CATNIP, MORE THAN A TREAT

My cat Seren(dipity) has been self-medicating since the arrival of the new cat. And she makes no excuses--she inhales, imbibes, and enjoys catnip with enormous pleasure. For that fifteen minute “high” she could care less about the interloper. Karma (the interloper) enjoys a ‘nip now and then, as well.

For cats, catnip affects the same biochemical pathways that are affected by marijuana and LSD in people. Catnip intoxication lasts from five to fifteen minutes, and causes a loss of inhibition so the felines act like furry fools who roll and flop about on the floor, drool, and have a wonderful relaxing time. Here’s a short video of Seren’s birthday two years ago when she (ahem) got a wee bit intoxicated!

Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that’s easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves, and releases the oil so Kitty can get a good sniff. It doesn’t take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturations as low as one part per billion.

Rather than a simple smell, the chemical in catnip resembles sedative components also found in the valerian plant, which may be used in natural therapies to calm pets and people. Catnip also may be similar to one of the substances found in tomcat urine—yucky to you, but a lovely smell to the cat! In fact, this pheromone in urine often triggers the same sort of behavioral reaction in cats as exposure to catnip.

Once inhaled, the chemicals enter the cat's highly specialized scenting organ through the roof of the mouth. The vomeronasal or Jacobson's organs sit between the hard palate of the mouth and the septum of the nose, and connect to the mouth via tiny conduits directly behind the cat’s upper incisor teeth. You may see kitty perform an odd facial sneer (flehmen) with lips curled back and mouth open when employing this organ.

The Jacobson’s organs are linked to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that acts like a switchboard to direct information to higher centers. This part of the brain integrates taste and smell, motivates appetite, and triggers a variety of behaviors.

Cats rarely respond to catnip until they are about six months old, and some cats never do. The trait is an inherited one, with only two out of three domestic cats being affected; male cats seem to respond more strongly than females. 

The effect also depends on the freshness and potency of the herb. I thought Seren was one of the underprivileged indifferent kitties until I bought some home grown catnip from a cat show and she flipped. Literally.

The herb can be a wonderful training tool for sensitive felines. Catnip builds the confidence of some shy cats, and it can be used to “spike” the legal scratch objects to help lure kitty to do the right thing. You’ll find that

You’ll find catnip toys, herbs, even growing kits advertised in all the finest cat magazines, “special” brands touted in pet stores, and feline fanciers comparing quality like true gourmands.     

Most scientists agree that catnip is a harmless feline indulgence. However, cats can overdo on the sniff-frenzy, and overexposure can lead to loss of sensitivity. But at this point, I hate to deny Seren her small pleasures.


Amy’s Top Tip: Use a bit of catnip sprinkled on Perfect Litter to help ease your cat’s transition to the new litter. A sample of catnip is included in each box.