Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

Many cat owners have witnessed the amusing and often curious behavior their cats exhibit when exposed to catnip. From rolling around joyfully to becoming unusually playful, catnip seems to have a magical effect on our feline friends. But why do cats like catnip so much? In this article, we'll explore the science behind catnip, how it affects cats, and why it’s such a favorite among our furry companions.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a herb in the mint family. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is the primary reason for its effect on cats. This chemical is found in the leaves, stems, and seeds of the catnip plant and is responsible for the behaviors you see when your cat interacts with catnip.

Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

The main reason cats love catnip is because catnip contains a chemical called Nepetalactone. When cats smell or come into contact with catnip, Nepetalactone stimulates their olfactory nervous system, triggering a series of euphoric behaviors such as rolling, rubbing, and sneezing. This response is instinctive in cats and is linked to their genetics, with about 50 to 70 percent of cats responding to catnip. The effects of catnip on cats are usually short-lived, lasting about 5 to 15 minutes, after which the cat will return to normal and will not become dependent or addicted to catnip.

• Euphoric Sensation: The nepetalactone in catnip triggers a temporary euphoric sensation, which is why cats seem to enjoy it so much. The experience is often described as being similar to how humans feel after exercise or other pleasurable activities.
• Genetic Predisposition: Not all cats are affected by catnip. Sensitivity to catnip is hereditary, and it’s estimated that about 50-75% of cats have this genetic trait. Kittens under three months old and older cats may also show less interest in catnip.
  
• The attraction to catnip is hereditary, with about 50 to 70 percent of cats having a strong reaction to catnip. This reaction is not addictive; cats gradually return to normal after experiencing the euphoria of catnip and it takes some time before they become interested in catnip again. 

What Plants Other Than Catnip Can Cause a Similar Reaction?

• Actinidia polygama

Very attractive to cats, even more so than catnip, especially in terms of the quantity and quality of the reaction. 

• Valeriana officinalis

Although the response rate is not as high as catnip, it can also be of interest to cats. 

• Lonicera tatarica

Similar response rate compared to catnip. 

• Acalypha indica

has also been reported to elicit a positive response from cats. 
The chemicals contained in these plants are similar in structure to the cis-trans thorn endolipids found in catnip, and can stimulate your cat's nervous system, leading to euphoric behavior. If your cat is not sensitive to catnip, try using these plants to stimulate their interest.

How Does Catnip Affect Cats?

• The potential effects of catnip on cats mainly include behavioral excitatory responses and physiological short-term effects. The thujaplicin lactone in catnip is the main ingredient that causes excitement in cats, and it can stimulate the olfactory nervous system of cats, leading to behaviors such as rolling, rubbing, and licking. These behaviors usually last 5 to 15 minutes, after which the cat will return to normal.
• Although catnip can cause arousing behavior in cats, the effects are non-addictive and safe for cats. However, catnip should be avoided for cats in certain situations, such as pregnant cats, kittens, or cats with respiratory problems, as catnip may cause discomfort or affect their health status. In addition, the frequency of catnip use should be kept to once a week to avoid possible discomfort or overstimulation. 
• In multi-cat households, catnip should be given separately to avoid fighting between excited cats. When using catnip, you should observe your cat's reaction to ensure that they do not have an adverse reaction to catnip, and store the catnip product properly after use to prevent over-exposure. 

What are the Catnip Effects on Exciting Behavior in Cats?

Sneezing

Cats may sneeze because of the strong odor of catnip.

Relatd:  What Makes A Cat Sneeze

Rubbing and rolling

Cats will rub their cheeks and head on the catnip and roll on the floor.

Chewing and Licking

Cats may try to chew on the leaves of the catnip plant.

Head bobbing

Cats may bob their heads as if trying to catch the scent.

Body Twisting

In a state of extreme excitement, cats may make contorted body movements.

Drooling

Some cats will drool after being exposed to catnip.

Making noises

Cats may meow or make other strange noises.

Laxity of the eyes

In some cases, a cat's eyes may look lax or dull.

These behaviors are usually temporary and last about 5 to 15 minutes, after which the cat will return to its normal state. 

Why is it Not Recommended to Use Catnip Frequently on Cats?

There are several main reasons why frequent use of catnip for cats is not recommended.

• Habituation and Tolerance

If cats are frequently exposed to catnip, they may become habituated to the stimulation, leading to a gradual weakening of the effects of catnip or even loss of interest. 

• Over-excitement

Catnip may cause cats to exhibit overexcited behavior such as excessive rolling, jumping, and possibly even aggressive behavior. This over-excitement may lead to cat injuries or harm to people. 

• Respiratory irritation

Heavy use of catnip may irritate your cat's respiratory system and affect their breathing. 

• Impact on Behavior Modification

While catnip can be used as a positive behavior modification tool, if used too frequently, it may reduce its effectiveness, making catnip less effective when behavior modification is needed. 

• Does not work for all cats

Not all cats will respond to catnip, and frequent use of catnip may result in unnecessary irritation for those who are not sensitive. 

Therefore, it is recommended that the frequency of using catnip for cats be limited to one or two times per week to maintain its effectiveness and avoid the potential problems mentioned above. Meanwhile, the use of catnip should be avoided during a cat's pregnancy, as it may cause nerve excitation and increase the risk of miscarriage. 

How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Normal Reaction to Catnip and an Allergic Reaction to Catnip in Cats?

A cat's normal reaction to catnip usually includes behaviors such as excitement, rolling, rubbing, and licking, which are caused by the thujaplicin lactone in catnip and usually last from 5 to 15 minutes.

