History of Catnip and Cats

Catnip was given its name (the unofficial one) due to cats' fondness for this herb. (Think of how bones are often called dog bones.)
Why do cats enjoy this plant to such a degree? Because it pleasantly stimulates cats' pheromonic receptors. Makes them happy campers!!!!

Catnip, also known as Nepeta is genus of approximately two hundred and fifty species of blossoming plats in the Lamiaceae family.
Catnip has medicinal purposes in addition to be a pheromone attractor for cats. Catnip tea is beneficial against colds, fevers, and infectious childhood diseases (such as scarlet fever---- more so in years past than in present day). In tincture form it is know to be soothing for upset stomachs (like the pink stuff!) and diarrhea. In select circles, it has even been used in an enema to cleanse one's bowels. (Only in dilute form, of course!) Some say that it is allays morning sickness for pregnant women. Some folks have been using the leaves in soups and sauces for years. Catnip can mimic a sedative in low doses and well as elicits euphoria.

Remember earlier when I mentioned that catnip makes felines happy little campers? It also can make us happy little campers. Catnip is a great mosquito repellent.

Catnip is a member of the mint family, which could be the reason cats enjoy it so much as well as its high medicinal folk remedy factor. It is a harmless, non- toxic "high" for felines, though we prefer to say yummy treat! Cats do not always eat catnip per say. Some will react primarily to the smell. You have probably witnessed cats frolicking and rolling around in catnip a time or two. Through chewing biting, rubbing, and rolling in the catnip, the natural oils are released from the leaves.

Upwards of 80 percent of adult felines - to include tigers and leopards react to catnip. Kittens do not react until they are three months old, as their synapses are not fully developed until then. Lions are a rarity as the majority of them are too sensitive for the effects of catnip, but some do react. A lion frolicking around might be a bit different from a Persian. This phenomenon is heredity. So if by chance one of your own cats does not "come alive" when catnip is presented, not to worry. There is nothing wrong with your cat, its all in the genes. Cats enjoy the aroma more so when the leaves are withered and or damaged.

The 'effect' only lasts for ten minutes and then cats will sleep it off. They have been known to return two hours later none the wiser and when introduced again to the catnip, to them it is like the first time and the ten minutes frolicking and rolling around begins again.

Some cats will even show greater interest in otherwise stationary toys, if they come equipped with little catnip pouches. The scent heightens the cat's interest in what the cat would normally consider "dead or useless prey."

Like any herb, it looses its essential oils if exposed to the air for a long time; therefore pick up any catnip toy and place them in a baggie in your freezer after an hour or so of playtime. To be taken out another day.