For us humans, catnip smells pleasantly minty. It smells incredibly tempting to cats. It is difficult for them to escape their spell. But why? It's time for enlightenment!
Why is catnip so attractive to cats?
Catnip has an attractive and intoxicating effect on cats thanks to the active ingredients actinidine and nepetalactone it contains. The plant can help relax nervous cats, reduce laziness and be used as an attractant. Young animals and older cats usually react unimpressed.
Actinidine and nepetalactone – active ingredients with attraction
Catnip contains two active ingredients that literally drive cats crazy. They are actinidine and nepetalactone. These substances are similar to a substance that is excreted in the urine of unneutered female cats. When cats and especially tomcats smell this smell, they can hardly escape its attraction
But be careful: not all types of catnip have this effect on cats. There are varieties such as 'Odeur Citron' that, in addition to minty, also have a citrus-like scent. Cats don't like a citrusy smell at all.
How does catnip affect cats?
Contrary to the fears of some cat owners, research shows that catnip is not poisonous to cats. The cats can nibble on the plant without suffering any damage to their he alth. Even the essential oil does not harm them when inhaled.
This plant has an intoxicating and beguiling effect on cats and especially on tomcats. Almost like an administered drug that transports them to a dreamland. Cats instinctively seek out the proximity of catnip. They roll around in it, stretch out on it, purr and nibble on the shoots.
Catnip has a relaxing effect on nervous animals. Animals that are lazy are stimulated to become active by their active ingredients. But young animals and older animals usually remain unimpressed and ignore the plant.
How to use catnip for cats?
The effectiveness of catnip on cats was already used in the Middle Ages. Today you have the opportunity to plant catnip in your home garden and cut off individual shoots for your cat at home. Alternatively, you can purchase and use the essential oil.
These possible uses include:
- pack in box, jute bag, pillow
- Drip essential oil on cat toys or scratching post
- Spray the furniture with the essential oil
- Spray/rub body parts with the essential oil previously diluted in water
Don't overdo it: If too much furniture, cat toys, scratching posts, etc. are given the smell of catnip, the cat can feel overloaded. She also needs a place where she can relax and unwind. In addition, the effectiveness of catnip on cats decreases over time if they are constantly confronted with it (habituation effect).
Tips & Tricks
If it's time to go to the vet, you can use catnip to lure the cat into the transport box that is uncomfortable and unpleasant for it.
