This should not be confused with cat grass or the silver vine. They are two different things, not so different but different all the same. The cat grass has all the effect of the catnips but in an increased dimension. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb that is a member of the mint family. There is a chemical compound in the plant that attracts and affects cats and it is called nepetalactone. It is found in the leaves and stems. Nepetalactone is a stimulant when sniffed by a cat. It makes her act hyper and euphoric. This effect lasts for about 10 minutes.

When a cat eats catnip, it acts as a sedative, but when it is inhaled, Cats react by rolling around, flipping over. About 80 percent of cats seem to be affected by catnip, and the behavior that results varies widely between individuals, and it is believed to be inherited, young kittens are not affected by the chemicals in the plant.

Catnip should be given in controlled doses, otherwise the cat might get used to it.

BENEFITS OF CATNIP

IT RELIEVES STRESS

Stress is actually quite common amongst cats. They like routines, as soon as this routine is interrupted, it makes them anxious – in the same way that humans react when something in our life changes. However, whereas we have coping methods, such as pouring a glass of wine, exercise, a hot bubble bath, or listening to some music, and even seeing a psychologist. Cats don’t have and enjoy such luxuries. Cats may shed their fur in reaction to stress, leading to vulnerability to skin infections, they can spray and mark their territory around the house and they can actually stop grooming themselves, which is horrible for them. The sedative effects of catnip can really help calm cats down, reducing the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression.
One of the more unpleasant side effects of feline stress for many cat owners is the stomach troubles and the resulting smell from gas passed. Even though they are little animals, the small of a cat’s fart is terrible. Catnip relaxes the muscles when they’re in a tense state, which can prevent or treat upset stomachs.

HELPS THEM TO BE MORE RECEPTIVE

Have you ever noticed your cats just seem generally happier when they’ve got a new catnip toy? It’s not only because they enjoy the smells of the herb, but also because it physically makes them feel better. Try adding a small amount of catnip to the cat box the next time you take him for vaccinations and see if you notice a difference in cat’s behavior. Catnip acts as a natural mood enhancer. It might make your cat act quite unusually; she may become more kittenish or particularly affectionate. She may also roll, paw or rub her face in the source of the catnip. Or she may jump about and become frisky, running from room to room appearing to chase invisible prey

IT HELPS IN CAT TRAINING

Catnip can be used as a training tool, encouraging your pet to use that new scratching post or cozy cat bed you just purchased. A cat can also be trained to use his cat bed by rubbing catnip on it. Though catnip can be a great way to enrich your furry friend’s routine, owners should be cautious in how often they expose their cat to it. Catnip is unlikely to cause an overdose, but too much can cause nausea and vomiting. If this occurs, pet owners should remove catnip from their cat’s environment.
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