What is it with catnip?

Question

And why do cats act so loopy with it around and it doesn't effect anything else?

Answer 1

makes them high yo

Answer 2

i dont know what it is...but my cat hates it!!?? i thought all cats loved it...

Answer 3

Researchers don't really know for sure. Some people think it has a smell that the cat's super sensitive nose can smell. Others think that it has a special taste that cats can taste with their super sensitive taste buds. Maybe even both.

Answer 4

Nepeta is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The members of this group are known as catnip or catmint because of their famed effect on cats—nepeta pleasantly stimulates cats' pheromonic receptors, typically resulting in the animal temporarily exhibiting behaviors indicative of being in an induced, euphorically giddy sort of state.

The genus is native to Europe, Asia and Africa, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean region east to mainland China. It is now common in North America as a weed.[1] Most of the species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are annuals. They have sturdy stems with opposite heart-shaped, green to grayish-green leaves. The flowers are white, blue, pink or lilac and occur in several clusters toward the tip of the stems. The flowers are tubular and spotted with tiny purple dots. The scent of the plant has a stimulating effect on cats

Answer 5

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. Sprinkle a little catnip on the floor or give your cat a catnip mouse and watch the fun begin.

Humans can also enjoy catnip tea and it has a calming effect on us. :)

http://www.cat-world.com.au/Catnip.htm

http://www.bigpawdesigns.com/efofcaonca....

Answer 6

they're pretty much high