Is Catnip Good For Cats?

January 14, 2018

Is Catnip Good For Cats?

While the high from catnip only lasts about 10-15 minutes, watching your cat freak out over it might have some of you asking, Is catnip good for my cat?

 

Catnip is non-addictive

Catnip (Nepeta cateria) is a herb from the mint family with stimulating and sedative effects, depending on whether your cat sniffs it or ingests it. It is a harmless, non-addictive herb that even humans can enjoy as a tea for the relief of headaches and nausea.

 

Nepetalactone - the active ingredient in catnip

Also known as catmint or catswort, catnip contains an essential oil by the name of nepetalactone that cats either love or hate. Much like other essential oils, nepetalactone affects your cat’s sense of smell that triggers the brain to release feel-good hormones like dopamine. Some cats will roll on catnip or chew it to release the aromatic oils because they know it’ll make them feel good, and they’d be right. Essential oils have therapeutic and healing properties that can relieve pain, energize, and reduce stress. No wonder cats love it.

 

Not all cats like catnip

But only about 50% of adult cats will respond to the drug high of catnip, so don’t be surprised if your cat shows no interest in it at all. And your kitten won’t develop a scent for it until they’re much older.

 

Does catnip make your cat high?

For those cats who love catnip, the experience give your cat a buzz that lasts about 10-15 minutes. They’re more likely to be hyperactive if they sniff the herb, whereas eating it will have a more sedative effect. Some cats will stretch out on the floor and drool or roll about in ecstasy, clearly in kitty heaven. 

 

Where to get catnip

Catnip can be bought at the pet store or gardening centre and either grown in a sunny window at home or in your back garden. It loves sun and dry, sandy soil. Dried catnip is also available from your local pet store. Two pinches should be enough to satisfy your cat. It’s also a good thing to have around to entice your furry friend to scratch their scratching post, instead of the furniture. Just rub a little bit onto the scratching post and see if your cat takes to it or not. 

 

Catnip isn’t bad for cats, nor is it addictive. If your cat likes to indulge, don’t worry. A cat knows when to stop and how much is too much.

 

by Natalie Secretan
PuppyDogCapers.com

 

Photo credit: Doug Greenberg - Catnip