What Does Catnip Do to Your Cat?
Catnip plant
This innocent looking herb can have quite the effect on your feline friend. Let’s find out why.
Ever whip out the bag of catnip and watch your elegant, regal feline turn into a wide-eyed, meowing pile of fuzz, writhing about and begging for a fix?
It’s hilarious to watch their reaction to its mere presence, isn’t it?
But what exactly is happening to your cat’s brain on catnip?
Is it really harmless or are we just drugging our cats?
Let’s talk about it.
What Is Catnip?
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, is a common herb belonging to the mint family. It’s native to southern and eastern Europe, Central Asia and northern parts of the Middle East. It’s widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America.
Catnip is named for the fact that almost two-thirds of cats have an intense or moderate attraction to the plant.
The herb contains a concentration of an essential oil called terpene nepetalactone, which can induce playful or euphoric behaviour in cats.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
So, here’s where things get even more scienc-y. (Is that a word? Well, it is now)
The smell of catnip is picked up by an extra scent gland that cats have in the roof of their mouth. This scent gland is called the vomeronasal gland and it carries scents directly to the brain. Its the same reason cats will do the stinky face (if you know you know) when you let them sniff something they don’t enjoy.
The scent of catnip actually mimics the smell of feline sex hormones. It can cause your cat to display signs of happiness, affection, relaxation, or playfulness. It produces feelings of euphoria and immense relaxation. Yes, your kitty will be giddy.
Do All Cats Like Catnip?
Studies suggest that only about 60% of cats will react to catnip. Most kittens below 6 months of age won’t react to it at all. With maturity, an adult cat is much more likely to respond to its affects.
And the reactions can vary from cat to cat.
Our cat, Hunter, loves to eat catnip. He’s very excited to get his paws on it. But he tends to just get really, really chill. It’s a very relaxing treat for him.
Our old cat, Timmins, had a very different reaction. He would roll in it, lick it off the floor, and yowl. He would even drool a little.
A tiny percentage of cats will become over-excited and aggressive. These cats should probably not be exposed to it. The last thing you need is a bully in your livingroom.
Hunter loves catnip!
He eagerly waits for me to give him a sprig of fresh catnip from my garden
How Long Do Catnip Effects Last?
Catnips effects usually only last up to 15 minutes, depending on the cat and the potency of the catnip. Once the catnip wears off, it could take 30 minutes or more for your cat to react in the same manner. Just like nose-blindness in humans, once cats have felt the full effects of catnip, they will need some time to recover before they’re susceptible to its effects again.
Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?
Cats cannot overdose on catnip, as it’s not actually a drug. Although catnip can have a significant effect on your cat’s behaviour, they’re not actually “getting high” on it. Their reactions are temporary and continued exposure is self-regulating(they’ll stop reacting to it and leave it alone).
On the rare occasion, a cat who ingests too much, too quickly, may experience stomach upset, diarrhea or be dizzy. Simply take it away from them and they will recover.
Keep it to a tablespoon(or less) of dried leaves or a sprig of the actual plant itself and they should be fine.
What Are the Different Forms of Catnip?
Fresh catnip-You can grow your own plant from seed or buy from a nursery or a pet store. Keep in mind that catnip is a member of the mint family and will spread like wildfire so keep it in a pot, not in your garden.
Dried catnip-You can dry your own to use later or simply buy it from your local pet store. It’s not quite as potent as fresh catnip but it’s the next best thing and can be stored for months at a time.
Catnip Spray-Sprays are a good option for cats with sensitive stomachs or if you want to put some on their favourite toys, cat towers, or scratching post. Just be sure not to spray it at your kitty.
Catnip bubbles-This can be a fun way to get kitty the exercise she needs. Given a cat’s instinct to hunt, you are giving your cat mental and physical enrichment as they chase random bubbles across your kitchen.
Toys stuffed with catnip-These are a fun way to keep your cat active and entertained. You can buy them or make them yourself.
Catnip treats-Catnip can even be added to homemade treats to make these treats extra enticing
Uses of Catnip for Cats
Catnip can be used in many different ways to enhance the life of your feline. It may depend on how your cat reacts to the herb.
Using catnip as a source of enrichment for your cat is a great way to bust the boredom. This can be especially useful for indoor cats to encourage them to play and get some exercise.
A bit of the herb stuffed in a puzzle feeder will be mentally stimulating and make the puzzle even more exciting for them. Cat toys can be rubbed or stuffed with the herb for enticement to play and interact.
Catnip can also be used for cats who suffer from separation anxiety. While we think of cats as being very self-sufficient, some will become stressed when their pet parents leave the house.
The catnip will distract them when you leave, and relax them so they’re more likely to just curl up for a nap when the effects wear off.
Just be cautious not to use this as a daily fix before your morning commute. Catnip is more of a once-a-week sort of treat.
If you have a cat who gets nervous in the car, a little catnip in their carrier can both relax them and create a more positive association with the big, scary car ride. This can be especially useful for cats who tend to calm down in the presence of catnip. A quick trip doesn’t have to be so nerve-wracking for kitty.
Catnip can also be useful in training as a positive reinforcement tool. Instead of always using treats as a reward, a little catnip can be used to reinforce new behaviours in your feline friend.
Rubbing a little catnip or spraying catnip spray on the surface of a scratching post will encourage your cat to scratch there instead of your favourite chair or the livingroom carpet.
But Is Catnip Safe?
Catnip is, absolutely, a safe option for the enrichment of your cat’s life. There is no need to worry that you are drugging your cat or doing them any harm to their little feline brains.
However, going back to that old saying of “too much of a good thing” applies to catnip, as well. Give them small amounts at a time, and, while there’s no set limit to how often you give it to them, once or twice a week is probably plenty.
If you want to have your own plant, catnip is easy to grow at home. Many pet stores will sell pots of it for a reasonable price.
But if you decide that you want to forage for catnip in the wild, you can probably find it. Be very careful of the source. You never know if a plant has been sprayed with chemicals or is growing in contaminated soil. It’s only safe if you know its source is safe.
I happen to have a plant that has decided to grow just a few feet from my front door. I know it’s safe from any chemicals so I can pick a sprig whenever I feel the need to give my cat a little treat.
In Autumn, before the first killing frost, I also take some inside to dry by hanging it by the stems.
I have to hang it in a safe space to keep Hunter from attacking it and consuming too much.
But this will provide plenty of catnip for use throughout the Winter.
Once completely dry, I crush the leaves, remove the stems and store it in a mason jar with a lid.
Catnip should be kept in a cool, dry, preferably dark place and, of course, away from prying kitty paws! I keep mine on the top shelf of my pantry cupboard.
So, if you have a feline companion that enjoys a little catnip from time to time, have no fear.
You’re in no danger of frying their brains or getting them addicted.
Just keep it as a once in a while treat and your kitty will love it!
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