Researchers suspect that catnip targets feline 'happy' receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, catnip tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time.
Catnip also seems to make most cats more playful and more interested in toys. After a certain amount of time, cats under the influence of catnip seem to calm down and get sluggish and sleepy. Catnip has been found to be relatively harmless.
How long does catnip last. The effects of catnip vary depending on the individual cat and how they respond to the herb. For most cats, effects and behaviors associated with catnip will last around 10-15 minutes. Once catnip has worn off, it may take around 30 minutes to an 1 hour for your cat to respond to it again.
For cats that have a positive experience with catnip, it can help reduce anxiety and even relieve pain. Some veterinarians have recommended using catnip to help with separation anxiety if your cat will be home alone for an extended period of time.
' And research shows that cats big and small adore this weedy, invasive member of the mint family." (Source) As an herb, it's a completely natural source of, shall we say, "excitement"... as you know if you've seen a cat in the throes of a catnip high.
While catnip is non-addictive, its effect can dull due to overexposure. So, while the occasional catnip “high” might be fun, it's best to avoid a daily catnip routine with your cat. The effects also start to decline as your cat ages.
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The most intense catnip experience starts with the nose—one whiff of the stuff and your cat promptly goes nuts. Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline "happy" receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, it tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out.
Catnip–Better known for producing a “kitty high,” catnip has also been shown to increase the amount of time cats spend sleeping. Catnip products are available in many forms, including sprays, treats, and parts of the plant itself.
Nepetalactone, an essential oil found in the catnip plant, stimulates cats in ways that are similar to how cannabis affects humans, according to MyPetNaturally.com. When cats ingest or rub themselves with catnip, nepetalactone triggers a euphoric reaction, which makes cats feel good, according to Purina.
Cats may have different responses to catnip. These can include rubbing, rolling, meowing and getting the zoomies. Zoomies of course being that crazy frantic run about the house that usually occurs just when you're about to fall asleep.
Produces a feeling of euphoria
So, when cats smell catnip, the nepetalactone registers as happy pheromones, which make cats feel playful, merry, and affectionate.
According to a recent paper, catnip works through the body's internal opioid system. W hen a cat smells catnip, a substance called nepetalactone interacts with certain cells in their upper airway. Once the interaction occurs, the cat's body releases endorphins—natural opioids.
The short answer is no, catnip is not a drug in the traditional sense. To have an effect on your cat, it does not have to be ingested or be metabolized as something like THC needs to be. This is because catnip actually works entirely off scent.
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A human analog that causes similar effects [as catnip on cats], as in a comparable high, would be LSD or marijuana.
Valerian root (aka valeriana officinalis) is another alternative to traditional catnip. Actinidine can be found in valerian root, as well as silver vine, and its derived essential oil is structurally similar to the chemical found in catnip.
Anise is sometimes called "catnip for dogs" because it causes some dogs to become excited and playful. However, it is completely unrelated to the catnip plant. Aniseed can be used ground or whole but is also available in essential oil form.
While dried catnip will certainly do the trick, like most herbs, fresh catnip is best. Many pet stores will sell fully-grown plants that are ready to go, but if it's of interest to you, consider growing live catnip yourself.
Although catnip is not a true toxin and is not addictive, consuming the plant in large amounts can cause a poison-like reaction. A feline that has consumed too much catnip will display clinical signs of vomiting and diarrhea with no other accompanying symptoms. Protect yourself and your pet.
Catnip tea is a safe and refreshing treat for your cat that is made by steeping the leaves of a catnip plant in boiling water, then serving over ice. Catnip is an inexpensive herb available at most grocery and pet stores.. or you can even grow it in your garden!
There are some alternatives--plants such as silver vine, honeysuckle, and valerian have all been used to satisfy the feline sense of smell. Surprisingly, silver vine is the most effective of these plants, as more cats respond to its smell than even catnip.
Do All Cats Respond to Catnip? Unfortunately, no. It has been noted in scientific literature that about 50-70 percent of cats show the positive response to catnip.