Description
THE EFFECTS OF CATNIP
Catnip BlossomCatnip, Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family of herbs. For centuries humans have grown catnip for humans, but the herb is best known for its action on cats. The chemical in catnip called nepetalactone is what cats respond to. However, not all cats react to catnip. Kittens will not show the behavior until they are at least 6-8 weeks old.
About 80% of adult cats (including many kinds of wild cats!) react to this intoxicating herb. The catnip reaction is inherited, and some cats are totally unaffected by it, but when they do react – YEOWWW!
If you’ve never seen a cat respond to catnip, you’re in for quite a show. Licking, tumbling around, ’bunnykicking,’ rubbing, and lots of slobbering that typically lasts for 10-15 crazy, exciting minutes. After that the cat mellows out, ’resetting’ itself before it indulges in another irresistible encounter of catnip bliss.
Catnip is an extremely safe herb for cats AND for humans!
When we say they really react, we mean YEOWWW! They react. Cats are predators by nature, so they can attack our toys with a good bit of enthusiasm; don’t be scared if they break the toy because catnip is edible and cats love it. Being made from a durable cotton twill fabric means that they can easily be sewn back for your kitty’s continued enjoyment. Our toys are strong, but some cats are even stronger!
To make sure that your cat gets the best reaction to catnip it is important that you don’t store catnip in the freezer. While it might preserve freshness of other herbs, the cold breaks down the oils containing nepetalactone which is what drives kitties so crazy and puts them in that DuckyWorld frenzy!
