Kittens under six months of age don’t respond to catnip. It is actually used to calm the nerves, and it is successfully used in the treatment of motion sickness. This dual effect of hyperactivity and sedation is what makes catnip such a strange and commonly tried cat “treat”. But when smelled, it causes the traditional symptoms we think of. This out-of-fur experience is due to the active ingredient in the oil, nepetalactone. The active ingredient in catnip is called nepetalactone. Uses for catnip. Catnip is non-toxic to cats. Nepeta cataria is an herb that commonly makes the list of anti-stress natural remedies for domesticated felines. Also similar is the uniqueness of the drug experience to each individual. 'Tis the season to enjoy (and gift!) Some other responses include stretching, drooling, jumping, and hyperactivity while others may become mellow. Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home! Isabelle Tavares is a journalism graduate student at the Newhouse School of Syracuse University and former ASME intern for RD.com, where she wrote for the knowledge, travel, culture and health sections. What happens when my cat has catnip? Catnip is a plant—known scientifically as Nepeta cataria—that is a member of the mint family. For cats that sniff catnip and rub against the plants, they’ll get more of the stimulating effects,” Rotman said. Catnip can effect cats two ways; by smelling it or eating it. You can use the dried herb on anything, from toys to scratching posts. 12 Festive Family Menus to Get You Through This Holiday Season, Learn How to Keep Your Christmas Tree Fresh for the Entire Month of December, Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners, How to Hang a Wreath Without Making Holes in the Door, The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year, How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts, How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter, How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor, How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now, Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home, watched as their feline friends enjoyed it, why you can find cats chewing on the plant, Keep your cat happy and interested in their toys. Amongst cat lovers it’s a well-known fact that Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the thing cats love above all else, tuna aside that is. Catnip's allure is in its volatile oil, specifically one chemical in that oil -- nepetalactone. You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Catnip is measured as a form of environmental improvement. A study suggests that valerian root, silver vine, and Tatarian honeysuckle can also have a similar effect on cats’ behavior to catnip. Nepeta Cataria (scientific name of catnip) is a herbaceous plant used as an ornament or as a natural herbal remedy for humans. The usage of catnip can support the nervous cats… Catnip works as a sedative when eaten, so your cat may all of a sudden relax or at least act a lot calmer than usual. The typical use for catnip is to encourage cats to play, and for this it can be great to incorporate into your environmental enrichment for your cats. Catnip is a natural muscle relaxer and sedative. It has become widely naturalized throughout temperate areas of the world. To identify it, catnip is a grayish-green plant with jagged heart shaped leaves and thick stems that are both covered in fuzzy hairs. Uses Catnip tea is most commonly used to treat nervousness and anxiety, along with other symptoms these conditions can cause, such as indigestion and insomnia. Some suggested uses for catnip are the following: Rub catnip into your cat’s scratching post to encourage use Place catnip in toys to promote active play and exercise Sprinkle catnip in a new environment to encourage shy cats to be comfortable and help cat … Around half to two thirds of cats will respond to this oil. Once your cat smells the catnip, they may begin to rub, kick, chew, and roll in it to help release the oil trapped in the plant's leaves. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Catnip has been used where cat sleep to help keep fleas away. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. Catnip can be used in veterinary clinics, shelters, and foster homes in addition to a cat's own home to help lower stress levels. Relaxation. Nepeta cataria, the scientific name for catnip, is an herb in the mint family. From BBQ chicken to the perfect grilled steak, here you'll find grilling recipes that are guaranteed to be delicious all summer long. The plant produces this chemical (nepetalactone) in microscopic bulbs that coat its leaves, stems, and seedpods. Martha Stewart may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on While it's originally native to Europe and Asia, it now grows wild across the country along roads and highways. The main perk of catnip for cats is that it relaxes the mind. For storing catnip, you can freeze in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stress Reducer (Cats + Humans) Cats can get stressed out just like humans. Although catnip may seem like a drug, Rotman confirms that it’s not addictive for cats. Cats must inherit the tendency to react to catnip, not all felines do. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), 12 dangerous mistakes cat owners should never make, Why You Might Need to Purposely Kill Your Grass, CBD Helped My Cat’s Growth Disappear in Less Than 2 Months, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Cats affected by catnip roll on the floor—which mimics a female in estrus. From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice. Under-stimulated house cats could do well to escape their bland surroundings. It’s not true that cats can not drink water from catnip-scented bowls, they just won’t want to, for health reasons. The Effects of Catnip in Cats Catnip has been proven to be a mood enhancer for felines, however, these behavioral changes can show themselves in different ways depending on your cat. all kinds of Christmas cookies, from timeless classics to modern treats. Catnip is commonly used to encourage cats to explore and play, but it can also be used as a training aid. The active