As a responsible pet parent, it’s only natural to have questions about catnip, such as how it works and whether it’s a good cat treat. You may even wonder whether you are inadvertently drugging your cat. Could you be unwittingly starting and enabling an addiction in your furry friend? Either way, you need to know how catnip works!
Read on to learn more about why this average garden variety is irresistible to the feline sensibility.
No One’s Exactly Sure How Catnip Works
When you do a quick Google search on what catnip does to cats, you might find conflicting information. That’s because new studies are conducted regularly. And, like most of us, scientists have trouble figuring out what goes on in cats’ brains.
What we do know is this: Firstly, catnip is not addictive. Secondly, your cat will not experience withdrawal symptoms. Ultimately, cat brains are different from human brains. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that catnip intoxication is a thing all on its own that we humans just don’t get. There are in fact a few benefits that cats receive from catnip aside from the apparent kitty bliss.
For example, if your cat responds in a positive way to catnip, it can be used to treat symptoms of anxiety and pain. Additionally, ingesting a little bit of the plant might even be good for your cat’s tummy.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
To understand what catnip does to cats, we must get a little scientific. There is a compound in the catnip plant called nepetalactone (neh-pet-alak-tone). This is the volatile essential oil of the plant.
One study suggests that nepetalactone is received by the feline senses in much the same way as natural cat pheromones or sex hormones. Thus, when your cat gets a whiff of nepetalactone, the molecules have the same chemical reaction as when your cat encounters certain other… let’s say, kitty fragrances. Both male and female cats are attracted to catnip in the same way, and being spayed or neutered doesn’t make a difference.
Kittens are not affected by catnip at all until they reach sexual maturity, which happens anywhere from around eight weeks to six months old, depending on the cat. As the cat matures, he or she will become more sensitive to it. The effects generally last for ten to fifteen minutes. And after that, catnip won’t work for another hour or two.
There is a one-in-three chance your cat won’t be interested in catnip at all. You might find that it simply does nothing for them. That’s because catnip sensitivity is a genetic predisposition.
What Is the Best Form of Catnip?
Catnip comes in a few forms. For example, you could grow some in the garden, buy it commercially, or get it dried like any other kitchen herb. The best form of catnip depends on your cat and the reason you’re giving it to them.
The active compounds in the catnip fragrance stimulate the receptors in the brain that make cats active, playful, hyperactive, and, well, insane. However, when catnip is eaten, it works differently, making cats more relaxed. If you want to encourage activity in your cat, then let them smell it. And remember to expect the opposite effect if he or she eats it.
Growing the catnip plant yourself in your garden is great for enrichment, especially if your cat doesn’t get to spend much time outdoors. So, if you suspect he or she gets a little bored, then this is a great way to keep your cat entertained and happy.
Having the herb freely available in the garden means your cat will be able to partake as they feel inclined. The downside is that it will be more difficult for you to monitor your cat’s usage. Plus, the fresh plant is more potent, and if your cat nibbles a little too enthusiastically, he or she might experience an upset tummy.
Catnip spray is great as a training aid when you use it for positive reinforcement. For example, it might help you teach your cat to play with their own toys instead of your drapes. Like the spray, a little dried catnip can be sprinkled over places you want to encourage your cat to try out, such as a new bed or scratching post. These products also work wonderfully as a sensory experience for an indoor kitty.
How to Give Your Cat Catnip
Although it is harmless, administering catnip does come with certain risks. Naturally, you’d want to keep your cat safe. Firstly, be aware that catnip sometimes results in aggression, so be mindful.
When it comes to catnip toys, be extra vigilant. In the frenzy, an innocent toy (or parts of it) could be mistakenly eaten up and swallowed––something a right-minded cat wouldn’t normally do. Needless to say, an ingested toy is a serious situation for all sorts of reasons.
As mentioned, while eating a little catnip might be good for cats, too much can cause digestive upset. However, this shouldn’t happen because cats are pretty good at deciding for themselves when they’ve had enough. Nevertheless, it’s something you’d want to watch out for.
Beware of Catnip Essential Oils
If you find nepetalactone as aromatherapy oil, think twice before you buy it. These oils are highly concentrated, which makes them a considerable health risk to cats. Catnip essential oil is used in human products as an insect repellent and shouldn’t be mistaken for something you can give to your cat.
Growing catnip is one way to make sure you always have some good quality product available, especially if you’re clever with drying your own herbs. The only problem here is that your yard might become a very popular hangout for a few unwelcome, but very happy kitties!
Lastly, don’t expose your cat to catnip too often, or it might lose its potency. Just a little once a week is quite enough. Now you know how catnip works, along with all the benefits and risks. And you can rest assured that when offered appropriately, it’s quite harmless!
