Catmint for cats: How the plant works

Effects of catnip: 10 frequently asked questions

Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria or catmint, is very popular with our house cats. Its smell in toys or on sprayed utensils magically attracts almost every velvet paw: It tempts you to play, romp around and hunt or ensures complete relaxation - as you can see from the pleasant purr of your darling. Outdoor cats, on the other hand, love to get intoxicated directly at the source by literally throwing themselves into the plant, rolling in it and rubbing against the flowers. We answer 10 questions about catnip and its effect on your kitty.

1. What does catnip smell like?

Catnip exudes a lemony-minty aroma. The white-flowering perennials usually attract cats more than the plants with blue flowers.

2. How does catnip affect cats?

One reason for the strong attraction is certain active ingredients such as actinidine and nepetalactone, i.e. chemical compounds that act on the human and animal organism. They are not only contained in the plant, but also in the urine of unneutered female cats. Mint thus acts as a sexual attractant, especially with our sexually mature male fur noses. Basically, however, catnip has a euphoric effect on all cats and they roll and rub themselves in the plant as if intoxicated, romp around excitedly or can then relax particularly well. The only exceptions are kittens and senior cats.

3. Where does the name catnip come from?

If a cat rolls in the mint, it carries the plant's plumage fruits in its fur and distributes the pollen on its further way, where new catnip germinates and grows. So the name came about because our velvet paws scatter the plants.

4. What does catnip do?

Have you ever watched your cat roll wildly around its Catnip toy or purr loudly and comfortably roll in the garden mint and a short time later go its way back to normal? The respective behavior of your velvet paw varies according to genetic traits and not all cats react equally to the beguiling plant. Calm, sluggish cats usually become agile and their play instinct is awakened, while nervous cats relax the smell. In particularly active, easily irritable house cats, mint can have both a calming and stimulating effect and even provoke aggression. Some cats, on the other hand, do not feel anything at all when they smell cat balm.

5. How long does catnip work?

The high from catnip can subside after just 5 minutes or even last up to 2 hours - it varies greatly.

6. Where and in what form can I buy catnip?

You can buy catnip in pet stores as a spray, in toys or in the form of dried leaves and flowers. However, since the plant acts like a drug for our house cats, it is best to use it every now and then instead of using it permanently. Some cat owners also plant catnip for their outdoor cats in their own garden at home.

7. How much catnip can cats eat?

Although catnip is not poisonous to your velvet paw, you should not administer it too often and only in small quantities. Your cat will be euphoric from the scent of the substance and eating the flowers - so that the intoxicating effect lasts and your cat is not overwhelmed by the smell, you can provide them with a little catnip about 2-3 times a week.

8. Which catnip for cats?

Especially suitable for cats is the white-flowered Nepeta cataria, which you probably know by the name Catnip. The blue catnip Nepeta x faassenii also has a strong attraction for cats.

9. What is catnip made of?

High-quality catnip consists of 100% catnip leaves and flowers.

10. How does catnip affect humans?

Not only in cats, but also in us humans, catnip can trigger a slightly euphoric effect. Originally, it was used in a variety of ways, especially in Eurasia: The catnip in tea is said to have a relaxing, antipyretic and digestive effect on humans. A tea with the herb can also help with irritability, nervousness or insomnia.

Catnip toys: Intoxicating variety for house cats

The best way to awaken your lazy cat's play instinct is with cat toys filled with catnip: Cosy cats then often become much more active and romp around the flat. Often a little valerian is added to the catnip in toys, as this scent also has a particularly attractive effect on the gentle four-legged friends. It doesn't matter whether you offer your cat a bird toy with cords at the ends, other shapes made of linen or cord or a teaser in different colours and patterns: Catnip cushions, on the other hand, are better offered to nervous and restless velvet paws, as the catnip-valerian mixture relaxes them temporarily at best.

Catnip spray or sprinkle

Does your velvet paw like to sharpen its claws on the sofa cover and on the good wooden cabinet or does it refuse to climb into the transport box before the doctor's appointment or other trips? Then your secret weapon is Catnip Spray, which can be used optimally for these situations:

• Spray the scratching post or sprinkle catnip on the surface and make it irresistible - your furniture will be spared at best.

• A few splashes of the catnip spray or flowers of the plant in the transport box arouse the curiosity of your furry friend - now the journey to the vet can start comfortably.

• Even if you keep multiple cats, you can redirect the attention of your velvet paws and thus counteract any disputes. Try combining catnip with a little valerian: This way you can cool down the heated tempers and loosen up the atmosphere.