Many cats absolutely adore catnip! Just a few whiffs of this unassuming plant and they’ll be rolling about in contentment for the next few minutes. But how does it actually work? And why does it cause such a strong reaction in some cats but not others?
In this article, we’re going to answer all these questions and more. There’s also some exciting secret benefits of catnip that you may not be aware of, which can benefit their health, mood, and more!
So, let’s take a look at everything there is to know about catnip and how our wide array of catnip products could be a great fit for your cat.
What is Catnip and Why Does it Cause a Reaction?
Catnip, or as it’s formally known, Nepeta cataria, is a plant that’s a member of the mint family, which thrives in the North American climate. It’s a rather pretty plant, with light green foliage and tall, lavender flowers.
However, it isn’t the plant itself that has an effect on our cats. Instead, it’s an essential oil that is found within the plants leaves. When your cat is exposed to this oil, either by ingesting it or giving it a good sniff, they’re likely to have a reaction.
Catnip can have many effects on our cats, causing happiness and relaxation in most cases. In some cats, it can cause playful behaviour, or sometimes even aggression. Other times, it may not cause a reaction at all, as some cats just simply aren’t sensitive to the oil. It really depends on the cat!
The “high” caused by the catnip usually only lasts a few minutes, after which your cat will likely return to a more normal mood. After seeing this, it’s easy to dismiss catnip as just a fun little distraction for your cat. But there is more than meets the eye when it comes to catnip!
Hidden Benefits of Catnip
If used correctly, catnip can do a whole lot more for your cat than just provide them with a short, pleasurable experience. First of all, as catnip has a relaxing effect in many cats, it can be very helpful if your cat is dealing with any anxiety issues.
For example, if your cat is struggling with separation anxiety, it can be helpful to give your cat a little bit of catnip before you leave the home. This can help your cat keep calm as you leave, significantly reducing any anxiety. While it likely won’t fix the issue by itself, it can be a very helpful tool.
Catnip has also been shown to work as a pain-reliever in some cats. If you have a cat with a chronic pain condition, it could help manage it if used in moderation. Additionally, catnip has been shown to help digestion, but again, only in moderation! Giving them too much is likely to cause an upset stomach.
Finally, catnip can actually be used as a training aid. By placing it in some key locations, you can help reinforce positive behaviour. For example, if your cat is scratching up your furniture, try using some catnip on a scratching post to help draw them to that instead. Is it a struggle to get your cat in their carrier? You could also spread some in their carrier to help show them that it is a nice and relaxing place that isn’t to be feared.
Our Catnip Products
So, now that we know that catnip has many benefits on top of its well-known effects, let’s take a look at how the top-class products that we sell can provide even more benefits on top! Take a look below for a short list of just some of our amazing catnip products.
• King Catnip Mist – This catnip product comes as a spray, making it perfect for use as a training aid. Simply spray it on a scratching post or carrier and your cat will be much more interested!
• King Catnip Dental Stalks – These dental sticks are fantastic for your cat’s teeth, and the catnip stalks contained within make them irresistible! A good chew on these once a day can do wonders for your cat’s dental health.
• King Catnip Feasties with Tuna – If you’re looking for some delicious treats with a catnip surprise, you’d do no better than King Catnip’s Feasties! Each one contains high-quality ingredients and the catnip can be great for your cat’s digestion.
• Danish Design Fido & Fish Friends – Included in this pack are two toys filled with catnip, which can be perfect for making your cat’s playtime even more fun! They also make great relaxing companions for cats with anxiety.
If you’d like to see the rest of our catnip products, take a look at our entire range here! You’re sure to find something perfect for your furry feline!
Tips on Using Catnip
For the best results when using catnip, it’s wise to keep a few things in mind. First of all, you want to keep an eye on the potency of the catnip you’re offering your cat. It is possible for a cat to overdose on catnip and experience unpleasant symptoms, though it is rare. Many cats will naturally refuse it after they’ve had enough. Still, don’t offer your cat too much catnip if you have a particularly potent solution.
Some cats can also be particularly sensitive to eating the plant, causing an upset stomach. In those cases, it may be preferable to use catnip sprays instead. It’s also important to note that young kittens will likely not react to catnip until they are at least 3 months old.
Finally, storage is important when it comes to catnip. It does lose its potency over time, so if you’d like your catnip to last longer, it’s best to store it correctly. Place the catnip in an airtight container, keeping it outside of sunlight in a cool environment. That way, you should get much more use out of the catnip before the effect fades!
Catnip is More Than Just a Fun Diversion!
While catnip certainly is a lot of fun, it has many secondary benefits which can be great for all kinds of cats. That’s what makes it such an amazing plant!
If you’re looking to help out your feline with its digestion, training, anxiety, or just trying to make their playtime even more fun, you should look at our high-quality catnip products now and find a great fit for your cat.
We look forward to hearing from you and can’t wait for your cat to enjoy our products!
