She licks, sniffs, purrs and shakes her head, only to return to her normal self about ten minutes later. Catnip is like marijuana for cats. If a cat were to encounter catnip in the wild, it would be in the form of leafy greens growing on plants, not concentrated. It’s called nepetalactone. Catnip is an herb that contains the chemical Nepetalactone and causes a euphoric mind-altering effect in cats. Cats on catnip, catswort, and catmint are different names for the same thing, but let us stay with catnip and catnips effects to avoid confusion. Its botanical name is Nepeta cataria and it comes from the same family as the mint plant (Lamiaceae). Some cats just don’t have a reaction catnip even when their brother is rolling around in the middle of the floor. Cats who react to catnip will sniff the plant, or any toys that contain it, and then start chewing on it. Some important considerations immediately enter the debate, why do cats like catnip? Catnip is the most famous stimulant for cats. Most cats know when they've had enough & will refuse any further offers. This high lasts for 10-15 minutes, and is a safe natural high for the cat. How does catnip affect cats? How catnip affects cats. Catnip is not harmful to your cat and therefore not the kind of drug that we know. A cat should be given fresh catnip in a small quantity once in 2 weeks. It grows as weed in parts in midwest U.S. and Canada. Catnip is sometimes referred to as a feline drug. When catnip is sniffed, it acts as a stimulant for cats, causing them to display signs of being “high”, including hyperactivity, rolling around, flipping over and at times, even being aggressive. If you have given catnip to your cat you will of experienced their strange behavior such rolling around They get only so high and the effect stops right there. Cats under the influence of catnip certainly give signs they are under the influence of a drug. Basically, cats react to catnip thanks to a volatile oil known as nepetalactone that interacts with the nasal tissue. Catnip … Is Catnip Bad For Cats – Is It Healthy For Pets Read More » Catnip is usually described as a drug for cats. “The reason for the failure of some cats to become even the least bit excited about catnip and for the exaggerated reaction of others is genetic,” he writes. Most cat owners will of heard of catnip but what is catnip and what does it do? The journal suggests catnip as a possible model for human responses to LSD or marijuana. Most cats must be at least six months old before they’ll react. The active ingredient is nepetalactone, derived from the volatile oils which can be extracted from the plant. Catnip is a mild feline hallucinogen, but it is completely nontoxic to cats. Offer a touch of catnip or a catnip-filled toy to your pet cat, and her reaction may be sensational … what’s more, senseless. She may move on her back, dart uncontrollably around, slobber, lick the catnip and rub it all over and body, or lemon over and lie there murmuring. You can tell when your cat has just sniffed catnip. While you'r Catnip is not a drug it is just a herb. Is Catnip a Drug? The herb can have varied effects on different cats. “Cats can inherit a dominant gene that guides the reaction to catnip,” adds Siegel. That said, I’ve researched enough about catnip and the possible effects it might have on your cat; What is catnip? Catnip is non-toxic to cats. Between 67% and 80% of the adult feline population is sensitive to catnip. They cannot overdose on it. Since hyperactivity is one of those effects it is best not to give catnip to an aging cat or one that has health problems such as a heart condition. Catnip . Catnip and similar catnip sprays contain the chemical nepetalactone, which acts as an attractant for cats. Nepetalactone is closer to a pheromone than a drug, which is why cats can’t really become addicted to catnip itself. Despite its ability to relax cats and make them more playful, many people have concerns over the use of catnip as it is often referred to as a ‘drug for cats’. This keeps the toys novel and fun. Catnip sensitivity is hereditary, and an estimated 50 percent of cats have no reaction to the plant at all, according to The Human Society. It should be noted, though, that catnip is different is not a narcotic. Over the years, it has been found to illicit intensely pleasurable reactions in most, but not all, cats. The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. Even then, about 1/3rd of cats won’t react at all, and another 1/3rd are moderately affected. Some cats may also take a few tries to get used to it and feel the effects. Yes, catnip is a drug for cats. First, it was jenkem. by wpblogadmin 29.05.2020. written by wpblogadmin 29.05.2020. Learn about this natural feline recreational substance and its safety. Also similar is the uniqueness of the drug experience to each individual. It is the nepetalcataria variety that most cats enjoy. Firstly, it’s not harmful. Is Catnip a Drug for Cats? Catnip is actually a plant from the mint family. Secondly, there is a scientific