I’m sure you’ve heard of catnip and how it makes kitties euphoric but also sometimes just chill out. But, do you actually know what it is?
Catnip is a plant, scientifically called Nepeta cataria. Even its name reminds you of a cat. It originates from Southern and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Middle Orient and was artificially introduced in North America.
Long ago, people used this plant as a digestive tea or combined it with tobacco for stomach aches, cramps, fever, and rash. Humans still brew tea from it to cure anxiety and just offer an overall calming effect.
Why Do Cats Love It?
The substance this plant contains is called nepetalactone, which is a volatile oil that binds to the cat’s olfactory receptors and causes temporary euphoria.
Nepetalactone is also used as an insect repeller for mosquitoes, termites, and roaches.
Research suggests that only two-thirds of cats are attracted to this substance and it doesn’t have an effect on kittens younger than 6 months. Some think this occurs because it mimics sexual pheromones.
Even though there are conflicting reports and studies on how big or small the effect is on certain big cat species, this compound affects other felines, like leopards, cougars, lynxes, and servals in the same way it affects domestic cats.
Lions and tigers are less susceptible and react with less consistency. Maybe because they can’t be bothered with “lesser cat” business.
How Does It Work?
At first contact, when the feline smells catnip, the volatile particles bind to the olfactory receptors present in the cat’s nose. These send a signal to the hypothalamic and amygdala areas in the brain, responsible for regulating emotions, that it’s time for joy and euphoria.
A study suggests the key intoxicating chemicals in the plants activate cats’ opioid systems much like heroin and morphine do in people. Moreover, the study concludes that rubbing the plants protects the felines against mosquito bites.
Sofia Moutinho, Science, Why cats are crazy for catnip
This behavior may translate into extremely dilated pupils, the colored part of the eye may seem nonexistent; rubbing the head and back onto various surfaces, belly up; strange meowing or chirping; and some cats keep their ears onto their heads.
Some cats may exhibit overbearing, even aggressive behavior.
The euphoric state is short and lasts about 10-12 minutes for most cats.
Another Way To Get “High”?
However, sniffing isn’t the only way a cat can get “high” on catnip. Catnip can be cultivated and grown from seeds in regular pots in the household, just like normal grass.
The difference is that by eating catnip grass, cats exhibit calm behavior, may sometimes be sleepy, or even drool or blep (e.g. stick their tongue out) for no particular reason.
Catnip Medical Uses
We recommend using catnip as a relaxant for all times when major changes occur in your household, to relieve your cat from stress.
For example, if you have a newborn baby, your cat may change its behavior. This may translate to urinating in the wrong places, eating disorders, or overall stress. Stress can affect cats in many negative ways, especially because it may trigger diabetes.
Another great use for catnip would be to relieve the stress of rehoming your cat, or when you bring another animal into the household.
Catnip is also available as toys that contain dried parts of the plant, seeds that can be germinated and homegrown, dried plants in small packages, and spray formula, that can be used on various objects.
Catnip as a Training Aid
Catnip can also be used for training cats. Some cats are particularly fond of household furniture and become reluctant during renovation. They don’t appreciate new scents and even textures. Catnip can aid a smooth accommodation with this.
When potty-training a kitten, catnip can become handy.
If you recently changed the cat’s tree or bed and it doesn’t seem attracted to it, try using catnip to make it more appealing.
Some cats change their urinating behavior for no apparent reason. They pee around the house on certain objects or places they dislike. Catnip can be a powerful aid in correcting this behavior, by calming the feline.
Particularly older cats, that have urinating disorders, develop an affliction towards the litter box. A little bit of “high” inside the box will work magic.
