Most cats absolutely love catnip!
It’s one of their favorite scents, and they’ll do just about anything to find it, including jumping around in circles, rolling on the floor, attacking stuffed animals, and generally acting more than a little silly.
But can cats eat catnip? And what exactly is this leafy green plant that has such an impact on your feline friend?
Let’s find out!
What is Catnip?
The Nepeta cataria plant is known as catnip, catswort, catmint, and catwort. Catnip plants are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa and are members of the mint family.
Today it is available almost anywhere in the world and is popular in herb gardens and can grow wildly as a weed.
What is the Mechanism of Action of Catnip?
Scientists believe that nepetalactone is what gives catnip its magic. Nepetalactone is a chemical in the mint family and when it interacts with a cat’s sensitive olfactory system; it releases neurotransmitters that have an effect on their behavior.
In other words, catnip makes cats crazy! This may not sound like something you want to try with your cat(s), but you should at least be able to identify common varieties of catmint so you can educate yourself about whether or not these plants pose any danger to your cats.
Does Nepetalactone Impact Feline Pheromones?
It’s widely known that catnip stimulates pleasure and reactivity in felines. But, does it actually get cats high, and is there evidence to support how exactly catnip works on feline brains?
Research says, yes. It turns out nepetalactone is an analog of a feline pheromone that affects their emotional response. So technically, cats are tripping balls when they smell or eat catnip! In fact, studies show that nepetalactone mimics feline pheromones that influence courtship and breeding behaviors.
Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Yes, your kitty can eat some catnip! Catnip is not toxic for your furry friend and is safe to consume.
But it’s not real cat food and is not a snack or treat for your pet. Catnip just serves as a stimulant that can regulate your kitty’s behavior.
If your cat seems to have taken an interest in your house plants, that’s a sign he may need some catnip!
Does Catnip Provide Any Nutritional Value for Cats?
Catnip is a plant that can have some positive effects on cats, but it has no nutritional benefits for them.
Catnip is mostly fiber and cats cannot digest it because they are obligate carnivores.
Catnip doesn’t provide any valuable nutrients to your pet and won’t do anything to contribute to the nutrition that it receives from the food you feed it.
Can Catnip Be Used to Regulate Behavior?
Yes, catnip is an effective behavior regulation tool. There are several behavioral conditions cats experience that cat owners find can be mitigated with a dosage of catnip.
One popular reason for using catnip is to encourage trainability in kittens and adult cats, as well as reduce lethargy and control hyperactive cats.
In some cases, having a new member around can affect the sleeping habits of other felines in your home. Fortunately, introducing your cat to catnip will help regulate sleeping habits among family members.
