The Ultimate Guide to Catnip - What is it and how to use it safely

My friend and I were having this conversation about catnip, which is infamous for getting cats a good ‘high’. But is this true?

To give you a background, let me introduce you to my friend first. Let us call him Akash (because that is his name).

My friend happens to be a doting cat parent, and in our conversation about his experience as a cat parent, I became familiar with catnip. 

We discussed several things around this, and today we will talk about it in detail and everything you need to know about it. This piece will serve as a catnip guide, so keep reading till the end.

What is Catnip?

Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta Cataria, is a herb from the mint family.

Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves of the catnip plant. When cats smell catnip, this oil can cause behavioural changes in them.

The effects of catnip are similar to feline sex hormones, so cats that enjoy catnip may exhibit behaviours resembling those of a female cat in heat. It's worth noting that both male and female cats can experience these effects.

Some cats may show overt signs of affection, relaxation, and happiness when exposed to catnip. On the other hand, other cats may display more active behaviours, such as playfulness or, in some cases, even aggression. It makes them excited and playful.

Why Do Cats React To It?

As soon as a cat ingests or smells this, it stimulates the receptors in their nose and sends a signal to their brain. Its effect may vary from cat to cat.

Generally, you might observe your cat become more energetic and playful and act somewhat silly. In fact, some cats may roll around, jump or chase imaginary prey.

Is it safe?

Now after knowing about catnip, there is a way to use it and make the most out of it. Below I have mentioned some pointers you can be mindful of to use it safely.

• Start small: when you add catnip to your cat's routine, it is best to use it in small amounts. Excessive feeding may reduce its effectiveness over time, and your cat might not be able to enjoy it as much as they should. It is recommended to use it once or twice a week.

• Observe how your cat reacts to it: most cats enjoy catnip sessions, but each cat is different, and if you are reading this, I am sure you are reading it for your cat. So, here is my advice during the catnip sessions, observe your cat’s reaction, as many cats become overly excited or aggressive.

• Introduce variations: Catnip is readily available in the market in various forms, majorly in the form of dry leaves, sprays, or even catnip-infused toys. Experiment with different types of products and see what works best for your cat.

• Use it for training and stress relief: catnip can be instrumental in training and stress relief sessions. With a strategic approach, you can encourage positive behavior and help your cat find comfort in stressful situations. 

Different types of Catnips

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Let us look at some different types of catnips available.

• Dried Catnip Leaves: This happens to be the most convenient choice for pet parents, as it is readily available in pet stores. Using dried catnip leaves is a super easy task. Crumble it and sprinkle it on their favourite toy or the floor. Many cats would sniff and lick, and some would roll around them.

• Catnip Sprays: An excellent choice starting with catnip. These sprays are made of concentrated catnip oil, and you can spray it around the house on various objects like bedding or toys.

• Catnip Toys: This is more fun. Did you know that there are many toys readily available with catnip-infused toys? They are available in various shapes and sizes, designed to release an enticing smell when squeezed. It is a great way to promote healthy exercise and mental stimulation.

How to Use Catnip with Your Cat

Recommendations for introducing Catnip to cats:

Introducing your cats to catnip can be an exciting experience, but make it gradual. Observe and wait until your kitten gets older than six months as they respond to it the best after that. 

Feed them in small amounts and observe their reaction to see if they react positively towards it. Choose a calm and composed environment for their initial catnip experience.

Incorporating Catnip into Playtime: 

Catnip in your cat’s playtime can do wonders for your cat. Below I have shared a few things you can incorporate into their playtime to make it more fun.

• Catnip-infused toys: Catnip-infused toys are a great way to captivate their attention and add excitement to their play sessions. Look for toys specially designed with catnip or DIY options that help you add dried catnip leaves. As your cat interacts with the toy, the catnip aroma releases, enticing them to play and explore.

• Catnip-infused chew toys: Chewing is a natural behaviour for cats and provides them with dental benefits. Catnip-infused chew toys can be a fantastic option to satisfy their urge to chew while adding the enticing catnip aroma. These toys can help keep their teeth clean, promote healthy gums, and provide a prolonged source of entertainment.

• Scratching cardboards: Scratching is an innate behaviour for cats, serving as a way to stretch their muscles, mark territory, and maintain their claws. Catnip-infused scratching cardboards can be a great alternative to traditional scratching posts. Its irresistible scent will attract your cat to the cardboard, encouraging them to engage in appropriate scratching behaviours and keeping their claws healthy.

• Catnip-infused toys with feathers: Toys with feathers are always a hit among cats, as they mimic the movements of prey and tap into their innate hunting instincts. These toys will not only encourage playfulness but provide an outlet for your cat's hunting and pouncing behaviours.

Conclusion

To sum it up, catnip is a source of joy, curiosity, and entertainment for cats, enhancing their lives and strengthening the bond we share with them. To address the bigger question raised in this blog, “Does it get cats high?” 

The answer is that it can give cats a euphoric and engaging experience, so calling it something that gets cats high in human terms is not right. However, it is crucial to note that its effects are temporary and harmless to cats, and we can say it is a natural and safe way to make them happy.