Cats and Catnip - Is Kitty Hiding Her Stash?
Common Herb Produces Legal High for Feline Friends
Sep 20, 2009
Cats and catnip are a hilarious combination. Who hasn't laughed at a kitty showing catnip effects as she rolls around on the floor, happily licking her paws, and generally acting crazy? A search on YouTube with the words "catnip high" returns almost 1200 videos, so obviously people do enjoy watching kitties act silly.
When Good Cats Go Wrong
Cats normally get very happy around catnip, sniffing it, eating it, and rolling in it. They may drool and become uncoordinated, staggering around, and in general making fools of themselves, much to the delight of their owners. A kitty may lay on the floor, kicking herself forward with both hind feet. She may chase things around, and become extremely excited and hyperactive.
Kitty's trip will normally last for about five to fifteen minutes. She probably won't be interested in it again for at least an hour.
Catnip loses its allure for kitties if they get too much of it, so keep the catnip cat toys to a minimum.
Do All Kitties Get a Catnip High?
Not all felines show catnip effects. Some cats could care less about it, while others seem to enjoy playing with it, but don't really get a buzz from it. However, most kitties will put on a great show when they get their paws on a particularly good stash.
Surprisingly, kittens under the age of three months usually don't respond to catnip, and they may even avoid it. So save the good stuff until Kitty's old enough to appreciate it.
Do big cats get excited over catnip too? Yes, they do. Only tigers and bobcats don't seem to be affected by this herb.
What Causes Catnip Effects?
Catnip contains nepetalactone, a chemical that seems to act as a hallucinogen on cats. It doesn't harm the cat in any way, and it's not addictive, either, which should come as a relief. The thought of hordes of cats terrorizing the world in search of their next catnip fix is a scary thought.
Does Catnip Affect People?
Yes, but not in the same way. Catnip acts as a sedative for people. In fact, catnip tea used to be a common home remedy for colicky babies. Some people still drink catnip tea at night before bedtime to help them sleep. Herbalists also recommend this tea for stomach problems and migraines.
Catnip Tips
Catnip is quite easy to grow from seed. A catnip plant is readily available at many nurseries and retail stores. This herb is a perennial, and will come back from year to year, so plant it accordingly. In some places, catnip is considered a weed, so be sure to keep it under control in the garden.
To dry catnip, just cut branches off the plant, and hang them to dry in a warm area with good air circulation. Avoid extreme heat and too much sun, as this will decrease the quality of the dried herb. Cut the branches when the plant blooms, as the concentration of oils is highest then.
Leaves and flowers can also be spread on a cookie sheet on a paper towel. Turn the oven on to about 100 degrees for a few minutes, and then turn it off. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, and let the leaves dry overnight. Store the crispy leaves in a glass jar with a lid for wintertime fun with the kitty.
Organic catnip and every kind of catnip toy imaginable are easy to find at pet stores, and online, so feel free to indulge Kitty with this harmless treat.
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