What exactly is catnip? Details HERE!

What exactly is catnip? Details HERE!Is there a cat alive who doesn’t twist and shout when treated to a little catnip? It seems that this crispy, crinkly green stuff has the power to electrify even the most laid back kitty!

Take a trip down the cat aisle of your local pet store and you’ll see tons of products laced with catnip. Give your cat a toy that’s been sprinkled with catnip and he’ll bite and bat it like it’s a live rodent. Scratching posts touched by a bit of catnip will have your feline manicuring his nails for hours!

So what exactly is this magic elixir that we so freely give to our cats and kittens? Have you ever wondered how safe it is, and exactly how it affects your little furry friend?

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Catnip is an herb; doesn’t it look exactly like the crushed oregano in our pantry? In fact, catnip is related to both oregano and spearmint and is part of the mint family.

This innocent looking little herb contains an oil, nepetalactone, which is the reason your cat crushes so hard on the green stuff. So, how exactly does this substance turn your little feline into a ferocious tiger?

“The chemosensory reaction is mediated by the main (smell) olfactory system of the cat brain,” explains Dr. Hohenhaus, a NYC vet.

Ok, so what does this mean in layman’s terms? It means that when your cat catches a whiff of catnip his brain is stimulated and “happy” chemicals are released, resulting in a more playful attitude.

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What if catnip doesn’t turn back time for your own little furry friend? It may be that the sense of smell in senior cats and kittens is minimized, in which case you won’t see much change in behavior.

Why not treat your favorite feline to a little catnip today? It’s an inexpensive way to make his day – and in his eyes you’re sure to be the cat’s meow!

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16 Comments
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  2. Guest says

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  3. Chubskulit Rose says

    I sure didn’t know what catnip does to the cats so now I know, thank you.

  4. Guest says

    I sure didn’t know what catnip does to the cats so now I know, thank you.

  5. Ria C says

    Finally! Although I can research about it but never did hahaha. It’s just that, I don’t have a cat so I never tried knowing what catnip is all about and why it makes a cat high or something. But thanks to this info. 🙂

  6. Guest says

    Finally! Although I can research about it but never did hahaha. It’s just that, I don’t have a cat so I never tried knowing what catnip is all about and why it makes a cat high or something. But thanks to this info. 🙂

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  11. […] for their snacking behavior, your own little lion will love having his own greens to chew on. Catnip is the perfect choice! You can grow your own, or buy freshly potted plants in the pet […]

  12. Guest says

    […] for their snacking behavior, your own little lion will love having his own greens to chew on. Catnip is the perfect choice! You can grow your own, or buy freshly potted plants in the pet […]

  13. […] normal for indoor cats to munch on greens, but they should have a little fresh catnip available if they like to nibble your plants. Common houseplants such as aloe, lilies and […]

  14. Guest says

    […] normal for indoor cats to munch on greens, but they should have a little fresh catnip available if they like to nibble your plants. Common houseplants such as aloe, lilies and […]

  15. […] Related: What exactly is catnip? Details HERE! […]

  16. Guest says

    […] Related: What exactly is catnip? Details HERE! […]

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