Your Cart is Empty
Catnip: 5 Things You Didn't Know
by K Marie Alto Updated
2 min read
Anyone with a kitty at home knows about catnip.
It comes in sprays, plant form, dried, and stuffed in toys! Below are a few fun facts about catnip that you may not know. Check them out and share any other fun facts in the comments.
Table of Contents
1. It attracts cats but repels mosquitos!
The main chemical in catnip, nepetalactone is a great mosquito repellent!
Growing some of this plant in your garden should help keep those itchy pests at a distance, but it may attract some neighborhood kitties!
2. It can make your cat sleepy or super active!
When your kitty inhales catnip, it typically has a stimulating and euphoric effect, whereas if your kitty takes some bites out of the catnip it has a calming, sedative effect!
While the response only lasts about 10 minutes, it takes 1-2 hours before a kitty can experience another reaction.
3. Not all cats are affected by catnip!
Response to nepetalactone is an inherited trait, which appears in about 70% of kitties!
Even big cats such as tigers and lions can be sensitive to catnip!
4. It is completely safe and non-addictive!
While catnip can cause a variety of funny behaviors, it is in no way harmful for your kitty.
Just look for an organic version to avoid those pesky pesticides which are better left not ingested.
5. Humans have been using catnip for centuries!
This mint family herb has been used in cooking and even in herbal teas to help reduce nausea, headaches, and even insomnia!
Read Further
- How to Buy Catnip for Cats
- Buy USDA Certified Organic Catnip – Grown in The USA- Free of Heavy Metals
- Common Questions and Clever Ways to use Catnip
- Does Catnip Expire? Here's 5 Facts About Freshness and Storage
One more thing, if you are feeling like getting a little special something for your fur baby that is unique, made right here in the USA, 100% pup and cat safe, USDA certified organic and brought to you by a US company, check out Toe Beans online pet supplies store!
Does your kitty react to catnip? What’s his/her typical response? Share your comments and reactions below.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Pet Parents Blog by Toe Beans
Guide: How to Introduce Your New Puppy to Your Cats
Learn how to introduce your new puppy to your cats with careful planning to ensure a harmonious relationship and avoid common pitfalls that lead to conflict.
5 Tips for Becoming the Pack Leader Your Dog Needs
Learn how to lead your dog confidently in our guide on becoming the pack leader they need, debunking the alpha theory and focusing on effective training tips.
Are Your Cats Playing Together or Fighting Each Other?
Learn how to tell if your cats are playing or fighting with one another, and understand the signs of cat aggression to keep your pets safe and happy at home.