Catnip Party!

• Posted on 3 August 2021
• By Louise's Pet Connection
• 0

If you’re a cat owner you have definitely heard about Catnip! A plant that your cat is downright obsessed with. You might be wondering though, what is catnip? Not only that but why does your pet love it so much?

If you’re a cat owner you have definitely heard about Catnip! A plant that your cat is downright obsessed with. You might be wondering though, what is catnip? Not only that but why does your pet love it so much? 

Catnip is a plant scientifically known as Nepeta cataria. This herb is not so surprisingly a member of the mint family as hinted by its scent. Its unique physical attributes are that of a grayish-green plant with jagged heart shaped leaves and thick stems that are both covered in fuzzy hairs. Catnip has an active ingredient known as nepetalactone which is what many cats respond to. Nepetalactone is produced in the microscopic bulbs that coat the leaves, stems, and seedpods of the plant. When these bulbs burst or rupture they release this natural chemical into the air. This explains why cats love to chew on the plant. The catnip plant is originally native to Europe and Asia but now it grows all around the world! Cats everywhere have never been happier! 

Once your cat catches the scent of catnip they are usually instantly attracted and will probably begin to roll, rub, smell, or even lick it all over. Cats have an extra scent organ called the vomeronasal gland in the roof of their mouth that actually helps them analyze scents. To put it simply, the scent will enter your cat's nose and mouth and trigger different responses in the brain which can cause some cats to enter a super relaxed state while others become a bit more frisky. The length of effects lasts depending on how much your cat inhales or eats. Once your cat has had their fill of it they may not respond to catnip again for a few hours. It's also worth noting that not all cats are affected by catnip as some do not inherit the same sensitivity. Most cats will show more overt signs of affection and relaxation. Catnip has been known to help reduce anxiety and stress in cats. So whether you're moving, bringing home another furry friend etc catnip can be a great tool to keep your cat calm and happy. Not only is catnip great for anxiety it can also help cats suffering from nausea, loss of appetite or even pain.

Using catnip with your pet is incredibly easy. You can sprinkle a bit of dried catnip on their cat tree or scratching post to encourage scratching their things instead of your own. Many toys also are stuffed full of your cat's favorite herb and can get them playing on their own, which is a great way to keep your cat active. Our favorite way of using catnip with our cats is by throwing a Catnip Party (no RSVPS required). You might be Scratching your head wondering what exactly is a catnip party. I assure you it's the best party a cat can have. Just toss some catnip all over the floor, throw in some toys and maybe a box or two and your cat is guaranteed to have the time of their life! 

So what are you waiting for? Your cat is just waiting to get their roll on! Whether you use fresh catnip, dried or stuffed in toys your cat is sure to feel like they are living the high life!