Why do cats love catnip?? Collection of information!
Why do cats love catnip??Collection of information!
You've heard many times that cats love catnip?In grocery stores, you often come across cat food that contains this ingredient?Find out what catnip really is, how it affects cats, and why these special animals love it so much!
Catnip – what exactly is it??
Catnip is a plant that grows naturally in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.There are over 250 species of catnip, but in herbal medicine and in pet products, it is the common catnip that is used.This plant contains many beneficial compounds, including essential oils, tannins, and bitter substances, which have a calming and strengthening effect.
Interestingly, catnip is also suitable… for humans.It is used, among other things, to make infusions, liqueurs, and wines.Some people also use it as a garnish for salads or meat dishes.Catnip oil can also effectively repel mosquitoes!
How does catnip affect cats??
No doubt most people, especially those who are lucky enough to own cats (though some claim the opposite is true), are familiar with catnip as an ingredient in cat products.Catnip is also known as "cat's drug"—and that description is certainly apt.Some cats completely change their behavior as soon as catnip is nearby.Cats react in different ways.Some of them go wild—they start rolling around, licking catnip, or jumping up and down.For other cats, however, catnip has a calming and relaxing effect.This usually happens in situations that are stressful for the cat.
The active ingredient that causes these reactions in cats is nepetalactone.The scent of nepetalactone resembles a cat pheromone—and that’s the secret.As a rule, the euphoria a cat feels when exposed to catnip wears off after a few minutes.The cat begins to calm down, and toys or food containing catnip no longer have any effect on it.
However, it’s important to realize that catnip doesn’t work on all cats.Some of them completely ignore catnip treats or special toys that have catnip hidden inside.It is not entirely clear what determines whether a cat reacts to catnip or not.Cat owners can, however, test whether their cat will actually react to catnip or whether it will pay little attention to it.
Which catnip products should you choose??
Manufacturers are well aware of the effect catnip has on most cats, which is why they produce a variety of products containing this plant.Catnip toys are very popular—balls, little mice, toys on strings, and scratching posts.A particularly interesting example of a cat toy containing catnip is a special cat toy—a doll with a catnip-filled pocket.Replacing the refill regularly will keep the catnip fresh and provide your cat with entertainment for a long time.
What about cat food with catnip??This additive is intended to make the food more appealing to cats.This means that cat food containing catnip can be used, for example, when a cat is a picky eater or has a reduced appetite due to illness.It may turn out that a small supplement will restore your cat’s appetite—and, at the same time, provide it with many valuable active ingredients.
Some cat owners also wonder whether catnip is safe for their cats.The answer is—of course.First and foremost, catnip is not addictive in any way, so there is no risk that your cat will start demanding toys or food containing this ingredient.
Cats Love Catnip – A Summary
There is no doubt that most cats love catnip.That’s why it’s a good idea to buy cat toys with catnip every now and then —they’re sure to bring your cat a lot of joy.Cat accessories like these are sure to make your pet happy.Foods containing catnip can also be a good way to add variety to your cat’s diet—especially during times when your pet has a reduced appetite.One thing is certain—catnip is every cat owner’s secret weapon!
CAT BEHAVIOR EXPERT
Małgorzata Biegańska-Hendryk