This substance is similar to a human sedative. So what is catnip used for? Below, our editorial team at Catering Network explains the uses of catnip. What is Catnip? Catnip, including Nepeta cataria, belongs to the genus Nepeta in the Lamiaceae family. It features an upright, multi-branched stem with white downy hairs on stems and leaves, and spike-like flowers.It blooms in summer. Medicinally, this plant has stimulating effects and contains minerals like iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, chromium, and vitamins. Cats react intensely to it—when they smell or ingest catnip, they become wildly excited, leaping about and exhibiting peculiar behaviors, hence its name.
What is catnip used for?
Catnip is an herb, also known as cat grass, containing a chemical called nepetalactone. This oily substance readily excites cats. Similar to a human sedative, it does not stimulate humans but instead relaxes nerves and promotes sleep.
Catnip has a distinctly cool, refreshing scent. Drying and grinding this plant into powder, then placing it inside cat toys, will drive your cat wild! Approximately 50% of cats show strong interest in the scent of these leaves, enjoying scratching and biting them. However, this doesn't mean cats need to consume catnip to stay healthy.In fact, catnip is a hallucinogenic plant. Consumption may cause temporary behavioral changes (lasting 5-15 minutes) in some cats, though it is not addictive. Overall, catnip neither substantially benefits nor harms feline health.
Its roots and leaves possess a minty scent, repelling mice and beetles. In China, it's popularly brewed as tea. The leaves and flowering stems treat colds, nausea, fever reduction, headaches, and itchy scalps. Because cats adore this plant, pet toys made from its dried leaves sell exceptionally well overseas.
Domestic pet stores sell small burlap pouches filled with catnip and scratching posts that come with catnip powder. Cats become utterly engrossed in these toys.Overseas, pet stores offer not only catnip-stuffed mouse toys and ground catnip powder, but also canned catnip seeds and soil for home cultivation. This allows cats to enjoy fresh catnip. Beyond inducing wild excitement and joy, catnip also induces hairball vomiting.
The effects of catnip are short-lived, causing neither addiction nor side effects in cats.Approximately 70% of cats react to catnip's scent. When given catnip-infused toys or fresh catnip plants, they'll rub their heads against it, then roll around on the floor in a daze, spinning in circles, drooling, and even licking the catnip.However, they quickly snap back to alertness, seemingly embarrassed by their earlier antics, and walk away as if nothing happened.
Precautions for Catnip Use
1. Avoid frequent use. Overuse desensitizes cats to the scent, leading them to merely lick it without rolling around.
2. Limit the amount per session. A pinch the size of your pinky fingertip is sufficient. Excessive intake can cause breathing difficulties.
3. Catnip and catmint plants have larger leaves and stems than pale blue (purple-flowered) catnip, making them more potent.
Does catnip offer actual health benefits for cats?
Catnip's effects are brief, causing neither addiction nor side effects. After ingestion, cats exhibit temporary behavioral changes (lasting 5-15 minutes), such as sneezing, chewing, rubbing, rolling, meowing, or vocalizing incoherently.Some cats chase imaginary mice after ingesting catnip, while others sit motionless with vacant stares. These behaviors pose no harm and are non-addictive. Offering catnip to cats experiencing loss of appetite or lethargy can aid recovery; however, frequent use should be avoided.Overuse desensitizes cats to the scent. Additionally, limit each application to a small amount—about the size of a thumbnail. Excessive catnip inhalation can cause breathing difficulties.
In the wild, such as with African wildcats, catnip holds a deadly allure. It plays a crucial role during male courtship rituals.Male cats typically seek a smooth and romantic courtship process, so they often roll around in catnip patches, coating themselves with its scent. Females are often captivated by this aroma, making the subsequent courtship and mating process significantly easier for the males.Scientists have discovered this phenomenon stems from a chemical compound in catnip called "nepetalactone." This compound functions similarly to the pheromones cats produce in their urine during mating season. This chemical key perfectly fits the sexual desire lock in a cat's brain, while having no effect on other species.