What is Catnip?

Subject: What is Catnip? Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:34 pm

What is catnip and is it healthy for your cats? I don't really know, but I do know that my cats love it. If I treat something with catnip, they act like they are in love.

Subject: Re: What is Catnip? Fri Oct 10, 2008 3:22 pm

Catnip is a plant, we used to have some growing in our yard; I'd pick fresh leaves and give them to my cats, they love it. I do not know what ingredient makes cats go crazy over catnip, but it is something special in their eyes. Smile

Catnip is not harmful for cats. You can buy catnip-stuffed cat toys.

I am a Number of posts : 65 Registration date : 2008-10-07

Quote :: "Catnip" is the common name for a perennial herb of the mint family. It is native to Europe and is an import to the United States and other countries. The catnip plant is now a widespread weed in North America.

Although no one knows exactly what happens in the cat's brain, it is known that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the thing that triggers the response. Apparently, it somehow kicks off a stereotypical pattern in cats that are sensitive to the chemical. The catnip reaction is inherited, and some cats are totally unaffected by it. Large cats like tigers can be sensitive to it as well.

I've always wondered this myself. From the definition it's sounding more like the plant that gets people high. :p

Subject: Re: What is Catnip? Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:33 pm

Froix wrote:: I've always wondered this myself. From the definition it's sounding more like the plant that gets people high. :p

LOL. Yep, that pretty much explains it. Wink

One of my sons today found a pack of unopened cat nip and was asking what to do with it. The 7 year old wanted to know what catnip was for. The older one said " It makes cats all lovey dovey". I love you

Subject: Re: What is Catnip? Tue Oct 14, 2008 4:04 pm

aclowers wrote:: The older one said " It makes cats all lovey dovey".

LOL, that's funny! Very Happy

And true, too. My cats do not go all crazy when I give them catnip, they just chew on it and sometimes act more playful they usual, but I had some who'd run around, plop down on the floor and do all kinds of ridiculous stuff. The word "drunk" comes to mind when I think of it. Very Happy

Subject: Re: What is Catnip? Wed Oct 15, 2008 10:45 am

I agree-- its fun to watch cats when playing with catnip toys!
We have a catnip scratching post toy- I love it.. the kittens love it- they sniff it and then scratch it- I think it entices them to scratch there and not on the furniture.
The older cat lays on it and rolls all around! Like she is just in love with it!

Subject: Re: What is Catnip? Wed Oct 15, 2008 12:39 pm

I have never given this to my cats or atleast not that I know of. My husband has wanted to but I wouldn't let him. I am afraid they will get to used it.

I am a Number of posts : 32 Registration date : 2008-09-06

Brandbla8 wrote:: I have never given this to my cats or atleast not that I know of. My husband has wanted to but I wouldn't let him. I am afraid they will get to used it.

Oh they will get used to it alright, lol Catnip is the cat marijuana for sure. My cat has been known to sneak off to the local 7/11 and buy a pack of papers in the middle of the might. He is a total HEAD! sunny

Subject: Re: What is Catnip? Wed Oct 15, 2008 9:48 pm

I wonder where your cat gets the money elvenrunelord! Very Happy

I do not think cats can become addicted to catnip. Mine sure do like it, but if I stop giving it to them, they are just fine.