Click to Skip Ahead
Cats love catnip! It really adds something to their play and interactions with their owners by stimulating them to become more vocal, more excited, and more hyperactive. It’s sold in most pet shops and inside many cat toys, giving cats a short-lived extra buzz. But you might also wonder what catnip is, how it works, and whether an overdose is possible. In this article, we will explore those questions!
What Is Catnip? How Does Catnip Work?
Catnip is a mint herb called Nepeta cataria that is grown around the world. The herb is then collected, dried, and used in cat toys and products. You can even grow your own!
The active ingredient is called Nepetalactone. When cats inhale it, their brains interpret it as a strong pheromone, which triggers the behavioral euphoria the cat then displays, activating the happy feeling centers of the brain. Some consider it a “drug trip” for your cat, others more of a sexual response—but either way, your cat is happy!
Catnip is short-acting and not addictive. Responses to catnip can also be highly variable; some cats don’t respond at all, others become sleepy, and some are hyperactive. It works best in adult cats since kittens under 6 months and older cats show less of a reaction.
Catnip does not affect humans and is safe for all cats of any age. Cats can’t overdose on catnip, and it doesn’t matter if they eat a little of it, but it doesn’t work as well when eaten. If your cat eats a large amount, it could cause an upset tummy (vomiting and diarrhea) for a little while.
How Should I Use Catnip With My Cat? How Much Catnip Should I Give My Cat?
Catnip comes in many forms, including as a powder, dried herb, or spray.
The Do’s Of Catnip
- Catnip is safe to use on cats of any age and does not impact pre-existing medical conditions.
- When first introducing catnip to your cat, it is best to start with very small amounts. Catnip can cause such an intense reaction that only small amounts are needed. More catnip will not increase or improve the effect, so it is wasted.
- Catnip can be used as an effective reward for good behavior, like a treat. It can also be used to encourage your cat to learn desirable behaviors. For example, you could put catnip on a scratching post to entice the cat to use it rather than scratching the sofa!
- Catnip can be useful for encouraging play, exercise, and calorie burning, especially for indoor or lazy cats!
- Catnip can calm some cats and reduce stress when they are in cat carriers or going to the veterinarian, for example.
- Make sure your catnip is stored properly and securely away from your cat! You don’t want it to get moldy or stale.
Regular play sessions can help your cat stay happy and healthy. Why not start the play with a fun toy like Hepper's Catnip Stick Toy? These sturdy toys are double-bagged, bite-proof, and filled with 100% organic catnip. Choose your favorite pastel color and treat your cat to hours of fun!
At PangoVet, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
The Don’ts of Catnip
- Don’t use too much catnip or use it too often. It should be a treat, and only small amounts are needed to get the reaction. If catnip is used too often or in large quantities, the effect will not be as good for your cat.
- Brains and sensory systems are good at self-regulating to ensure they do not become over-stimulated. They will simply become less responsive to it over time.
- Don’t use catnip if your cat is not responsive to it. Some cats don’t naturally react, so there is no point in forcing it!
- Don’t use catnip if your cat is aggressive or becomes aggressive while responding to catnip. This isn’t common, but worth keeping in mind.
Final Thoughts
Catnip is a natural herb that acts like pheromones to stimulate various pleasure centers of your cat’s brain when inhaled. Most cats respond well to it, showing vocalization, licking, playing, and hyperactive behaviors. Catnip is safe for all cats; they cannot overdose on it or become addicted to it. However, it is best used in moderation as a treat for your cat, in the form of sprinkles, extracts, or sprays. Cats will become desensitized to it if used excessively. Follow the Do’s and Don’ts of catnip to ensure the best experience for your cat!
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Badon Hill Studio, Shutterstock
