Catnip Addiction
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Catnip causes a euphoric reaction in 50% to 70% of all felines. Other cats are immune to its drug-like effects.
Whether you give your kitty a pinch or two of crushed catnip leaves or give her the herb in a toy, the reaction will be the same.
Kittens don't react at all until they are about six months old.
It's the smell of the catnip that makes your cat "high." The quality and potency of the leaves will also influence your kitty's reaction.Felines are more likely to react to organic catnip as it contains a higher concentration of the part of the catnip plant cats react to (Nepetalactone). In fact, it's the pesticides in non-organic catnip that could be hazardous to your cat's health.
Is Catnip Addictive?
Catnip is not addictive or habit-forming to your cat. If anything, your cat may become bored or immune to catnip if she is exposed to it too often.
As a matter of fact, regular "doses" of catnip can be beneficial to your cat's health and will help to keep your cat from eating other plants in your home. So there's no need to worry about a catnip addiction.
What About Eating Catnip?
While most cats like to roll in catnip or on a catnip toy, some like to eat the leaves. This is mostly safe for your cat.
Your cat's stomach may be sensitive to large quantities of catnip and she may start vomiting or have diarrhea. If this happens, try putting out less catnip or using catnip toys. This will allow your cat to have the pleasure, but prevent her from eating the leaves.
What About Allergies?
On rare occasion, some cats may have an allergic reaction to catnip. Organic catnip probably causes less allergic reactions.
When first giving your cat catnip or a catnip toy to play with, you should watch to see what kind of reaction your cat has. At the extreme, if your cat becomes unconscious or has seizures, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Catnip and Aggressive Behavior
Some cats may react aggressively when they are "high" on catnip. If you have more than one cat, it's a good idea to give them catnip separately to gauge their reactions. If things seem OK, then let them play together. It will heighten their fun.
Cats who have an aggressive response to catnip may also act aggressively towards people.
A small level of aggression can be tolerated. Just be sure to supervise and don't let it get out of hand.
Don't Worry, Be Happy!
Even if your cat is one who adores catnip, a catnip addiction is nothing to worry about. Cats do not become addicted to this herb.
If you watch your cat for any other negative reactions when you first introduce catnip, then you'll know what precautions to take when letting your cat enjoy it.
If your cat is one of the many who are positively affected by catnip, then this can be a wonderful treat for your cat.
It can also provide you with a wonderfully entertaining show!
Related Topic:
Catnip Plants - How to grow your own catnip plants for the best quality herb for your healthy kitty.
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