How does catnip affect cats

Question

I have never had a cat, so I don't know what it does to them.

Answer 1

When we give catnip to our cats they do a lot of rubbing and l*****g of it, and then they run round like they were kittens again. It's a treat for them at our house.  

Answer 2

Not all cats like catnip (the ability to appreciate it is genetically programmed, with more cats liking it than not) but its a substance called nepetalactone in the leaves and stems (which is why fresh is usually more effective than dry) that causes euphoric behavior such as lots of purring, rubbing/rolling around, jumping, etc.. It only lasts a few minutes and is non addictive and harmless. Also, kittens under 3 months old usually don't react to it at all.

P.S. Did you know catnip can also be used for tea? It's really good for you too.

Answer 3

When a cat encounters catnip, it usually sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it & finally eats it. It's actually the sniffing that gets produces the high, it's believed that cats eat catnip to bruise the catnip & therefore release more of the nepetalactone. The high produced will usually last between five & ten minutes.

One interesting fact is that when sniffed, catnip will stimulate kitty, however when eaten it will act as a sedative.

Catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won't overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough & will refuse any further offers. The herb can have varied effects on different cats. Since hyperactivity is one of those effects it is best not to give catnip to an aging cat or one that has health problems such as a heart condition.

Catnip may cause some cats to act aggressively toward other pets. If you notice your cat showing any type of aggression after giving him catnip, you may want to refrain from using the herb in the future.

In most cats, catnip produces a euphoric feeling that brings out kitten-like playfulness in adult cats. The effect usually lasts from five to fifteen minutes.

Answer 4

"(The) physiological reactions in some cats...has been studied extensively, and has been found to induce a psychosexual response in both male and female cats. One might say that catnip has an aphrodisiac effect." Wondering what kind of cat behavior you will see? Your cat may have any or all of the following catnip effects:

-- meow and roll in the catnip

-- rub their cheeks against the spot where catnip has been sprinkled

-- get into silly positions such as on their back with paws extended, gazing up at the ceiling

-- run around the room like a kitten playing with its invisible friend

-- settle into a dreamy, sleepy silly pose and not move for awhile.

Answer 5

It's nick name is kitty pot.  Does that answer your question?

Answer 6

cat nip ~> gets a cat "high" . . . hyper kitty to the extreme.

the intersting thing about cat nip tho, is for humans it puts us to sleep (and if you use enough catnip it could put you in a coma, yeah i read too many herbal/science books)

edit: yes you can use it in tea, but dont use too much or you may be in a deeper sleep then you wanted.

Answer 7

It is a smell that makes cats become hyper but it doesn't hurt most cats.

Answer 8

every cat if different my old cat used to go mad for it his eyes would get massive he loved it.

but my cat now just sniffs it and ignores it lol