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Most feline owners get alot of pleasure out of witnessing their cat's playful behavior. But on occasion a feline owner may witness his feline companion acting more crazy than usual, rolling around on the floor in apparent spasms, chasing imaginary flying objects, meowing excitedly, or running uncontrollably throughout the house salivating the whole way.

So what exactly causes this unusual albeit comical behavior? Nepeta cataria, more commonly known as catnip or catmint. Catnip is a perennial herb and part of the mint family, native to Eastern Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean. It is commonly found growing wild throughout the United States and Canada and it is commercially grown and sold in retail stores throughout the world much to pleasure of addicted felines everywhere.

Catnip has supernatural effects on a cat's behavior, in the way that hard narcotics have an effect on human behavior. For a cat, catnip is the ultimate LSD trip; however, catnip doesn't have a negative impact on a cat's health but quite the opposite if given in small quantities. Typically a cat presented with catnip, will meow and roll over the catnip, rubbing his cheeks against the spot where the catnip is placed until he gets his high. Afterward chaos ensues for two to ten minutes while he becomes very hyper and eventually comes down off his trip. This is adequate time to give an overweight cat some much needed exercise.

The active ingredient in catnip is an oil known as Nepetalactone which is found on the leaves and the stem of the plant. The oil is ten times as effective at repelling mosquitoes, than DEET, the active ingredient in most insect repellents.

Humans and other animals are unaffected by catnip, but over one half of all domestic and wild cats inherit a gene that predisposes them to be turned on by catnip. Upon reaching sexual maturity, a cat that inherits the gene at birth will undoubtedly become an addict.

A pinch of dried catnip is adequate as a treat and may be placed directly on the floor or inside of a toy. Catnip should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Fresh catnip tends to be stronger than older catnip, although most cats that are addicted to catnip are so sensitive that even stale' catnip will give them a fix.

Learn more about this author, Denise Calaman.
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