Catnip – So what exactly is this herb and why does it cause cats to act crazy? Where does it grow? Cat behaviors from it. Hooman use (human use)? Find out all that and more in this blog post! #Catnip
My name is Joel the Brave and I love catnip! There is some in one of my scratching post and I always turn it upside down, so I can get it on the floor and roll in it and chew on it. So I figured I would share with you about what catnip is and more!
Catnip
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, and catmint.
Countries Native to Catnip
- Eastern Europe
- The Middle East
- Central Asia
- Parts of China
About two thirds of cats are attracted to this plant. The one third that aren’t are attracted to another plant.
Catnip contains Nepetalactone. It is what causes cats to be attracted to it, but that same compound also acts like a mosquito and fly repellent.
Cat Behaviors Toward Catnip
- Rubbing on the plant
- Rolling in the plant and ground
- Pawing it
- Licking it
- Chewing it
- Eating It
Side Effects of Catnip on cats
- Drooling
- Sleepiness
- Sedative
- Anxiety
- Hyper Activity
- Leaping about
- Purring
- Growling
- Meowing
- Scratching the hand or person holding it
- Biting the hand or person holding it
According to PetMD, It produces a “high” that is described as being similar to either marijuana or LSD. (How this was determined, I do not know.) And the effects last for about 10 minutes before wearing off and the cat going back to normal.
If a cat eats a lot of catnip, it may vomit and have diarrhea. Don’t worry! Your cat will return to normal given time when not given anymore catnip. Plus, a cat can become immune to catnip and no longer react to it, if exposed to it often.
Uses on hoomans? (Humans)
Even some hoomans make a herbal tea out of it or even in cooking too as it can help with gas. Not only that, catnip can be a sedative to hoomans, similar to chamomile. It says it can help with sleeping and stress. Reports also show catnip is an antiseptic as a remedy for dandruff.
When used as an oil, it can help with cramps and pains.
If you are a hooman, I would consult your doctor before taking or using catnip. Cats, I would check with your veterinarian before use too.
How does your cat react to catnip?
How does your cat react to catnip?
Sources
Stay tuned and follow 2 Cats and a Blog as we will be talking about a product called Catnip Bubbles!
2 Cats and a Blog 
They all love it – Beep will destroy anything he can to get to it. The others just rub, chew and snooze.
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Most of my cats love nip too.
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Louis Catorze was a regular user when he was at the rescue (for medicinal purposes) & now he has the odd recreational dabble. 🌞👑
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