What is Catnip?

'Catnip' is a herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family, and it's genus species is Nepeta with the name 'Nepeta Cataria.' It grows a pretty flower varying from white to blue colours and its leaves are simple single shaped leaves with jagged edges and fine hairs covering the surface. It is native to Southern Europe and the Mediterranean, as it requires dry, hot conditions it is very difficult to grow in the UK.

America commercially grows the best catnip for use with felines.

Plants in the Nepeta genus produce a compound called 'Nepetalactone' which is produced as an insect repellent for the plant. This Nepetalactone is the compound that cats can respond too. When it is inhaled, it stimulates sensory neurons, induces endorphin secretion in the blood and sends signals to the brain to cause a reaction similar to the reaction caused by a cat’s natural sex pheromones.

With about 50-80% of cats responding to it, not all cats are affected by catnip; sensitivity to it is hereditary and because it causes a pseudo sexual response, it won't work on kittens until they have reached sexual maturity (approximately about the age of six months).

After smelling catnip, cats can often exhibit behaviours such as rolling, rubbing, increased playfulness, excess drooling and chewing.

In addition to its playful effects, catnip can also have a calming influence, helping some felines relax.

Whatever the effects are, they will usually last for a period of around 10 to 15 minutes. After this the cat will become temporarily immune to the plant’s effects for 30 to 60 minutes. You will find catnip in most soft cat toys but you can also get it in powered form, pressed into shapes, ready to use spray and even dried stalks for cats to chew on. And don't worry if your cat isn't affected by 'Nepeta Cataria' as alternatives are available. For similar responses, try other plants such as;

• Valerian powder (Valeriana officinalis)

• Silver vine or Matatabi powder or wood (Actinidia polygama)

• Tatarian honeysuckle wood (Lonicera tatarica)

Overall, catnip can serve as a naturally delightful and stimulating experience for cats, enhancing their playtime and interaction with their human keepers.

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