Allergic reactions to catnip in cats are uncommon, as catnip usually causes fondness and excited behavior in cats, rather than an allergic reaction. Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances, and most cats react to catnip due to the stimulating effects of thujaplicin lactones, which is a normal behavioral response, not an allergy.

If you suspect that your cat is having an allergic reaction to catnip, you should watch your cat for the following symptoms after exposure to catnip.

1. Skin redness, itching or rash
2. Difficulty breathing or wheezing
3. Digestive problems, such as vomiting or diarrhea

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4. Behavioral abnormalities such as excessive anxiety or aggression
5. If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, stop offering catnip immediately and consult your veterinarian for further examination and advice. Your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing or provide other diagnostic measures to determine if your cat is allergic to catnip or other substances. Until a definitive diagnosis is made, avoid exposing your cat to substances that may cause an allergic reaction.

What Other Plants or Substances May Cause Cat Allergies?

In addition to catnip, there are many other plants and substances that may cause allergies or poisoning in cats. Here are some plants that are harmful to cats.

• Lilies

The entire plant, including the pollen, is toxic to cats and may cause acute kidney failure. 

• Greens

Contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are a severe oral irritant to cats and may cause kidney and nerve damage. 

• Daisy and Chamomile

Contain pyrethroids and other potential irritants that may cause atopic dermatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

• Azalea

All parts are toxic to cats and can cause persistent vomiting and aspiration pneumonia if accidentally ingested. 

• Hydrangea

Contains cyanogenic glycosides, accidental ingestion may lead to poisoning. 

• Lavender

Contains linolenol and other ingredients that may cause nausea and vomiting in cats. 

• Thuja

All parts are toxic to cats, especially the seeds, which may lead to liver failure. 

In addition, some common foods are also harmful to cats, such as citrus plants, peaches, plums, and garlic, which contain ingredients that are toxic to cats and may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. 

These plants should be avoided in homes with cats and make sure that cats do not have access to them. If you suspect that your cat has accidentally ingested a toxic plant, you should contact your veterinarian immediately for treatment.

What Steps Should I Take If My Cat Is Allergic to Catnip?

If your cat is allergic to catnip, you should immediately stop using products containing catnip and take the following measures.

Observe the symptoms

Closely observe the cat's reaction and note whether there are allergic symptoms such as itchy skin, swelling and difficulty in breathing.

Provide a safe environment

Ensure the cat's living environment is safe and avoid contact with substances that may cause allergies.

Consult a veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for professional diagnosis and treatment advice. Your veterinarian may recommend antihistamines or other appropriate treatments to relieve allergy symptoms.

Alternative toys or stimulants

If your cat is accustomed to catnip toys, look for other types of toys to engage their interest to reduce dependence and exposure to catnip.

Remember, allergies are abnormal immune responses to certain substances in cats, and prompt recognition and management is essential to protect your cat's health. It is important to follow your veterinarian's instructions when dealing with allergies.

Why Aren't All Cats Sensitive to Catnip?

The reason not all cats are sensitive to catnip is largely genetic. Studies have shown that a cat's response to catnip is controlled by an autosomal dominant gene. This means that if one of a cat's parents is sensitive to catnip, it is likely that this cat will also react to catnip. About 70 to 80 percent of cats will respond to catnip, while the remaining 20 to 30 percent may not be interested in catnip at all. Additionally, age is also a factor, and younger cats (especially kittens between 2 and 6 months old) are usually less sensitive to catnip and may not respond to it until they are mature . 

How Does Catnip Deworming for Cats Work?

Catnip repels worms in cats through compounds such as thujaplicin and thujaplicinolide. These compounds belong to the class of cyclic enol ether terpenes and are known to repel insects. When cats chew catnip, the plant releases these compounds, which not only attract cats, but also repel insects such as mosquitoes to some extent. Studies have shown that catnip's insect repellent properties are stronger when the plant is damaged, as the plant releases more cyclic enol ether terpenoids, which are strong insect repellents even at low concentrations. This natural repellent effect may underlie the behavior of cats that use catnip to protect themselves from pests.

How to Properly Provide Catnip to Your Cat to Avoid Overuse?

In order to properly provide catnip to your cat and avoid overuse, you can follow the following suggestions.

• Choose the right product

Ensure that the catnip you buy is of good quality, from a reliable source and does not contain any harmful additives. 

• Use in moderation

At first, offer a small amount of catnip and observe your cat's reaction. Most cats respond positively to catnip, but overuse should be avoided as it may lead to overexcitement or discomfort. 

• Using catnip toys

Putting catnip in toys, such as catnip-filled dolls or spheres, allows you to control the amount of catnip your cat is exposed to and provides interactive fun. 

• Replace catnip regularly

The scent of catnip fades over time, and replacing it regularly will maintain its appeal. 

• Pay attention to your cat's reaction

Every cat reacts differently to catnip, and some may not be interested. If your cat does not respond positively to catnip, do not force them to use it. 

• Avoid frequent use

If catnip is used frequently, cats may no longer be sensitive to its odor. It is recommended to use it once a week, and each time the amount is about a pinch the size of a thumb cap. 

By doing the above, you can ensure that your cat safely enjoys the pleasures of catnip while avoiding potential side effects.

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Conclusion

Cats’ love for catnip is a fascinating blend of genetics, brain chemistry, and behavioral responses. While not all cats are affected by catnip, those that are often enjoy the euphoric and playful sensations it provides. Whether used for play, training, or simply as a treat, catnip is a safe and enjoyable way to enrich your cat’s environment.