What is catnip?
Catnip is a herb that comes from the mint family. It originated in Europe, but you can find it everywhere in the world today. It’s used in homoeopathic products for humans, but it’s currently more known for its properties in cat toys and sprays.
What does catnip do, and does it always work?
Catnip contains many essential oils, like nepetalactone. This oil can have a euphoric and almost hallucinating effect. The substances work on the cells in the body that are found in the back of the cat’s nose. This is why the herb must be inhaled to show its effect. Sometimes, cats raise their lips when they smell the herb, making it look like they are smiling. It enhances the ability to perceive smells and odours.
The following behavioural properties can be observed when your cat has inhaled catnip:
- ‘Smiling’ cat
- Raising lips
- Rubbing its head on the herb
- Licking the herb
- Rolling
- Rolling through the herb
- Meowing
- Behaviour shown similar to sexual arousal
The symptoms will disappear after a couple of minutes. Your cat will not be sensitive to the herb for a few hours after this. Catnip isn’t addictive, but it can make your cat grumpy or sick if it uses it too much. Not all cats respond the same to catnip. Many cats experience a euphoric, stress-relieving feeling. However, some cats might respond aggressively, and some might not respond at all. The sensitivity to catnip is hereditary. For example, this behaviour will only occur if your cat inherits the dominant hereditary information from 1 or 2 parents. Kittens also do not show the typical effect of catnip, the sensitivity only develops at an age of 6 to 8 weeks and is only fully developed around the 12th week.
