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What is Catnip?Â
1. Catnip is a member of the mint family.
Let's start with the basics. Catnip actually belongs to the mint family – which may seem odd because it doesn't smell that minty when we sniff it…but then neither do basil, oregano, or rosemary, which are also catnip cousins! But what sets it apart from these other innocuous herbs – why do cats like catnip so much? It's because of a natural compound contained within catnip called nepetalactone, which mimics feelgood pheromones to send us crazy!
2. Catnip tea used to be very popular.
In the 18th century, catnip tea was very popular among European humans!
3. Nepetalactone is a mosquito repellent.
The same compound in catnip that drives cats wild – nepetalactone – has been found to be as effective at repelling mosquitoes from nibbling on humans as DEET.Â
4. Catnip works as a mild sedative.
If you're wondering, 'Is catnip good for cats?', the answer is a resounding yes! But it's believed to have some benefits to humans too. While catnip won't send humans into the euphoric state cats experience, it can have a mildly sedative effect.
5. Not all cats have the catnip gene.
Does catnip work on all cats? No. About 1/3 of cats are not affected by catnip. Sensitivity to it is hereditary. A good way to introduce it is through catnip toys for cats. If a cat doesn't react, they simply lack the gene that makes them susceptible to nepetalactone. For those who do react, catnip sends us into a furry frenzy! For those who don't, they may look confused as to what's going on with their friends, then join in anyway.
6. Catnip's effects are short-lived.
Can you OD on catnip? No. The effects of catnip only last about 10-15 minutes for most cats, after which we become temporarily immune to it for about 30 minutes. You'd have to be going some to have 'too much' in that first window, and even then, as it's a natural, non-toxic herb, it won't harm cats – too much may just make them feel a bit groggy.
7. Big cats also love catnip.
It isn't just domestic cats that enjoy catnip – big cats like lions, tigers, and leopards have been observed to react similarly. Â
8. Catnip can be grown indoors and out.
Catnip is a hardy plant that can be easily grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight, so it's relatively low-maintenance for your human to cultivate. If they don't have time or room to grow their own for you though, get them to grab a free hit of the best there is!
9. Catnip is anti-fungal.
What's in catnip? Catnip contains compounds that have anti-fungal properties, which help protect the plant from fungal infections.Â
10. Catnip repels other insects too.
Not only does catnip repel mosquitoes, but it can also be used as a mild, natural insecticide against common pests like aphids and flea beetles. Yet another reason for your human to grow it in their garden.
11. Catnip was used in traditional medicine.
In traditional medicine, catnip was used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, fevers, and digestive issues. It was often combined with other herbs to make tonics and tinctures. So when someone asks, 'Is catnip safe for cats?', you can tell them it's been trusted by humans for centuries!
12. If catnip doesn't work, other plants might!
Some cats that don't respond to catnip may go crazy for other plants, like silvervine and valerian root, which can produce similar effects.
13. Catnip's effects vary based on how it's taken.
When cats sniff catnip (free hit), it usually acts as a stimulant, making us energetic and playful. Such cats will be keen to play with cat toys, which expend their energy and occupy their suddenly busy minds – some people call toys that work well when a cat is high on catnip, 'tweaking toys.' If we eat it, the effect can be more sedative, making us calm and relaxed. So, does catnip calm cats? Yes, but that depends on how we consume it.
14. Catnip doesn't usually work on kittens.
Kittens generally don't react to catnip until they're about three to six months old. Before that, the plant has little to no effect on them, but once they're ready, it's game on!
15. Catnip doesn't last forever.
So, how long does catnip last in a cat toy, for example? Once harvested and dried, catnip gradually loses its potency. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. In terms of toys, the lower the quality of the catnip, and the toy, the quicker its effectiveness will end, ranging from a week or two to several months.
16. Catnip was once used as a love potion.
In medieval times, catnip was believed to have magical properties and was sometimes used as a love potion. Humans would brew it into a tea to send them love-loopy! And why does catnip send cats crazy? It's that meow-gic ingredient baby – nepetalactone.
17. Catnip can be used for 'training' (lol!).
Some humans think they can train cats! It sounds hilarious, but maybe they can. Humans can use catnip to train us to use cat scratching posts or cat beds. Sprinkling a bit of catnip on these items makes them more appealing, steering us away from their human's favorite furniture.
18. Catnip is a harmless high.
The "high" that cats get from catnip is completely natural and safe. It's not addictive, and we can enjoy it without any long-term effects – other than happiness, and living our best lives!
19. The Ancient Romans cooked with catnip.
When they weren't getting jiggy or designing straight roads, Ancient Romans used catnip in their cooking. They believed it added flavor!
20. Catnip can be used as a pain killer.
Catnip has mild analgesic properties and was used historically to relieve minor pain and discomfort in humans.
Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
So there you have it – 20 fun facts about catnip to explain why. The next time your human sprinkles some on your favorite cat toys or cat scratch pads, you'll know you're not just having a good time; you're using a herb with numerous life-enhancing properties and a backstory spanning centuries! Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for my next free hit – why don't you join me?Â
Now that you're armed with the catnip facts, why not test yourself with one of our quizzes here or here.
Are YOU a cat? Show us what YOU look like on cat nip here.
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