The Joy of Catnip

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| Print | By | February 9, 2009 9:17 AM

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.

9-cat on catnip.jpg

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.

RELATED TOPICS: Catnip (1) , Play (5) , Toys (5)

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Anonymous February 9, 2009 12:48 PM

I don't think I have ever seen a cat just after it had catnip. But it sounds like it would be purely entertaining and fun to watch. I do know that cats love it though.

Anonymous February 9, 2009 1:11 PM

Our cats adore catnip. We have, in the past, had a cat that just did not show any interest in the pungent stuff. As I was told, her mother and that whole litter of kittens seemed to be missing the catnip gene.
The cats we have now love the stuff but one cat is a mean drunk. He gets his catnip in the bathroom with the door closed until he comes down out of his catnip high.

Anonymous February 9, 2009 6:57 PM

Better yet, plant catnip in your herb garden and grow your own!

Anonymous February 10, 2009 8:36 AM

Yep have a cat that is very greedy with her catnip. After she rolls around in hers she tries to steal the other cats little mound of catnip. I guess she figures by rolling around in it she saves it for later. Go figure. lol

Anonymous February 10, 2009 9:49 AM

The best catnip in the world (that I've found so far) is called "Cosmic Catnip.) Some friends of mine just got back from Florida and they brought the cats some special catnip from The Hemingway House (I think)...They went a little bonkers over it!!! Boy, did I ever have to vacuum this morning!

Anonymous February 10, 2009 11:35 AM

Oh the joys of catnip. My guys love it. Some eat it, some roll in it. What I do is when I am going to vacuum,is put it in piles on the floor and let them have at it.

Yes there are some that don't want to share and will smack any other cat that is trying to get their "nip",but most are willing to share. When they are done and wander off it is time to vacuum the floor.

I also buy infant socks and put some stuffing in them along with a a good amount of catnip and sew the tops shut.Makes a wonderful toy and it is cheap, too.

Stella Gaylor
RP Cathouse Maine Coons

Anonymous February 10, 2009 12:49 PM

My cat goes crazy on the cat nip. Stoner cat.

Anonymous February 16, 2009 4:16 PM

I would actually love to have catnip in my garden; it's a pretty little perennial with grayish-green leaves. But I've had to give it up entirely, because Shakti is definitely one of the stoner variety, and she will nibble the plant right down to the roots. It is a delight to see her going "Oh, Wow!, Oh, Wow!"

Anonymous March 2, 2009 1:41 PM

i LOVE this article!!!!! it is sooooo cute!

one time i bought a catnip plant, not thinking of its effects on my cats. the plant lasted one whole day before it was entirely gone. o well! at least kitty boy [long departed kitty boy] had a great time. :::::smile:::::

Anonymous March 2, 2009 1:43 PM

this is weird. i just noticed that the posts come out as written by anonymous. hmmmm. well, I am the author of the post about kitty boy.

anyway, my cats play for years with their catnip filled mice. so one has to wonder if some of the catnip is still there after all those years, or if the size, shape or colour of the toy is what attracts them.

annie from wa