If you don’t talk to your cat about catnip, then who will?

In Blog

The fact is, not all cats respond to the effects of catnip, and one of the reasons for that may have to do with the cat’s bloodline. A gene has been identified that responds to catnip, and if a cat has that, it will react. If not, it won’t.

About 50% of cats (including wild cats such as tigers and lions) carry the gene, and a cat who inherits the sensitivity to catnip may react to the plant in several ways. Typical responses include:
• Rubbing his face, head or body on the catnip or the catnip toy.
• Rolling and flipping on the ground.
• Licking, chewing or eating the catnip or toy.
• Sneezing, sniffing and shaking his head.
• Chirping, meowing, growling or purring.

These responses — which typically last about 10 minutes per encounter with catnip — will not harm your cat. The reactions are triggered by an essential oil in the herb called “nepetalactone.” This plant chemical affects some individuals but not all of them — and a cat’s breed does not necessarily determine its potential to react to catnip.

Catnip Options
If your purebred cat or mixedbreed cat — is one of the lucky ones that respond to catnip, you can offer her a wide range of catnip products. Some of the more popular options include:
• Dried catnip. The herb comes in packages of flakes, pellets or dried leaves and stems. Sprinkle some on the floor and let your cat roll around in it, or rub some on your pet’s scratching post to encourage her to use it.
• Catnip toys. These come in all shapes and sizes, with popular options including small mice, stuffed dogs and even tiny fruits and vegetables, all made more enticing with dried catnip stuffed inside or catnip spray liberally applied.
• Fresh catnip plants. Consider growing your own small pot of catnip to share with your cat. The plant grows well in partial to full sun in outdoor gardens, and also grows well indoors when placed in a sunny window.

Find out more about the Christmas Tree Defender…Main page, Click Here.