A Guide to Giving Your Cat Some Catnip—Effects and Benefits
As a cat owner, you may have heard about catnip and the odd effects it has on the feline species. You might have even seen some catnip products at your local pet store and wondered if you should buy some for your pet cat.
If you’re unfamiliar with what catnip is, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Part of being a responsible pet owner is knowing what a thing is before giving it to your pet.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about catnip, including what it is, what effects it has on cats, and why it could be beneficial for them. If that sounds good to you, keep on reading below.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip is a mint plant with the scientific name nepeta cataria. It can grow up to two to three feet tall and has heart-shaped leaves and a sturdy stem. It also blooms some blue, white, pink, or purple flowers.
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In some places, people call it catmint or catswort, and it’s native to Africa, Europe, and Asia. However, since it’s so easy to grow and there’s been an increased demand for it, you can easily find the plant in North America now, too.
Effects of Catnip
A catnip plant’s stems and leaves contain an oil called nepetalactone. When cats pick up on this substance, it triggers a sense of euphoria or overwhelming happiness because it mimics a cat’s pheromone.
That’s why you’ll find cats acting like a female in heat after being exposed to catnip—being more affectionate, active, and noisy. That said, the plant only affects about 80 percent of cats, so you might find that your cat might be immune to it.
How Long Do Catnip Effects Last?
For cats who can be affected by catnip, the effects usually last for about fifteen minutes before they develop a temporary immunity for thirty minutes to a few hours. Overdosing on catnip is possible too, but don’t worry, cats can’t die from it.
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At most, they’ll probably end up getting sick and throwing up. The good news is that cats can tell for themselves when they’ve had enough catnip, so overdosing isn’t a common problem. Aside from that, catnip is also known for its mosquito and insect repellent effects.
Benefits of Catnip
Using catnip has a lot of benefits for keeping your cat preoccupied. You can also apply it during training. It acts as a great incentive for good behavior, so you can easily purchase catnip treats and toys from your local pet store.
For example, if you want to keep your cat from scratching your furniture, you can rub some catnip on a dedicated scratching post or sprinkle dried catnip leaves on their bed. You can also put catnip in interactive toys to stimulate your cat’s brain and encourage the development of their natural instincts.
Final Thoughts
Catnip is a great tool for training cats or treating your furry little friend. It can even help if your cat suffers from anxiety because of its calming properties. When buying catnip products, make sure you purchase from trusted sources like your local pet store to ensure their quality and the safety of your pet.
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