
Jul 07, 2023
4 minute read
The desert ancestry of cats means they take less water compared to their canine counterparts. Getting your cat to drink more water can help prevent urinary problems and ensure their kidneys and urinary tract operate properly. The only hurdle here is how difficult it can be to encourage cats to drink more water.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
What Is Urinary Tract Infection in Cats?
by Alexander Thompson
Jun 29, 2023
3 minute read
Cat’s bathroom habits are not strange to most owners. Spending time cleaning the litterbox provides an excellent way to assess your pet’s bathroom habits and, more importantly, their urinary tract health. A change in the bathroom behavior of your cat may indicate the presence of a urinary tract problem. Problems associated with urinary tracts present in cats of all kinds. Antibiotics can solve some of these urinary tract infections (UTIs), while surgery may be necessary for extreme issues like bladder stones and blockages.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Is Your Cat Dehydrated? Here Is How to Find Out
by Alexander Thompson
Jun 20, 2023
2 minute read
Cats need water to stay hydrated and healthy. Adequate hydration in cats has a few benefits, including improved body temperature regulation, better digestion, and prevention of urinary tract issues. The nature of cats as obligate carnivores means their diet is made up of mostly protein-rich products. However, this also puts them at risk of dehydration. That is why cat owners must always ensure their cats can easily access fresh and clean water.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How To Make Your Cat Use Water Fountain?
by Alexander Thompson
Dec 15, 2022
2 minute read
Cat owners must have had the experience of having cat bowls with water in them. But instead, these cats are more interested in drinking from the owner’s cup. Many cats even end up breaking several cups. You may also discover that your cat is attracted to the sound of running water whenever you turn on a faucet or shower. They are even eager to lick the flowing water, but to no avail. As a cat owner, you may then prepare a water fountain for your feline friend only to find out that your pet is uninterested in it. Fortunately, this is the right place if the aforementioned has been your experience. This blog can help you make your cat fall in love with a water fountain, whether you have purchased one or not.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How Often Should You Replace Cat Water Fountain Filter?
by Alexander Thompson
Dec 07, 2022
2 minute read
Your pet’s overall well-being is your sole responsibility as a pet owner. You must provide all the love and support your furry friend needs to stay healthy and happy. But you can only do this when you understand what is expected of you. One of these expectations is providing your pets with a regular supply of safe, clean, healthy food and water. Cat water fountains help to meet this need partly.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Get Rid of Cat Smell?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 30, 2022
2 minute read
Homeowners get irritated by lingering cat smells. And sometimes, the home residents become used to the scent and no longer notice. However, guests and potential buyers will notice the smell. Moreover, cats find their smells offensive. Cats usually use urine to mark territories. A cat may develop behavioral issues after smelling another cat’s scent, especially a cat from another household. These behavioral issues include agitation, aggression, or peeing in inappropriate places like outside their litter boxes. For example, your cat may continue peeing on the carpet due to the lingering urine smell on that spot. 
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Take Care of Senior Cats?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 24, 2022
2 minute read
One way to keep your domestic cat alive and healthy for as long as possible is to feed her well. However, it gets somewhat tricky when your feline friend grows old. Wondering how old your cat is? Cats age in a different way from humans. The aging in cats often depends on the breed and the environment they live. Generally, cats that are 11 years old are considered to be in their senior stage.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Should Your Cat Use An Elevated Bowl?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 17, 2022
2 minute read
Cats are known for being choosy about what they eat. However, your cat’s willingness to eat might depend on how and what you feed her every day. Choosing the best food bowl can be tricky, considering the endless options available in the market. One of these options is an elevated cat feeder, which becomes much more popular in recent days. Unlike traditional cat food bowls designed to sit flat on the ground, the elevated cat bowls sit up, adopting an elevated position to make your furry ball eat in a comfortable manner.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
Tips for Taking Plane with Your Cat
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 14, 2022
2 minute read
We have grown so close to our pets that we see and treat them as part of our family. That means they are most likely to follow us wherever we go, including on planes. Taking your furry friend on an airplane is more complex than it seems. It requires adequate planning, from knowing the best airlines for such trips to preparing your cat for every possible situation weeks before the trip. It is also important to have contingency plans to take care of unforeseen flight cancellations or delays.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How Long Do Cats Sleep?
by Alexander Thompson
Nov 10, 2022
2 minute read
Cats sleep most of the day. On average, some cats can sleep 15 hours a day, some even sleep up to 20 hours a day. This is because cats are crepuscular creatures – they are more active at dawn and dusk while sleeping in between.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Pick The Right Toys for Your Cat?
by Alexander Thompson
Oct 11, 2022
3 minute read
Toys are essential supplies in a cat’s life. You need these exciting pieces to keep your cat’s hunting instincts and desires active. Toys also consume your cat’s physical energy and create a strong bond between you and your furry friend. However, most cat owners do not know the right toys to choose for their cats.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How to Find A Lost Cat
by Alexander Thompson
Sep 12, 2022
2 minute read
Cats are naturally curious animals and love playing hide-and-seek with their owners. So, these feline creatures get lost from time to time. If your cat is missing, you shouldn’t be too worried. Instead, you should determine the scope of the search first and then start your search immediately. This blog discusses effective methods that can help in finding your cat. But hopefully, you won’t have to use these methods.
Read More
BLOG / Cat
How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?
by Alexander Thompson
Sep 02, 2022
3 minute read
Usually, cat food packaging contains instructions on how much food to feed your cat at each age and weight stage. Nevertheless, some cat owners, especially novice owners, are still concerned that their cat is not eating enough or overeating. Furthermore, the eating habits of different breeds of cats may vary. So, correctly judging the quantity of food your furkid consumes seems important.
Read More
SUBSCRIBE
Subscibe for our newsletter to get updates on the latest products, offers, and more.
SUBSCRIBE
Subscibe for our newsletter to get updates on the latest products, offers, and more.