ingredient nepetalactone, is an essential oil which alters the behaviour of domestic and other cat species. It's easy to grow and can be found in most nurseries in the herb section. Cats are born to move (even if they do sleep crazy amounts!). The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. It contains a chemical compound named nepetalactone that acts as a stimulant for cats, causing them to become more hyperactive. Indigenous to Europe, it was transplanted to North America during European settlement. Want more tasty and festive holiday cookie recipes and tips? Most cat caregivers have offered their cat a sniff or taste of catnip and watched as their feline friends enjoyed it—eating, smelling, rolling around in it, or simply lounging in a relaxed state—but what exactly is catnip and why do cats seemingly go crazy for it? Dried catnip is the classic form of this feline-pleasing treat. According to the American Chemical Society, experts state that one in three of cats do not inherit the sensitivity to nepetalactone and kittens don't develop the ability to react to catnip until they are around three to six months of age. Catnip is used by mouth, applied directly to the skin, or inhaled for many different conditions. It is the nepetalcataria variety that most cats enjoy. It could your cat suddenly starts bouncing around chasing imaginary prey or even in a zone of complete relaxation staring into space. Be sure to download our complete guide here! In fact, up to one-third of cats have no response to catnip at all. Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb that is a member of the mint family. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Most cat owners will of heard of catnip but what is catnip and what does it do? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing. This keeps the toys novel and fun. When cats get a whiff of catnip, they behave similarly to female cats in heat—erratic movements, strange howls, and all. Another advantage, it attracts bees. Catnip is easy to grow. An even better suggestion: grow your own catnip. Credit: With that said, if eating, catnip may act as a sedative. Yes, catnip has been proven safe for cats. However, when a cat eats catnip the result is totally the opposite! Instead, it will take a few months since young kittens are not affected.” If you’re interested in this little herb, you can make your own catnip crackers. Michele Pevide / Getty Images. Here, get our best grilling recipes for everything from fish and meat to pizza and oysters. Some vets actually prescribe catnip to be used to calm hyperactive cats. Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space. 4 Catnip isn’t toxic or addictive, and it can be used as a reward or training aid. Follow her on Twitter @isabelletava. Catnip is a member of the mint family and is hardy in USDA zone 3-9. Catnip’s effects have a ticking clock—about five to 30 minutes, Rotman says. It's also a useful training aid; for example, some dried nip on a scratching post attracts cats to this appropriate scratching spot — some, like Imperial Cat Scratch'n Shapes, which even comes complete with a catnip packet. Our entertainment aside, catnip has proven benefits for felines—but that still leaves us with the question, what does catnip do to cats? 5 Catnip Health Benefits 1. Place a small amount of catnip on your cat's scratching post to encourage scratching, or in their carrier to encourage them to enter, thereby creating a positive association. The dose of catnip and how your cat consumes it will result in different responses: The more your cat eats or inhales it, the stronger the effect. It's worth noting that not all cats are affected by catnip—this response is inherited. Cats are receptive to a volatile oil (an oil that evaporates in the air) found in the stems and leaves of the catnip herb. It … Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free. What is catnip used for? It can be propagated by leaf tip cuttings, division or seeds. But for everyone this herb remains, though, the “ cat grass “. The effects of catnip are short-lived and usually last 10 to 15 minutes. Although rare, overindulgence can cause vomiting or diarrhea, so you may want to limit your cat's exposure if she's overly interested. Studies have … The effect on cats only lasts for a few minutes and the cat is not affected after this time. While catnip seems to give cats more energy, used in low dosages it has the opposite effect on humans. this website. If not, this leads to aggressive, depressed, or anxious behavior in cats—so watch out for these silent signs your cat is depressed. The active ingredient is called nepetalactone, which many domestic cats respond to in a variety of different ways. You may think that cats live … He does mention that catnip sometimes makes cats aggressive, though. Nepeta cataria, or catnip, contains a strong-scented minty oil that’s easily released into the air. It also makes a great mosquito repellent. Learn how to sew an easy medical face mask with fabric and cotton ribbon, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “If you have a multi-cat household, it’s recommended to introduce catnip to each cat individually to avoid any potential fighting,” Rotman says. It can also be used to help cats relax on long journeys or during moves. Catnip is commonly used to encourage cats to explore and play, but it can also be used as a training aid. Who knew that sniffing or eating this plant would make cats act in such interesting ways? When these fragile bulbs rupture, they release the nepetalactone into the air, which is why you can find cats chewing on the plant to release more nepetalactone. Their razor-sharp instincts need to be housed in an equally stimulating home, studies show. 31 Days of Christmas Cookies—It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year for Baking! This chemical is thought to mimic the effects of a pheromone to cause a variety of behaviors. It’s a plant that is easy to grow in North America and has feather-like, light-green foliage with lavender flowers. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America. Humans throughout history have used catnip for medicinal properties similar to chamomile. “About 50 percent of cats seem to be affected by catnip, and the behavior that results varies widely between individuals,” Rotman says. