Cats And Catnip

 

Cats  And Catnip

If you've ever given catnip to your cats, you know how funny it feels to watch their antics! But have you ever stopped to wonder if it's safe for your cat or what it could do to your cat? In this article, we'll explore catnip and the ways  it can affect your cat.

What is Catnip?

Catnip, often known as catmint, has a scientific name of Nepeta cataria. It is a plant from the mint family that has long been utilized in naturopathic treatment for people4. The herb can be used naturopathically to treat soft tissue injuries and as a sedative and antispasmodic in homeopathic medicines. However, catnip is most well-known for its ability to change cats' behavior.

How Does Catnip Work?

Catnip comes in leaf or oil form. It works on cats through their sense of smell. The olfactory nerve,  responsible for the sense of smell, appears to be the conduit for  effects on the central nervous system1.

Does Catnip Work on All Cats?

Most cats appear to experience euphoric or hallucinatory effects from catnip. Not all cats, though, appear to be affected by it or to respond to it. According to studies, roughly two-thirds of cats roll, rub their faces, sniff, lick, and chew when exposed to catnip. Many cats decide to take a nap following the effects, which appear to last 5 to 15 minutes.

It's interesting to note that there is a genetic component to the ability to respond to catnip; mothers who do so are more likely to have kittens who can perceive the effects of catnip. A gene that is passed down from father to kid regulates how a cat responds to catnip5.

Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

While watching your cat respond to catnip is enjoyable, knowing that it is completely safe and non-addictive gives you peace of mind. In fact, a lot of research has indicated that catnip can be a useful tool for enriching the environment for indoor-only cats or cats in shelters3.

When administered catnip, cats in shelter settings were more likely to engage in play. While giving cats toys with catnip in them wasn't a replacement for human interaction, most research indicate that catnip can be a useful technique for enhancing welfare through the environment. Notably, this was only observed in the two thirds of cats that responded well to catnip.

How to Use Catnip

If you keep cats indoors only, I hope you're making an  effort to enrich your cat's life with toys, climbing structures, and lots of human affection. However, adding catnip  toys to your cat's daily routine can help encourage more positive  and playful behaviors. 

Pets Best offers a 24/7 helpline out of 7 for policy owners if they have questions to ask their veterinarian about their cats and catnip.

 

1Bol, S., Caspers, J., Buckingham, L., Anderson-Shelton, G.D., Ridgway, C., Buffington, C. A.,… & Bunnik, E.M. (2017). Reactivity of cats (family Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and primrose (Nepeta cataria). BMC Veterinary Research, 13 (1), 1-16.

2Ellis, S.L., & Wells, D.L. (2010). Effect of olfactory stimulation on behavior of shelter cats. Applied science of animal behavior, 123 (1-2), 56-62.

3Espín-Iturbe, L.T., Yanez, B.A.L., Garcia, A.C., Canseco-Sedano, R., Vazquez-Hernandez, M., & Coria-Avila, G. A. (2017). Active and passive responses to catnip (Nepeta cataria) are influenced by age, sex, and early gonadal ablation in male and female cats. Behavioral Processes, 142, 110-115.

4Grognet, J. (1990). Catnip: Its Uses and Effects, past and present.  Canadian Veterinary Journal, 31 (6), 455.

 

5Hart, B. L. (1977). Olfactory behavior and cat behavior. Feline Practice (USA).