{"id":11149,"date":"2022-06-06T20:08:06","date_gmt":"2022-06-06T19:08:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/?p=11149"},"modified":"2023-02-10T15:49:59","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T15:49:59","slug":"what-does-catnip-do-to-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/what-does-catnip-do-to-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does Catnip Do to Cats? We Have All the Answers!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ve probably heard of catnip toys, but you might not know what it is exactly. Is it a drug? Why do they like it? Can it be dangerous for our feline friends? If you want to see answers to these questions and more, keep scrolling!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-does-catnip-do-to-cats'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does Catnip Do to Cats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The typical response to inhaling catnip involves sniffling, licking, chewing, body rolling and rubbing, head shaking, spontaneous vocalization as a response to hallucinations, and finally zoning out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cats may become hyperactive, but don\u2019t worry, as all of this <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-long-does-catnip-last\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">normally passes after ten minutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or so. A full \u201creset\u201d takes about two hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It might sound a bit scary to you, but cats love this sensation. Scientists believe that nepetalactone, the essential oil found within the leaves, targets their \u201chappy\u201d brain receptors and basically gets them high.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">catnip effects on cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are totally different if the plant is eaten. In that case, it has sedative properties, calming cats down.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='what-is-catnip-used-for-in-cats'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Catnip Used For in Cats<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Considering the previous answer, you may already guess what the herb could be used for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encouraging cats to play, exercise, and explore<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lowering stress levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Providing an extra training aid or occasional treat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id='what-else-should-i-know-about-catnip'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Else Should I Know About Catnip<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We all love our little companions, but let\u2019s be honest, having a pet isn\u2019t exactly cheap. Some stats show that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/how-much-does-a-cat-cost\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the annual costs of owning a cat can exceed $1,000<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so we don\u2019t blame you for wanting to get thoroughly informed before purchasing pet products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For that reason, we present you with additional info about catnip.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='form'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Form<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip comes in different forms, most notably:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fresh catnip<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dried leaves and stems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sprays<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip-infused toys<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chew treats<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scratching posts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basically, you can grow the plant yourself or buy products that contain it. Catnip toys are the most popular. Spray products are a good option for kittens that get upset stomachs if they eat catnip (for example, you can spray their scratcher).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you should know that sprays usually won\u2019t get your cat as high, because they have less nepetalactone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='dosage'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dosage<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unlike in the case of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBD oil for cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, finding dosing info for catnip is pretty difficult \u2014 even when you buy catnip products, the packaging typically doesn\u2019t state it. The reason for this might be that a cat is extremely unlikely to overdose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a non-toxic substance, so even large quantities won\u2019t lead to dangerous <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">catnip effects<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. At worst, if your cat eats too much of it, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/animal-poison-control\/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants\/catnip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it may cause diarrhea and\/or vomiting<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The safest thing you can do is start with a small dose and see your pet\u2019s response.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='frequency'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequency<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no definitive answer regarding this point either, but most experts recommend exposure to catnip once every 1\u20133 weeks for 15 minutes or so.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s because very frequent and consistent use can lead to <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.animalbehavioronline.com\/habituation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">habituation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (i.e., with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">too much catnip<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the cat will gradually become less sensitive to it).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='age'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Catnip is not harmful to young cats, but they don\u2019t respond to it. This sensitivity starts only when a kitten is several months old (usually 3\u20136 months). In the beginning, the scent might even repel them, but they\u2019ll grow to like it with time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Similarly, when cats reach old age, they tend to become less interested in catnip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='pregnancy'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s very important to note that pregnant cats shouldn\u2019t be given the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">catnip herb<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in any form! First of all, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/wa.kaiserpermanente.org\/kbase\/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2063002#hn-2063002-side-effects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">catnip can stimulate uterine contractions<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, resulting in premature labor. Additionally, playfulness exhibited when catnip is inhaled could lead a pregnant pet to injure itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id='storing-catnip'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storing Catnip<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have dried catnip, it must be stored in a container that\u2019ll keep the moisture out (glass containers or zip bags, for example). Catnip won\u2019t expire if you keep it in a dry, cool place away from sunlight and heat, since those would affect the potency.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id='key-takeaways'><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/cat-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking proper care of a cat<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is essential and not always easy, but pets deserve nothing but the best for all their unconditional love.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We have now answered the question \u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does catnip do to cats<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u201d so don\u2019t hesitate to buy some for your four-legged friend \u2014 just remember our tips and warnings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Sources<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.animalbehavioronline.com\/habituation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal Behavior Online<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aspca.org\/pet-care\/animal-poison-control\/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants\/catnip\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ASPCA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/gardenerspath.com\/plants\/herbs\/catnip-catmint-difference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gardener\u2019s Path<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wa.kaiserpermanente.org\/kbase\/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2063002#hn-2063002-side-effects\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaiser Permanente<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/vetmed.tamu.edu\/news\/pet-talk\/feline-fine-the-benefits-of-catnip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Texas A&amp;M College of Veterinary Medicine &amp; Biomedical Sciences<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1480656\/?page=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Canadian Veterinary Journal<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanesociety.org\/resources\/crazy-catnip#:~:text=Most%20cats%20react%20to%20catnip,which%20your%20cat%20loses%20interest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Humane Society of The United States, 2018<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is catnip a drug for cats?\u00a0\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No, catnip is not a drug. As previously explained, It isn\u2019t toxic, so the effects don\u2019t increase with an increased amount.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is it OK to give your cat catnip every day?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Experts don\u2019t recommend this. We talked about how overexposure can cause desensitization to catnip highs and other effects, and you definitely don\u2019t want that.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is catnip good for cats?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The main benefits of catnip are boosting a cat\u2019s physical activity and enriching its routine. In contrast, catnip is also used for its sedative effect.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How long does catnip take to kick in?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Catnip kicks in within a few seconds.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Catnip vs catmint, what\u2019s the difference?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Although the two have similar names and are part of the mint family, they\u2019re not the same. The main difference is that catmint doesn\u2019t attract cats.\\n\\nThey also look different. Catnip has toothed gray-green leaves, while the flowers are light pink or white. Catmint also has gray-green leaves, but its flowers are lilac.\"}}]}<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Catnip is a plant attractive to cats for several reasons. Keep reading if you\u2019re wondering \u2014 what does catnip do to cats? [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/what-does-catnip-do-to-cats\/\">Read More&#8230;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> from What Does Catnip Do to Cats? We Have All the Answers!<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":11155,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11149","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11149"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11149\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11155"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11149"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11149"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/petpedia.co\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}