Do Cats Eat Catnip?
Everyone knows that there is a special relationship between cats and catnip. But many people don't understand why this is so. Catmint is an herb that is a perennial. Common Catmint that is best loved by cats can grow as tall as three feet and has white blooms. There are other types including Camphor Catnip, Greek Catnip, Lemon Catnip and Catmint. The most common type of catnip has a slight mint odor and is easy to grow.
 |
| Source: "Catnip" by Richard - Under Creative Commons License |
The component of the plant that is so alluring to cats is called nepetalactone. Nepetalactone is located in the leaves and stems. It can be released by crushing the leaves. When a cat comes across a catnip, you can see the cat sniffing catnip, roll around in it, and even eat it. Experts believe that the scent of the herb triggers the high for cats. It is thought that cats chew or eat the herb to release more scent. When cats sniff the herb, it gets them excited, but when they consume it, the herb has sedative properties.
The effects of catnip on cats last between five and ten minutes on average. Some cats are more susceptible to the effects than others. Some will go absolutely nuts while others won't be affected at all.
KITTENS AND KATNIP
Catnip is safe for kittens, so do kittens like katnip if you ask, kittens are usually not affected by catnip at all. Catnip affects different felines in different ways. Some become aggressive and excitable. Others behave as if they're in heat. Some get very hyper and playful. Others like to lay down and roll around on the floor. Many people compare the effects of catnip in cats with the effects of marijuana or LSD in humans.
You'll find that your cat may or may not experience catnip effects. Whether or not they do seems to be an inherited trait. If you're ready to expose your feline to catnip, you can grow your own or purchase dried catnip from the pet store. There are even toys that have catnip inside of them. If you're a gardener who does want to go the cultivation route, you can even buy cat garden kits that contain catnip and catmint. Your kitty can nibble on the plants whenever they choose. You will find this herb is one of the easiest to grow and does well both indoors and out.
Comments