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We can’t be the only ones that feel like we’re doing something semi illegal when we produce a sachet of green leaves for our furry friend to enjoy a momentary high. The wide eyes and trance-like state can leave us questioning whether we’re responsible parents, but what is it about the magical little herb that drives our cats wild? In fact, 68% of you told us you give your cats the good stuff on the regular, which got us thinking – what actually is catnip, and how does it affect our feline friends?
What is catnip?
Surprisingly, catnip is a member of the mint family. It’s naturally packed with a chemical called nepetalactone. Nepetalactone oil is released when the leaves are chewed or rubbed on by our crazy kitties, sending them a little loopy.
Catnip literally affects our cats brains when either inhaled or consumed, so yes essentially it is a recreational drug for your feline but research shows its totally safe. Although scientists still aren’t exactly sure how and why the cats go wild, the most common side effects from the nip are either a wild child or a mellow fellow, depending on your cat and whether they consume the leaves or simply bathe in their aromas. Cats will roll, chew, rub and lick the herb in an almost instinctual way, producing happy hormones through their teeny cat bodies.
Is catnip safe for cats?
In short, yes. Catnip is a great way to provide stimulation and enrichment for your cats, especially if they are an indoor moggy. Lots of toys are packed full of the stuff to really get them playing, and catnip can help encourage exercise in our slightly lazier friends. Don’t over do it though, too much pure catnip can make our pals sick so everything in moderation. You don’t want a catnip hangover on your hands, so source a good quality herb and consider limiting their sessions so they don’t become overstimulated.
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