Cat Nip

Most everyone who has a cat is familiar with the power that catnip has on their cat. Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. It’s native to Europe but has become widespread in North America after being introduced by early settlers in the 18th century, who cultivated the herb for medicinal purposes.

It is the oil that is contained in the catnip, which is called nepetalactone that causes the reaction of the cats to it. When a cat meets up with it, he sniffs it, rubs against it, licks it and then possibly eats it. His reaction is caused primarily from sniffing it and when he nibbles or eats it, he does this to bruise the catnip plant, so that more of the plants odor will be released. This effect will last between 5-10 minutes. The cat will then walk away and may return an hour or two later and start all over again.

Around 70% of cats are affected by catnip, and those who are, are affected to differing degrees. Some drool and roll around on the floor, some become hyperactive and others become aggressive. Kittens younger than 8 weeks old and older cats are often not affected. It’s not just domesticated cats who can enjoy catnip; large cats in the wild such as tigers can also enjoy the effects of catnip. Catnip is not harmful and most cats know when they have had enough.

Catnip is usually fairly easy to grow and you should be able to purchase the plant from your local garden center. It likes light sandy soil, and grows best in full sun. As an added benefit, rats and mice are believed to have a strong dislike of catnip and will avoid places where it grows.

Cats always make a beeline for people who don't like them because direct eye contact with a cat is a sign of dominance and can be seen as threatening behavior. People who dislike cats tend  to avoid eye contact with cats, making them more appealing.

When a cat wraps his tail around you, it’s a show of affection.