It's Christmas eve, and I am returning home from some last minute shopping. I had everything I needed for a party, and I was looking forward to having some fun. Apparently, I wasn't the only one in the mood for a party. When I opened the door I saw my two cats, Vixen and Tiger, sprawled out on the couch, catnip everywhere! It was all over my furniture and my carpeted living room, and I just stood there with a look of bewilderment. How did this happen? The catnip was in a kitchen drawer, yet here it is along with two very happy and relaxed kitties. I found the empty bag which had been shredded, and the drawer in which it was kept was partially open. Vixen, I thought, it had to be him. Vixen was polydactyl, meaning he had extra toes, or more like thumbs. Over the years i had witnessed Vixen using his ":expertise" to play catch and pick up food, but this was amazing. The drawer was an older style which was hard to open. You had to put a little muscle into it when you pulled, yet he managed to open the drawer just enough to get his prize. I guess the allure of the nip was too strong for him, and he just had to have it! Why? What is it about this particular herb that sends some cats into a frenzy?
What is Catnip?
Catnip, also known by it's Latin name Nepeta Cataria, is part of the mint family. It's name is derived from the town of Nepete, Italy, where is was originally cultivated. The acting ingredient that gets kitty all excited is nepetalactone, an oil found within the plant. This oil enters the nasal passages when inhaled, and it binds to olfactory sensors. This causes the sensory neurons to send signals to regions in the brain called the amygdala and the hypothalamus. The amygdala controls the flow of information received from the sensory neurons to areas of the brain which are responsible for behavior, while the hypothalamus regulates these behavioral responses through the pituitary gland. Because this creates a sexual response, it is theorized that cats are reacting to the oil as if they were feline pheromones.
Are all Cats Susceptible to Catnip?
Not all cats are susceptible to the effects of catnip. It seems to be hereditary, and it effects anywhere from 50-80% of cats. Because it is a genetic trait, it can take 3 to 6 months of age before the effects can be felt. Although this does mean there is a portion of the kitty population that cannot partake in the fun of catnip, there are alternatives. Valerian and silver vine are said to produce similar effects.
Is Catnip Safe?
Yes, it is. There isn't anything in this plant that will harm your kitty. Also, you do not have to worry about "too much" catnip. It acts as a stimulant when inhaled, but when they eat the plant it acts as a mild sedative. If she eats too much the worse that can happen would be some diarrhea and vomiting. Kitty would return to normal after it has run it's course.
Does Catnip Have Any Other Uses?
Catnip has been known to have medicinal properties for humans. It is an antispasmodic, which can be helpful in digestive issues, muscular pain, colic for babies, and headaches just to name a few. It is especially helpful in these areas where tension seems to be the cause of the distress.
It has also been known to ease menstrual cramps, and it has mild anaesthetic properties. While it mostly is used as a tea or poultice, chewing on it's leaf can ease discomfort from tooth and gum pain. As an interesting aside, some catnip enthusiast thought it to be a mild hallucinogen; We are not sure.
The Verdict is in-Catnip is Fun for Your Kitty!
They say if something is too good to be true, it probably isn't. Well, this is the exception! So, go ahead and help your cat attain an elevated mood. Watch how fun she is while on the nip. Cats become very friendly and playful while under it's spell, and this is also good for you. Animals have a way of making us feel better. They can get through to us when nobody else can. So, why not purchase some catnip and make kitty happy, you will be glad you did.
