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The scientific name for common catnip is Nepeta cateria. It has white flowers and grows up to about 3 feet high. This is the catnip that most people associate with a high cat. There are also a large number of other varieties. These include Catmint, which has purple flowers, Lemon Catnip, which has white flowers with purple spots, with a light lemon scent to their leaves, Camphor Catnip which also has a white flower with purple spots and smells of camphor and Greek Catnip. These are just some of the more common varieties. There are over 250 species of catnip. Catnip is a member of the mint family of plants. It is also distantly related to marijuana, believe it or not!

The active ingredient in catnip is the essential oil nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves and stems. It is the inhaling of the nepetalactone that produces the high in cats. The will rub against it, sniff it, nibble on the leaves and lick it all to help release more of the scent. The high usually lasts between five and ten minutes. Cats also will know when they have had enough, so you don't need to worry about them ODing on catnip.

Only about 50% of cats react to catnip, and those reactions can vary greatly. Cats can become aggressive, playful and hyperactive. They can roll around on the floor, or exhibit hunting and stalking behaviors. Basically, for the dignified cat, they become silly morons (but don't tell them that!). Some people feel that the reactions are similar to those experienced by people who use LSD, while others think that the reaction is more closely related to marijuana. While inhaled catnip is a stimulant to your cat, ingested catnip usually acts as a sedative.

While your cat may not want to share it with you, catnip is also reported to have beneficial uses by people. It can be brewed as a tea, which has a sedating effect. It can help with cuts if you crush fresh leaves, dampen them and apply them to the cut. Other medicinal uses for catnip have been as an anesthetic, antibiotic, anti rheumatic, antispasmodic and astringent. It has been used to treat stomach problems, headaches, scarlet fever, insomnia and even smallpox. One warning that I have seen in several places is that if you are pregnant, avoid catnip.

Catnip can be easily grown in full sunlight, and can be grown outside or inside. It should be available from your local garden store. You can also get catnip toys and dried catnip from your local pet store. Your cat will thank you, once it comes down off its high.

Learn more about this author, Dan Scott.
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