The Joy of Catnip

By: Jo Singer

Nepeta Cataria! This is the fancy Latin name for a plant in the mint family, more commonly known as Catnip. It is in the top ten on the feline hit parade as a favorite stimulant and mild hallucinogen.

This inexpensive herb contains aromatic oils, the most active of which is nepetalactone, which is responsible for making most cats swoon in delight, responding to it with highly visible pleasure as they roll in it, sniff it and eat and lick the leaves.

Soon after the initial contact with the plant, cats can appear intoxicated, vocalize loudly, and may appear to be in a "drunken stupor". They may even occasionally become sexually excited or play aggressively with their feline companions.

Purrsonally, I don't know if the excitement and glee which my cats demonstrate when I initially pull out the "good stuff" even approaches the enjoyment get by watching them play. I get a huge kick out of that first moment when they get that initial intoxicating "whiff" and experience that first "buzz." All I know is whenever they see that familiar pouch in my hand, containing the brand of catnip which we find the most appealing; my two boys immediately are riveted in anticipation.

Of course not all cats respond to catnip. Kittens under the age of 6-8 weeks may not be susceptible to its enticing qualities, and some adult females walk away without any visible trace of effect. Interestingly, scholarly catnip "experts" postulate that the cats' pleasure reaction to catnip is a dominant trait. Cats who have one or both copies of the autosomnal dominant gene will be more likely to display behavioral changes in the presence of catnip.

Cats delight in playing with catnip filled toys. However, due to catnip's short term intoxicating effect, coupled with the fact that cats lose interest in it for about an hour after the effect wears off, ultimately these toys may fall by the wayside. Additionally, some toy manufacturers just impregnate the scent of catnip into the toys, or use lower grade catnip which has little appeal for cats.

What really works great is obtaining the highest quality boxed catnip possible, and stuff toys made for that purpose. When shopping for catnip, choose a product which has a greenish hue to it. This is evidence that the catnip is fresh and of an excellent quality whose appeal will not escape the finickiest nose of a feline companion.

What reactions do you look for in your cats that are positive feedback? Leave a comment and share.