by Angelina Marshall

Created on: November 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 23, 2008

Even the most reserved, uptight cats will likely experience a "good time" on catnip. Catnip is a legal drug, so you need not seek out some shady store or a street corner late at night. You can grow it at home or buy it in a pet store. Often, you will see cat toys listed as having been sprinkled with catnip in order to spark their interest in the new toy.

Catnip is a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae plant family, a family of well-known herbs you might have at home, such as mint, basil, thyme, oregano and lavender. This family of herbs is well known for their aromatic and culinary uses throughout the world.

Catnip specifically induces a euphoric effect in many cats, placing them in an almost goofy and playful state. There is something different about catnip that makes cats go bonkers, which is why they don't get high off everything in your spice rack! It is believed that a chemical called nepetalactone is the responsible agent in catnip.

The effect of catnip on cats varies, and is not by any means a lasting state. It affects approximately 75% percent of domestic cats, and its duration is about 10 minutes. After that period, your cat will be immune to the allure of catnip for at least 30 minutes. He or she will likely get up from rolling and rubbing themselves all over the catnip, straighten themselves out haughtily, and walk from the room as if nothing out of the ordinary happened!

In general, the susceptibility to catnip is hereditary meaning if mom and dad cat are affected by catnip (as well as further up the family line), then their kittens will likely experience catnip effects strongly. While catnip is considered an "upper" for most cats, it may also be a "downer" for others.

Catnip can be grown, picked fresh or store bought in its dried form. Its oils and scents provide the effects, so it is important to ensure that the dried form is stored in such a way not to become overly dry and lose its potency.

Catnip can be introduced via buying toys containing it, or you can sprinkle it on toys or in a favorite spot. Its spray form may be ideal to lure your cat to a scratching post or play area, rather than valuable furniture where their playful claws may be unwelcome.

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