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. This is all dependent on the cat because only two-thirds of adult cats are affected by catnip, according to a study. Catnip is best known for attracting cats due to the oil in the plants leaves and stems called nepetalactone. Keep your cat happy and interested in their toys by rotating them: offer some toys as available and hide the rest in a ziplock bag or jar and marinate them in catnip. Start by carving out a designated work area in your space. Even though your cat may display these behaviors, the response occurs through the olfactory system. These alternative herbs are safe, but here are 12 dangerous mistakes cat owners should never make. “[This] is an inherited sensitivity and it doesn’t show up immediately. We recommend our users to update the browser. When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. Catnip can be grown in the garden proper or in containers, either inside or outside. All can be made in 45 minutes or less. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturations as low as one part per billion. You can purchase catnip toys and dried catnip in most pet stores (or online, such as SmartyKat Organic Catnip); dried catnip does not contain as much nepetalactone oil as fresh catnip, so it tends to smell stronger and is still enticing to cats. Place a small amount of catnip on your cat's scratching post to encourage scratching, or in their carrier to encourage them to enter, thereby creating a positive association. Daily baking inspiration for the holidays and beyond! Some believe this triggers the receptors that mimic feline pheromones, acting like an aphrodisiac. Many experts believe that this chemical (nepetalactone) acts as a feline attractant and triggers the response. Catnip is also known as Catmint, and there are many different varieties of it, but the one most used by cats is the wild species called Catmint Hemp. A cat may not respond again to catnip for at least a couple of hours. Help them thrive even when the temperature drops. Interestingly enough, when cats eat catnip, it has the opposite effect of sniffing the herb. Cats that eat catnip will appear lethargic and lazy, often being compared to “stoned” humans. How to Grow Catnip for Cat Use. An interesting phenomenon is seeing cats go off their scratcher for catnip, which is an herb. But there is no good scientific research to support any of these uses. Cats are receptive to a volatile oil (an oil that evaporates in the air) found in the stems and leaves of the catnip herb. The catnip needs to be regularly refreshed with new grass to keep it working. (Fun fact: It affects big cats like lions and tigers as well.) In fact, people used to use catnip to brew tea and soothe upset stomachs (catnip doesn’t affect people the way it affects cats). However, when a cat eats the herb, it has a calming effect. Related: The Most Confusing Pet Behaviors, Explained. Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. They are best planted in early spring and prefer sandy soil and full sun. Cats commonly react to catnip by sniffing, licking, eating, rolling, and rubbing their cheeks on it. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. Nepetalactone targets receptors in the cat’s olfactory epithelium located on the roof of the nasal cavity which activates the same neural pathways as sexual pheromones.. Neil B. Todd found 31% of cats are immune to the effects of catnip. When it enters a cat's nose, it binds to receptors on the sensory neurons lining the nasal cavity, which, in turn, activate different areas of the brain that control emotion and behavior. Which cats are affected? But catnip actually isn’t the only herb known to get cats to boogie. Catnip leaves have actually been used to make tea, and the flowers are said to relieve coughs. If you have given catnip to your cat you will of experienced their strange behavior such rolling around In this guide we will answer all of your questions. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. What Is Catnip and How Does It Affect Your Cat? It can grow up to three feet high. All Rights Reserved. “Both smelling and ingesting catnip is safe for your feline family member.” Cats can’t only eat catnip treats—the best dry foods for cats will hold them over. It binds to receptors inside the cat’s nose and drives its sensory neurons crazy, according to Daniel Rotman, CEO of PrettyLitter. The catnip produce relief for the cats having a stressful period like when introduced to a new animal, travelling, moved to a new place etc. However, encouraging play isn’t the only use for catnip.. Hunters have used catnip to trap cougars and mountain lions, hanging dried plants to lure the big cats with their tempting aroma, Simon said. Catnip is a herb that is actually a member of the mint family. Once your cat has had enough, they will walk away from it. Plus, we have the scoop on that "add corn syrup to the water" myth. This is thought to be due to genetics. Now that you know how catnip affects your feline friend, you’ll want to decode the rest of your kitty’s behavior too. The response to this chemical is mediated through the olfactory system and binds to receptors in the nasal tissue when inhaled. Insomnia. Understand the science behind this popular treat. “If the catnip is ingested, it causes fatigue and works as a sedative. Her work has been published in MSN, The Family Handyman, INSIDER, among others. Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. Not addictive for cats, causing them to become more hyperactive work area in your space on. A designated work area in your space commonly tried cat “ treat ” that most cats enjoy temperate! That it ’ s not addictive for cats is that it relaxes the mind when... Respond again to catnip at all the plants leaves and stems called.. 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Entertainment aside, catnip has been used where cat sleep to help cats relax on long journeys or during.. Containers, either inside or outside up one of these fast pasta recipes as.
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