What Is Catnip and Why Do Cats Love It?

Exploring New Funny Ways to Share Time with Your Furry Friend

As a cat owner, you’ve likely heard of catnip, but do you know what it is and why cats love it?

In Wellix, we’ll explore the benefits and risks of catnip for your feline friend.

At the same time, we will answer some common questions about this intriguing herb.

Catnip, What It Is and Why Do Cats Like It?

Catnip is a plant that’s part of the mint family.

When cats smell or ingest it, most of them have a euphoric response.

This can include rolling around, rubbing their faces and generally acting playful.

Some cats may also become more relaxed and sedate after using this herb.

The reason they reacts like this is that the plant contains nepetalactone.

Nepetalctone is the main chemical compound of catnip.

It triggers a response in the cats’ brains that works similar to how they respond to pheromones.

Essentially, this plant can make cats feel happy, playful, and relaxed.

This Mint Is Secure But Can Have Some Slight Side Effects

Catnip is generally safe for cats to use, but there are some risks to keep in mind.

The most common issue is digestive upset.

If your cat ingests too much , they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal issues.

On the other side, some cats may be allergic to the herb.

It’s important to watch your cat for signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling or hives in its body.

To avoid these issues, it’s best to give your cat a small amount of it at first and monitor their reaction.

Most cats will be perfectly fine with a little bit of catnip, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks.

Is Catnip a Drug?

Technically, catnip is considered a mild drug, but it’s not a dangerous or addictive one.

Unlike opioids or other drugs that can have serious physical and psychological effects, it is generally safe for cats to use in moderation.

Can My Little Friend Become an Addict?

While catnip isn’t physically addictive, some cats can become psychologically dependent on it.

This means that they may start to seek out more and more and may become upset or anxious if they can’t access it.

To avoid this issue, it’s best to limit your cat’s access to the herb no more than once a day, and ideally less often.

This will help prevent your cat from becoming overly dependent on the herb.

Another tip is that the environment where your cat lives is a well-crafted place.

This place must be relax and comfy for your fuzzy friend. This will avoid stress in excess and the need for catnip.

Can I Give My Cat Catnip Every Day?

While it’s safe to give your cat catnip on a daily basis, it’s not necessarily recommended.

As mentioned earlier, some cats can become dependent if they have access to it too often.

Additionally, cats may start to become less responsive to it if they’re exposed to it too frequently.

To ensure that your cat continues to have a positive response, it’s best to limit their access to it to no more than once a day, or a few times a week.

Sleepy or Hyper, It Depends on Your Cat

The effects of catnip on cats can vary depending on the individual cat.

Some cats become very playful and hyperactive after using this herb, while others may become more relaxed and sedate.

There doesn’t seem to be a clear pattern in terms of which cats will have which reaction.

If your cat becomes hyper after using this natural product, it’s best to let them play it out and burn off their energy.

If your cat becomes more relaxed or sedate, it’s best to let them rest and enjoy their catnip-induced relaxation.

An orange cat marking its territory on a book shelf.
Cats scrub their faces to mark their territory. Source: Unsplash

How Long Does Catnip Last on Cats?

The effects of this herb on cats can last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the individual cat and the amount of catnip they’ve been exposed to.

After the effects wear off, most cats will become uninterested in the it until they’ve had time to “reset.”

It’s important to note that some cats may become agitated or anxious after the effects wear off, so it’s best to remove it from their environment once they’ve had their fun.

Do All Cats React the Same Way to Catnip?

While most cats will have a positive response to catnip, some cats may not react to it at all.

This can be due to genetics or simply a lack of interest.

If your cat doesn’t seem to be affected by it, there are some alternative herbs that can have similar effects.

One of these is Valerian root, which can be used in small doses to help calm and relax your cat.

The Use of Valerian Root

If you see that your cat doesn’t act as you thought of with catnip, well, you can give them Valerian root.

The principle of use with Valerian root is exactly the same.

1. Choose high-quality Valerian root: Look for a reputable brand that sells pure Valerian root.

Avoid any products that contain additives or fillers.

2. Start with a small amount: Just like with catnip, it’s best to start with a small amount of Valerian root.

Then observe your cat’s reaction.

If your cat seems to enjoy the effects, you can gradually increase the dosage.

3. Use in moderation: While Valerian root is generally safe for cats, it’s still important to use it in moderation and avoid overuse.

Too much Valerian root can cause drowsiness, nausea.

Let Your Feline Buddy Get Fun

Catnip is a fun and enjoyable treat for your cat, but it’s important to use it responsibly and be aware of their behavior. While most cats will have a positive response, it’s important to check if it is enjoying.

You have to limit their access to catnip to prevent dependence or overuse.

Try a pinch of catnip with your cat and let it have a great time, be relax and see funny moments with them.

References:

  1. Catnip | ASPCA
  2. What Is Catnip and What Does It Do to Cats? | PetMD 
  3. Catnip on Wikipedia

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