Think that all catnip is the same? It's not!
What is Catnip?
Catnip grows like many herbs - with a long stem, many leaves, and at the top there are are blooms of buds and flowers.
Cats are known to have a strong attraction to catnip (Nepeta cataria) due to the active compound it contains called nepetalactone. When cats come into contact with catnip, whether by sniffing, licking, or chewing it, it can have a range of effects on them, including:
Euphoria: Catnip can induce a sense of euphoria or intense pleasure in cats. They may become more active, playful, and appear to be in a good mood.
Rolling and rubbing: Cats often roll on or rub their bodies against catnip, which may be a way for them to spread the scent and activate more of the nepetalactone.
Purring and meowing: Some cats may exhibit vocalization, such as purring or meowing, when exposed to catnip.
Hyperactivity: Many cats become more active and playful when exposed to catnip. They may engage in activities like chasing imaginary prey or pouncing on toys with increased energy..
Relaxation: Some cats may become more relaxed and mellow when exposed to catnip, often seen as a "happy" or contented state
There is no such thing as catnip withdrawal or dependence and catnip is safe to play with or ingest. The effects are temporary and typically last anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes. As with any new introduction, monitor your cat to see how they react.
