This is why cats LOVE catnip (video evidence included)

9/22/2020

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Nature Story: This is why cats LOVE catnip (video evidence included)

For most cats, catnip is like candy for those who have a sweet tooth. However, what is it that makes them go so crazy? And is it JUST cats who are affected by it? Let’s find out!

Have you ever seen a cat dip into some recreational catnip? It usually makes cats act a little strange. They rub up against the catnip, roll in it and paw it. They are clearly enjoying themselves! And it’s even more enjoying to watch them :)

Example of such a cat:

#1 More about Catnip

Catnip, aka “Nepeta Cataria”, is a plant that’s a member of the mint family. When cats react to catnip, they’re really reacting to an organic molecule released by the plant known as “nepetalactone”. The plant uses it to repel insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and mites. But most cats are attracted to the stuff.

#2 How Cats React to the Plant

They will first start sniffing the catnip, then lick and chew it, sometimes rubbing their cheeks and chin or even their whole body against the leaves. Some cats will meow or even drool. I mean, they’re obviously into it, but the effects only last about 15 minutes. After that, catnip will have no effect on the cat for anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.

#3 So What’s Going On?

Well, researchers think nepetalactone is similar to a cat’s natural pheromones, the molecules it uses to communicate. Once the compound gets into the cat’s nose, it bonds with the same receptors pheromones do, and the cat’s brain gets a signal that basically says, “Lots of pheromones over here!”

#4 Not Every Cat Does Respond to Catnip

Only about 50% to 70% of cats do. It’s genetic, and scientists are still looking to identify that gene. By the way, kittens don’t usually respond to catnip until they’re sexually mature.

#5 What About Big Cats?

Some big cats like lions and jaguars also respond to catnip, but other animals don’t use the same pheromones or have the same receptors, so catnip doesn’t affect them.

OK, now we are ready to enjoy some more hilarious videos and pics of cats that meet catnip. Choose your favorite video or photo and share your opinion in the comments below.

#1 Too much catnip

#2 Woke up to this disaster this morning

#3 I introduced my cat to catnip today…

#4 City the Kitty finds the catnip bag

#5 Cat tree came with catnip… he found the catnip first

#6 Catnip. Not even once

#7 Cat Had Too Much Catnip!

This plat is perfectly safe for cats. Catnip isn’t addictive, but a cat that’s often exposed to the stuff can become less sensitive to it. So if your kitty lokes catnip, it’s totally okay for them to indulge once in a while. By the way, if you like to learn new information about cats, check out these articles:

Do you enjoy these videos? Do you have a cat? Have you ever given it some catnip? Were there any funny effects? Share your stories in the comments below!

Share this article on Facebook to make your friends laugh!

#animals #funny #Nature

What are your thoughts on this subject?

7 Comments

deborahpmercer

Right now I could do with some of the stuff myself!

Phoebe

Sung to the tune of 'What Can You Do With a Drunken Sailor?' -- 'What Can You Do With a Catnipped Kitty? What Can You Do With a Catnipped Kitty? What Can You Do With a Catnipped Kitty? Early in the Morning?'

sherbyninka

Loved this! Too funny! Our cats love catnip!

ninakamwene

Thank you for sharing these with us, all my cats have always liked catnip, however; just like with any stimulant, give in small doses and infrequently. Yes, it is a genetic trait, just like additions in humans. On a lighter note; my girl friend and I put some of it in spaghetti sauce and it really made the guys happy, they were giggling like high school boys, it is not harmful with humans, it has the same effect as 'weed'. I love felines, they're meowsome and purrrfect. Be safe and well.

lls

...our feline babies certainly enjoy the stuff :>)

Eve

One of our cats sits on it and won't let anyone near her or it and the other eats so much he gets sick. Catnip pigs in our house, lol. We also have one who likes anything minty smelling so she'll steal our gum, mints and once even tried to crawl in my son-in-law's mouth after he brushed his teeth, lol Thank goodness he loves cats

teresab

Anything to keep the neighbours cats from making deposits in my garden. What has worked for me has leaving small bottles of vinegar around my property, spread mothballs, obtained coffee grounds from a cafe and spread these everywhere - works for as my garden is in bark and you don't notice it. And best of all, create a litter box and my local unmentionable monster makes deposits in there!!! Which is much better than everywhere else. Sorry, to go on, but I was at my wits end and these things have worked for me.