Cats of all nationalities have been getting high on
catnip for over 3,500 years. Ancient Egyptians watched with delight as
their deified felines abandoned their dignity to roll about in the magic
herb. And modern American felines enjoy over 3,000 tons of catnip a
year.
Of course, not every cat is susceptible to the euphoric
effects of catnip: about 20 percent of cats aren't genetically
programmed to respond. Experts say that catnip reactions are inherited
and if a cat loves her 'nip, it's likely that mom or dad enjoyed it as
well. In general, catnip is an aphrodisiac and it seems to affect males
more than females. Kittens younger than six months old who haven't
developed sexually usually avoid catnip.
If you think watching your ten-pound housecat enjoying
the effect of catnip is amusing, imagine watching a five-hundred-pound
lion roll around like a kitten. Most big cats -- including lions,
cougars, bobcats, lynx and leopards -- react to catnip with the same
cheek-rubbing antics as your favorite domestic cat. Tigers, however,
seem to be immune to the herb's effects.
So what is it about catnip that's makes most cats large
and small purr? The "high" appears to be triggered by the plant's
release (in oil form) of the chemical nepetalactone, which is similar to
the sedative ingredient in the herb valerian, which has been called the
"Valium of the nineteenth century." (The two substances are not
related.) Humans, of course, don't generally turn cartwheels in the air
or bounce around on the furniture after taking valerian: they skip
straight to the gentle sleep portion of the effect.
Having Catnip Parties
As with sleeping or pain medications or almost any kind of drug that
humans use, prolonged use of catnip establishes some immunity. If catnip
is too readily available, your cat is liable to get bored and lose
interest.
The best way to keep your cat interested in her catnip
toys is to store them in the freezer (to help them keep their freshness
and to keep your cat from finding them) and bring them out once every
two to three weeks for a special catnip party. As an added bonus, during
catnip parties you can turn off the TV and let yourself be entertained
by your cat's antics.
If you have more than one cat, make sure that you have
enough catnip toys to go around; cats tend to be very possessive of
their 'nip and will try to hide their catnip toys. Cats can also get
aggressive when given catnip, and you don't want your fun-filled party
to turn into a cat fight.
Sharing a Nip with Your Cat
While your cats are enjoying chasing their catnip toys, why don't you
pull out the teapot and brew up a pot of catnip tea. Although catnip
doesn't give humans the same euphoria as it does cats, it has been used
for centuries to ease stomachaches and headaches, relieve colds and
fevers, soothe colicky children and ease menstrual cramps. A cup of
catnip tea can soothe anxiety, provide a restful night's sleep and help
hyperactive kids settle down. Some companies sell catnip tea, but to
create your own, simply cut up leaves and brew them as you would other
types of loose tea. Catnip can also add an unusual flavor to sauces,
soups and stews.
Buying or Growing Catnip
Catnip toys and loose catnip are both available, but catnip toys are
often the best choice because the catnip is contained and you won't end
up with loose leaves all over your house. It's the scent of the catnip
and not the taste that creates the euphoric effect, so your cat won't be
deprived if you choose toys over loose catnip. Catnip toys for your
feline friends come in all shapes and sizes -- from the traditional mice
to holiday favorites such as Santa figures and pumpkins.
If you're looking for loose catnip to cook with, you can
either purchase it or grow your own. Catnip is a perennial herb with
white or pale lavender flowers that can grow up to five feet tall; it
prefers full sun and well-drained soil. You can harvest and dry the
catnip leaves as needed. Plus, catnip contains citronella and can act as
a natural insect repellent. The only caution about growing catnip is
that once the leaves are bruised and release their scent, cats will come
running to play in your catnip garden.
All Catnip Is Not Created Equal
Catnip's potency, like that of other herbs, is affected by a number of
factors, including soil, growing conditions and climate. Cats can have
different reactions to catnip grown under different conditions, so if
your cat isn't responding to the catnip in her fuzzy mouse, try buying a
new catnip toy and see if there's a different reaction.
Another factor that can affect your cat's reaction to
catnip is the herb's age. Although it doesn't take much catnip for cats
to go bonkers -- they respond to catnip in concentrations approaching 1
part per billion -- it's important to remember that catnip loses its
potency over time because the nepetalactone that causes the euphoric
reaction breaks down. Storing catnip in the freezer can prolong its life
and keep it safely out of your cat's reach for those special occasions
when you and your cat can both enjoy it.
And that only leaves one question . . . what is it that
cats dream about when they're on a catnip trip? Perhaps it's that ideal
world of cat kind -- a world where birds fly low, dogs run slow and
people walk around with their pockets full of catnip.
Source: : Pet Article
http://www.petopia.com/pet_care_article.asp?categoryID=58&catdisplay=
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