If you've ever given a cat catnip, you've witnessed the frenzy that ensues. They smear themselves all over it, act silly, and some even eat it. Cats' reactions can range from running around the house to simply relaxing and rubbing themselves all over the catnip. They adore it and find it difficult to keep it away from them. With reactions like these, you might wonder, "Is this even safe?"Fortunately, the answer is yes! Catnip is generally regarded as safe and non-addictive, and it may even be beneficial to your cat. Continue reading to find out more about catnip.


What Exactly Is Catnip?

Catnip is a plant that is known to cause euphoria in cats. It is a member of the mint family and is also known as Nepeta cataria. It is native to Europe, but it grows very well in North America. It is also simple to grow indoors in a pot, as long as your cats stay away from it. Catnip is used in some natural human remedies, such as cough suppressants, tea, and bug spray, but it is most well-known for its effect on cats.

Catnip is widely available in pet stores because it is known to elicit positive responses in cats. After giving their cat catnip, owners may notice anything from a sedative effect to increased energy and affection. Pet stores usually have a variety of options, including dried loose catnip, catnip-infused toys, and even catnip spray.

How Does It Function?

Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone; when cats smell catnip, they inhale this oil, which causes the behavioural changes. When they smell catnip, it binds to the olfactory cells in their nose and sends a signal to the brain. This causes them to behave like a female in heat (yes, The effects of catnip wear off quickly. The cat will feel the effects for about ten to fifteen minutes before becoming immune to them for thirty minutes. They are often calm and sit still after their "high."even the males.) They roll around, meow, and rub themselves all over the catnip, and they may even get a boost of energy. Catnip is a natural mood enhancer; if you've ever seen a cat react to catnip, you'll notice that they love it.

Is Catnip Harmful to All Cats?

As strange as it may sound, not all cats respond to catnip. Scientists estimate that only 50-70 percent of cats react to catnip, which is difficult to quantify. It is thought that whether or not cats react to catnip is genetic; some cats may simply lack the gene required to feel its effects. If you try to give your cat catnip and they don't seem interested, it's possible that they lack the "catnip gene."

Kittens under three months are also unable to feel the effects of catnip, but by six months, you can usually tell if they like it. Some cats prefer fresh catnip, while others prefer it in any form. Each cat has their own.preferences and reactions.

Is Catnip Harmful?

Catnip is generally thought to be safe for cats. If they overeat, the worst that can happen is an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Cats would normally have to consume a large amount of catnip to have this reaction, which you can avoid as an owner by giving it to them in moderation. It is non-habit-forming, natural, and safe.

Some veterinarians even advocate the use of catnip to alleviate separation anxiety. They recommend giving it to your cat 15 minutes before you leave so that they are nice and calm. Of course, your veterinarian will provide the best advice for your specific cat.

Is it okay to donate every day?

Catnip is safe to give on a daily basis; the worst that can happen is that it loses some of its appeal over time. Outdoor cats will frequently consume catnip while exploring, and it has no negative effects on them.

There are some cases where using catnip every day can be beneficial. You can use catnip spray on scratching posts on a daily basis to help train them to scratch the post rather than your couch, for example. It's perfectly safe as long as they don't consume too much dry catnip and get an upset stomach.