What Does Catnip Do For Cats?

[Yavin4]

There's a deli underneath my apt bldg, and they have a store cat. That cat was rolling around outside sniffing on a bag of catnip. She looked really happy.

[ghostsofgiants]

1. Try this...

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a1_008.html

[freethought]

2. Kinda like pot for cats

A cat my family used to own used to roll all over its catnip bag. It was funny to watch. The catnip has a scent that is very attractive to the cats, when they are near it they just seem to act goofy. Considering how cats are aloof and proud it is funny to seem them act weird.

[Yavin4]

7. So That Explains The Bob Marley Music In The Background

So cats can get high, but we can't. Great.

[Dez]

3. Catnip is their dope *LoL* n/t

[pansypoo53219]

4. all i knows is

i grow some premium cat shit in my yard. was here when we moved in. all of the cats i have had here(6 so far, 3 now) love it. they get the green 'shit' i mainly rub it on stuffed toys. and that is enough. although i usually hold it in my hand for one who likes to rub herself in it.
except basil, who seems a tad afarid of it. 1st time he tried to pound the catnip toy. and today he backed away from the plant. he is an odd boy.

[AntiCoup2K4]

5. Basil must be a Republicat.

They told him to "Just say NO to nip", and he fell for it.

Deprogram at once!

[Blue Gardener]

12. I grow it as well

Then pick it and dry it in the fall so they have premium catnip all winter. I cut down the plants then hang them up to dry. Then, cut off the seed heads and keep them separate, pick the leaves off the stems and run them through the food processor. I have enough catnip every year for my two, plus every other cat I know. They especially like the dried seed heads. It's much better than what you buy in the store, plus you're assured it hasn't been sprayed with any chemicals.

[TrogL]

6. I knew a Siamese who had seizures after catnip

He'd sniff catnip, act wierd for a few minutes, twitch a few times then fall asleep for an hour or so.

[Mutley]

8. Information on catnip

http://www.holoweb.com/cannon/catnip.htm



"Catnip, a member of the mint family, is a harmless "high" for felines. Although many cats will eat it, scientists say they're reacting to the smell rather than the taste. Felines bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip to release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. Catnip is harvested when this essential oil production reaches its peak, and leaves and fragrant flowers are carefully air-dried to preserve essential oils at their best.

"About 80% of adult cats -- including lions, pumas, and leopards! -- react to this irresistible, intoxicating, analgesic soporific. The tendency to like or ignore catnip is inherited, and it's true that some cats are immune to its influence. "
_________________________________________

Wow, lions, pumas, and leopards like it, too. I didn't know that one.

[Yavin4]

9. So, Cats Are Nip-Heads

nt

[Mutley]

11. lol, yep, that about sums it up.

:rofl:

[BikeWriter]

10. Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2001/08/010828075659.htm

[nuxvomica]

13. I've read it may repel other insects, too

Like fleas and mites. But I don't have any references for that. I just read it in a cat care book. It seems that the cat/catnip relationship is very beneficial for the cat. Too bad we humans can't find an herb with beneficial properties that also gives a buzz. Oh, wait. Strike that. ;-)
My cat Amos is a major nip-head though he wasn't at all interested as a kitten. He just started going nuts for it one day and he's been hooked ever since.