Desensitization happens. Problem: My cat stopped playing with her catnip toy. Solution: Remove catnip toys after playtime. Cats’ noses get desensitized when they’re always around catnip. Bring the toys out again in a day or so. To revive an old toy, rub loose catnip on the outside to refresh the aroma. Although fresh and wild catnip smells minty, it’s a different story for dried catnip you find in the shop and in cat toys. The dried version tends to smell more like grass and doesn’t have the same minty undertones. Why do cats love catnip?

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Aside from the science, catnip is a natural mood booster. Catnip tea has become a popular drink for cat parents and non-pet owners alike. As it has such a calming effect on the body. With claims that catnip reduces anxiety and restlessness, it’s no wonder your cat loves catnip so much! What effect does catnip have on your cat? Most of us have watched hilarious videos of cats rolling around in catnip and acting like crazy screwballs. Some cats seem to mellow out, while others go a little berserk, but what is it about catnip that has this effect on cats? Furthermore, would catnip have any effect on humans? Is it something we can take to help calm us down or even act as a stimulant, and is it even safe for us? Most cats, but not all, respond to catnip. Experts say 70-75 percent of cats inherit a “catnip gene” which makes them responsive to catnip. Kittens and cats younger than six months don’t respond to catnip. (Perhaps, like kids, they’re naturally high.) Video still of Pookie playing with Catnip Joint

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Catnip has a unique sweet and minty smell. That’s because it contains various oils that give it a distinct aroma. Nepetalactone is the oil which cats love. When your cat eats or smells catnip, it’s that same oil that activities their sensory nerves – kind of like a pheromone for cats. Which probably explains their weird behaviour. You might be surprised to discover that catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family. It’s also known as catwort and catmint and is native to Asia, Africa, and Europe but has been naturalized and grows prolifically in North America. Whereas shop-bought catnip is dried and crushed, and often resembles herbs you’d find in your pantry or the supermarket aisle – like basil or parsley. What does catnip smell like? Is catnip safe to eat? Yes, but best in small amounts. It acts like a sedative, making cats more sleepy than frisky. Large quantities may cause digestive issues. Don’t set out a platter of catnip (I’ve seen this happen on the Interweb; the cat was passed out for days.) Cats can be surprising, especially with our 5-Star Catnip. Always supervise cats when they play with a toy. * Do not let them swallow the toy, its parts, or threads * (chewing on it is okay, and is a big part of the fun).

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We know cats love catnip, so let’s look briefly at what happens when your cat encounters it. Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone, which is the primary suspect in how cats react to this herb. It has been studied, and the results have shown that it is the cat’s primary olfactory system, or good old-fashioned sense of smell, that causes the catnip reaction. Catnip is an herb related to mint. It’s safe and natural. Catnip works in both dried and fresh forms. Catnip plants are as easy to grow as mint. But beware: your frenzied cat may crawl right into the pot! I’ve discovered Pookie nesting in the catnip plant on more than one occasion. We’ll look at everything catnip so you can have a better idea about whether or not you should ingest it and how it will affect you overall. Usually, catnip makes your cat content. In rare cases, some cats can become agitated or slightly aggressive. If this sounds like your kitty, you might want to reduce the frequency or amount they receive. Why doesn’t my cat like catnip?Mix the catnip leaves or flowers with the water. Don’t add the leaves to the water while it’s boiling, or you might lose some of its valuable benefits. Having a reaction to catnip is hereditary. And not every cat carries those genes – similar to how not every person can roll their tongue! Research shows that roughly 30% of domestic cats don’t respond to catnip, instead showing only indifference. It’s also been proven that young kittens and senior cats also don’t react to catnip. A calming alternative Quality matters. Again, as with all herbs, there are weak strains of catnip and stronger ones. Soil, sun and growing conditions make a difference between “premium catnip” and inferior catnip. (At Stark Raving Cat, we use only premium catnip.)

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Dried catnip will definitely have an effect on your cat. But, like most herbs, fresh is always best. That’s because fresh catnip contains a rich concentration of nepetalactone (the active ingredient that relaxes cats). Dried catnip is second to the fresh stuff. And the weakest concentrations are found in liquid formulations. When it comes to catnip, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. Although catnip isn’t bad for your cat, they probably shouldn’t be exposed to it more than once a day. If your cat is given catnip too often, they can become less sensitive to it. Fresh catnip vs shop-bought This is our long-winded way of explaining that cats not only have an amazing sense of smell but are uniquely wired to enjoy certain scents. The Effect of Catnip on CatsIt’s not the strongest tea, so let it steep for at least 10 to 20 minutes. You can add other herbs for extra flavor, like mint leaves, which can enhance the subtle mintiness of catnip. Nobody quite knows why catnip causes such a strange reaction in cats. Although, some animal scientists think that it causes a reaction because the sweet smell resembles cat pheromones.

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As we said above, fresh catnip will have more of an effect on your cat than the dried version. Here are our top tips for growing catnip at home:Smell the freshness. Catnip’s essential oil “nepetalactone” makes the magic happen, and it’s found mainly in the leaves and buds. When the oil dries out, no more magic. It’s just like the herbs in your kitchen cabinet. If your herbs or catnip don’t have aromas, throw them out. They’re duds. If your cat loves this fragrant plant, then you should consider growing it yourself. Lots of garden centres and plant shops will sell catnip plants. Although it’s important to note that catnip is very invasive – just like mint. So be sure to use a pot or planter to stop it taking over your entire garden. Growing catnip at home