Robert Blake runs Happy Healthy Cats and All Things Catnip. Source article What Is Catnip?.
Catnip, or Nepeta Cataria to be appropriately scientific and technical about it, is a perennial herb of the mint family. When one asks "What is catnip" one could also be referring to catwort or catmint. It's obvious enough by the name catnip that we are dealing with an association to the feline persuasion. The cats on catnip effect will be addressed momentarily.
From its European beginnings, catnip has spread throughout the world. Mints in general are viable and rabidly proliferate. Aspiring to a meter tall, the multi-branched stem has small, purple-spotted white flowers on them. These delicate leaves contain catnip oil, which is the primary ingredient of catnip and is emitted when the leaves are split or smashed.
How does catnip affect cats? Cats on catnip are a sight to see, and generally quite playful and energetic. A small percentage of cats will actually become rather aggressive, so you should be careful not to give it to them. Who wants to cause themselves problems? Now of course, that said, some cats are not affected by catnip at all. Kittens and sometimes senior cats tend not to be affected, and somewhere around a 1/4 to 1/3 of cats are not genetically predisposed to react to catnip at all. Those who do will become hyperactive or super-loving, as if sexually aroused. They will lick, sniff, roll all in it to get it all over their scent pads, and eat it. After a few minutes of delirium, they'll saunter off to something else, "immune" to the effect for an hour or two. What is catnip if not a drug for cats? Luckily the effects are short lived, it's cheap, and it isn't harmful.
You can dose your cats on catnip any of a number of different ways, from catnip cat toys to catnip seeds. They all love catnip mouse and you can also get sprays for your cat scratching post, to encourage them to claw it instead of your nice furniture. You can buy bulk catnip or even grow your own. You will want to keep the catnip fresh in a sealed container in fridge or freezer to preserve its affects.
Catnip is a joy and delight for cats and their voyeuristic people. In future, if you get the question from someone on the street "What is catnip, anyway?" then you can safely say, "I know All Things Catnip, so let me tell you just that!"
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A




How to Train a Dog to Get a Beer Out of the Refrigerator
By: Ty Brown | 26/11/2009Have you ever wanted to train your dog to get a beer out of the refrigerator? Thanks to recent dog videos popping up on the Internet there are many people who are now looking to train their dog to get a beer, soda, or other drink from their fridge.
Which Companies Provide Pet Insurance?
By: Derek Rogers | 26/11/2009When it comes to your beloved pet, you can't afford to take any chances. They form a major part of many peoples' lives and so you need to make sure they are safe. So what happens when they get hurt? What happens when the unthinkable occurs and you need money...
How to Train an Ibizan Hound
By: Ty Brown | 26/11/2009Are you trying to find out how to train an Ibizan Hound? You've come to the right place! Origin of the Ibizan Hound: Around 3400 BC, in ancient Egypt, there were representations of slender, curled-tailed hounds that very much closely resemble the modern Ibizan Hounds. in about 700-900 BC, these sleek hunting hounds may have been brought to the islands off the coast of Spain from Egypt by Phoenician traders.
Choosing the Right Breed of Dog For You
By: Derek Rogers | 26/11/2009Choosing the right dog isn't like choosing a car or another product. Remember that you are selecting a living being, and one that will be with you for a very long time. Too many times people choose the wrong type of dog, a dog that ultimately ends up as an...
Pet Euthanasia: A Compassionate Guide to Help Make a Difficult Decision a Little Easier
By: Rebecca Kimes | 26/11/2009Your animal companion is no longer the healthy, vital, energetic companion he once was. In fact, he is suffering and you are agonizing over the decision to have him euthanized.
Common Cat Illnesses Requiring Trips to the Vet
By: Derek Rogers | 26/11/2009There are times when our pets just aren't feeling right, and that's when it is time to take them to the vet. No one wants to visit the vet, least of all the pets, but it is just something that has to be done from time to time. That being...
How to Train an Irish Wolfhound
By: Ty Brown | 26/11/2009Irish wolfhounds are versatile dogs. They hunted with their masters, fought beside them in battle, guarded their properties, played with their children, and lay quietly by the fire as comfortable companions.
Poodles Anyone?
By: Roger Thompson | 25/11/2009Is poodle the most intelligent of all members of the canine race? Many dog owners would love to hear more about this. There are no scientific notion or findings to this yet. Many believe it requires a lot of individual attention in any activity. It is also true that to keep it...
What Exactly Is Catnip, Anyway?
By: Robert Blake | 25/02/2008 | PetsWhat is catnip? What exactly does it do to cats and how does it do it? What are the uses and concerns about catnip?
Bulk Catnip And Your Needs
By: Robert Blake | 10/02/2008 | PetsInstead of buying small bits, bulk catnip purchases are a good way to fulfill all your catnip needs conveniently and economically while saving you time and effort. You might not realize all you can use it for, either.
Catnip Cat Toys Considerations
By: Robert Blake | 10/02/2008 | PetsLooking to add some excitement to your cats life? Catnip cat toys bring joy to felines everywhere and will help you exercise your feline!
Pet Urine or Pet Odor Problems?
By: Robert Blake | 16/01/2008 | PetsPet urine or pet odor got you down? Is Fifi having trouble remembering to use the litter box? Whatsoever to do? Here is the answer!
Indoor Cat Versus Outdoor Cat: What Do You Do?
By: Robert Blake | 12/01/2008 | PetsThe considerations and implications of having your cat be an indoor cat versus being an outdoor cat.