by Debra Frank

Created on: November 27, 2008   Last Updated: December 31, 2011

There is nothing more enjoyable for this cat lover than watching a feline friend in the delighted act of playing with a new catnip filled toy. It is often a funny frenzied fight with biting, hugging and kangaroo kicking of the toy, followed by a contented nap. But how and why does catnip have this effect? Is a cat unhealthy if it doesn't respond to catnip?

Catnip, an easily grown member of the mint family, is felt to cause the harmless reaction in felines because oil in its leaves mimics the scent of a feline pheromone, causing a variety of responses from kitty when it is smelled.

Don't be alarmed if your cat does not respond at all to the plant's effects. Even though some wild felines seem to respond to catnip, it is estimated that up to 30% of domestic cats do not possess the gene that causes the excited response. Kittens and elderly cats seem not to have a passion for the plant either. Also, some cat fanciers feel that fresh catnip gives off more of the desired odor than its dried counterpart.

If you don't mind stray cats in your yard, you might try your hand at growing the grey-green leafy plant for your pet. Catnip grows well in full sun and it is felt it is at its peak effectiveness if harvested when its fragrant white blooms with small purple dots are present.

Fresh catnip can be shared with your feline friend or dried by hanging upside down in a dry place. Dried catnip should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.

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