Answer: The catnip plant has oil by the name of”nepetalactone” in it. When nepetalactone hit the olfactory receptors – er – the scent hits their noses, the oil stimulates receptors that sense chemicals called “pheromones.”
This causes a chemical reaction which gives a feline a feeling of euphoria or overwhelming glee.
In other words…
They get a safe high.
It looks like the effect that catnip has on cats is compared to a hallucinogen on humans. Thankfully, the effects don’t last too long.
Some cats have reactions such as growling, drooling, purring, or rolling around on the floor with the catnip like they lost all their senses. Others seem to pay no attention to it at all.
Research shows that only 50% to 75% of cats have a reaction to catnip. It also seems to be in the genes – if a cat who doesn’t react has kittens, it is likely that the kittens won’t react either.
Fun fact: The majority of cats in Australia don’t react to catnip.
Catnip also affects cats besides the housecats – tigers, leopards, lions and other wild cats.
And it repels bugs! Mosquitoes, termites, roaches, and flies hate it. The chemicals are stronger than DEET! Sadly, it loses it’s superpower when applied to the skin. But still, this makes me want to plant catnip all over the place. Arkansas has some serious mosquito problems.
And as for humans… oddly enough, when ingested as a tea, it can act like a sedative.
If you have followed along with Wonder Wednesdays long, you probably noticed that I usually use stock images for them. However, in this edition of Wonder Wednesday, all the photos are mine. These are all lovely cats I’ve had over the years. Some have passed away, and others I gave away as kittens.
The cats (from the top down) are Scout, Bullet, Rabbit, Sissy (the tabby), Skippy (the black one), Lion, and Tux. ❤
Wow… I want to grow catnip, too, to repel roaches. Ewww. 🙂
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I don’t blame you there! Eww. 🙂
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Pingback: Wonder Wednesdays: What attracts cats to catnip? — Following Him Beside Still Waters | Enjoying TheMoments
My cat loves it. After Maggie, (her mother) died, Becky spent a lot of time crying. Catnip seems to relax her, I give her a pinch of it twice a day. 😺
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Aww, the poor kitty. ❤ I just want to give her a hug. 😺 I'm glad that the catnip helps her. 🙂
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Love all the of the photos!!!! ❤ I did not know people could ingest catnip! It's interesting that it calms down people.
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Thank you! ❤ Such precious memories. 🙂
After reading this, I'm curious about it. I think one of my Celestial teas called Tension Tamer had catnip in it, among other herbs. I wonder what it tastes like alone…
Yeah – it's so odd!
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Interesting!!!
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Thanks! 😀
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There’s not a drop of catnip where I live. I enjoyed this informative post and those cats are lovely! 💙
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Aww, haha. How interesting that it isn’t grown there! Glad you enjoyed this. 🙂 And thank you! ❤ Fond memories. 🙂
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It’s grown elsewhere in Trinidad just not where I live. You’re welcome! 💙
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Ooohhh, okay. 🙂
❤
Turns out my Nighty-Night tea has catnip in it. I didn't realize that before. I guess that makes sense after finding out the effects on humans. XD
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Whoa! Does it make you sleepy?
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It was supposed to – I ended up feeling jittery and then I got sick, so… I wonder (no pun was intended XD) if I became allergic to it or something. (It had been a while since I lat had it.) Oh well, I guess it was worth a try. 🙂
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Ooh, not a good feeling at all. I’m glad that’s over.
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Me too. Turns out part of it may be fall allergies and not related to the tea. But whatever the case… it didn’t work this time, which is weird. 😅 I’ll stick to peppermint and chamomile for now, haha.
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I’m with ‘chu on those two choices!
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Those cats are such beauties!! ❤
Catnip? First time I'm hearing about it. Don't think that sells here on de island.
Blessings Grace! Much love my sister!
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Thank you! ❤
Ooohhhhh. I wonder if cats on your island would enjoy it then… XD
Blessings and love, my sister!! ❤
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You’re most welcome dear!
Lolol the cats here are so different! They hunt lizards, rats, snakes and other animals. They move in abandon houses and place there babies on cupboards! 😥 haha!!!!
Awww thanks yeww ❤
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🙂 ❤
Oh my. Well, I've had a few of my cats hunt those things plus birds. Sometimes you'll never know that they went hunting and other will leave their kill on the porch for me to find and be very proud of themselves…
Awww, the poor kitties!!! ❤ Haha, makes me want to come rescue them.
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Lolol yeah they are pretty much different here on the islands. They sort of fend for themselves and live on their own you know. Yeah you can lol we have a lot of nice ones down here haha.
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Awww. I think you need more cat ladies on the island. 🙂
Haha, if only I could. XD And even if I could, I have 12 now, so I probably shouldn’t add any more… 😅
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Lolol more like cat schools lolol
Aha!! Yeah that’s already a “dozen” on your hands lool
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XD True!
Hahaha, yes. XD
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Lolol
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