What is CatNip actually?

Have you heard of CatNip? Is it true that its a drug to your catss?? Lets read some info about it here.

CATNIP (scientifically known as Nepatia Cataria)


Fresh leaves of catnip may have a mint-like scent, while the dried ones smell like alfalfa (i dunno exactly what it is, i only know its a type of plant, hehe). It has a chemical within the stem and leaves called Nepetalactone.

Historically, over 2000 years ago, the Romans used catnip for cooking and healing. During Middle Ages, catnip was used for treatment of nervousness, colds, and gastrointestinal complaints. It was introduced to the New World by early settlers who cultivated the herb for medicinal purposes and food. As America expanded, so did the popularity of catnip.

Ok, back with cats. How did cats become acquainted with it?? Some say the Egytians , known for their worship of cats, were probably the first to offer catnip to cats.Some suggest that since the Egyptian introduced domestic cats to the Middle Easr, they may have introduced the pleasing effects of catnip; too. Whenever a cat comes across this growing in the garden, he/she will often rub up against it and roll around it, in a sort of drug trip. Young kittens dont react much though, and often repulsed by it. They dont learn to appreciate it until they are over 3 months old.

The responsive cat approaches the palnt and sniffs it. He then proceeds to lick,bite,chew and rub it repeatedly. He may purrs, growl, meow, roll over and even leap about! - mimic the movements seen when a cat is in heat.

You can say that feline addicts are lucky enough, because they suffer no side effects from this. Unlike humans (yes!) do when they smoke weed/cannabis, somewhat a 'cousin' to catnip. Haha..

Catnip is easy to grow and the fresher it is, the more the reaction. Many toys are sold 'with catnip' , supposedly to encourage your cats to play with it. But I doubt these really work (maybe a little) , since the toys have been on the shelf for some time already. But I do, and still buy catnip spray or fresh ones for my felines. I love seeing them sniffing and rolling like no one's business!

Well, my cats do fancy the catnip! How about yoursss??

(info:www.penmarric.ns.ca)