explanation of why your cat goes high. Catnip – scientifically nepeta cataria – is a perennial herb and member of the mint family. When consumed with tea or any hot drink, it has a calming sedating effect. This causes the cat to have a "high" sensation. As the only recreational drug for cats, catnip (nepeta cataria) is a uniquely stimulating plant that’s almost as puzzling as cats themselves. Don't worry too much, it is non-addicting and appears to be completely harmless. Only about 1/3rd of cats react strongly to catnip. Believe it or not, catnip is actually just one plant. All they have to do is smell it, but most of the time they also eat it and they also like to roll around in it. Catnip has been a popular stimulant for cats for a long time. Catnip is actually a plant from the mint family.It contains the chemical trans-nepetalactone which causes the cats' odd behavior. Now, the latest drug that parents are freaking out about is a mood enhancer for cats and dogs. It changes the brain and momentarily alters behavior for roughly 20 minutes. In a sense, catnip is like a drug for cats. Around half to two thirds of cats will respond to this oil. There is a part of catnip that is tantalizing to a cat’s sensory. Is Catnip A Drug For Cats? Besides the fact that many cat owners are familiar with catnip, only a few of them clearly understand what this does to their pets and whether they should or shouldn’t give catnip to cats. They won't overdose on it. The active ingredient nepetalactone, is an essential oil which alters the behaviour of domestic and other cat species. "Cats can inherit a dominant gene that guides the reaction to catnip," adds Siegel. Then it was bath salts. We know that most cats go crazy for catnip, but why, what’s in it? Although rare, overindulgence can cause vomiting or diarrhea, so you may want to limit your cat's exposure if she's overly interested. What happens when my cat has catnip? A strain that makes one person feel relaxed can make another feel restless, on-edge, and paranoid. It was used to treat nausea, headaches, and toothaches. Instead, the pheromone triggers a chemical release in the brain that isn’t habit forming, and is more for enjoyment than anything else. It doesn't hurt them. I have 6 cats, 2 tabbys, 2 siames, 1 euro egiptcian, and a rare brood one, well everytime I place the catnip they go like woo and start like purring aloot and the euro egipcian tries to get his head on the 3 inch nose and its really funny I just wanna know if its safe Often considered a weed, Nepeta cataria a member of the mint family is native to Europe. The exact reason is not certain but it likely has to do with a mix of genetics and their experiences growing up as a kitten! Despite appearances, a cat is not ‘high’ after consuming catnip and does not hallucinate. Also, when you enjoy a warm cup of catnip at night, it might even help you with insomnia. Is catnip a drug for cats? However, you cannot predict how they will react to it. Catnip can be considered as a recreational drug for cats. The American Journal of Veterinary Research takes this one step further. Cats get high off catnip by inhaling the nepetalactone — whether from a live plant, dried plant material, or an oil extract. “Both of [my cats] love it, and it makes them go crazy,” one reader told Medical News Today. It has been compared to hallucinogens but there is no way of knowing if a cat sees imaginary things when playing with catnip toys. It is not a drug; therefore completely safe for cats. Catnip is often thought of as a recreational drug for cats. Some cats inherit the “catnip sensitive” gene, while others simply do not. "The reason for the failure of some cats to become even the least bit excited about catnip and for the exaggerated reaction of others is genetic," he writes. However, it is kind of true. Just search for ‘Cats on Catnip’ on YouTube and you’ll find a goldmine of videos showing cats experiencing complete euphoria from this powerful substance. Is part of the mint family. We investigate. Following this, they may start rubbing their head against the plant or toy, and then roll or flip from side to side. A cat with a catnip toy only ever seems engrossed in that toy and doesn’t behave as if it can see other things in the room. Some cats inherit the "catnip sensitive" gene, while others simply do not. Cats roll on catnip because it releases the drug called Nepetalactone. Humans also respond differently to cannabis. Interestingly, showing signs of catnip exposure is hereditary and doesn’t show up in kittens until after at least 3 months of age. Catnip and cats aren’t the only magical couple, humans also have a long history with Catnip use as a medicinal drug- it‘s forbidden for pregnant women-. Most people think of catnip as having drug-like effects on their cats.Some cats lick it, eat it or just sniff it and owners can see a definite behavior change. Yes! How does it work, why does it not affect all cats, and are there any catnip alternatives? 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