I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire
Cat's grin. My cat Seren wears the same expression
when she indulges. But why do cats find this
nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty
aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more
sinister?
Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint
that contains a volatile oil that's easily released
into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes
the leaves and releases the oil so cats can get a
good sniff. It doesn't take much. Cats can detect
catnip oil in the air at saturations as low as one
part per billion.
How Catnip Works
Rather than a simple smell, the chemical in catnip
resembles sedative components also found in the
valerian plant, which may be used in natural
therapies to calm pets and people. Catnip also may
be similar to one of the substances found in tomcat
urine-yucky to you, but a lovely smell to the cat!
In fact, this pheromone in urine often triggers the
same sort of behavioral reaction in cats as exposure
to catnip.
These types of chemicals, once inhaled, enter the
cat's highly specialized scenting organ through the
roof of the mouth. The vomeronasal or Jacobson's
organs sit between the hard palate of the mouth and
the septum of the nose, and connect to the mouth via
tiny conduits directly behind the cat's upper
incisor teeth. You may see your cat perform an odd
facial grimace (flehmen) with lips curled back and
mouth open when employing this organ.
The Jacobson's organs are linked to the
hypothalamus, an area of the brain that acts like a
switchboard to direct information to higher centers.
This part of the brain integrates taste and smell,
motivates appetite, and triggers a variety of
behaviors.
Catnip in cats affects the same biochemical pathways
that are affected by marijuana and LSD in people. In
its simplest terms, catnip is a feline hallucinogen.
The "high" lasts from five to 15 minutes, and causes
a loss of inhibition. Catnip-intoxicated cats act
like furry fools who roll and flop about on the
floor, drool, and have a wonderful relaxing time.
Which Cats Are Affected
Cats rarely respond to catnip until they are about
six months old, and some cats never do. The trait is
an inherited one, with only two out of three
domestic cats being affected. Boy cats seem to
respond more strongly than females.
Since catnip belongs in the mint family, cats often
react in a similar way to other types of mint. I've
even seen some cats react to a type of
honeysuckle-or even olives.
Most scientists agree that catnip provides a
harmless recreation for cats. For cats who respond,
catnip can be a wonderful training tool. Catnip
builds the confidence of some shy cats, and it can
be used to "spike" the legal scratch objects to help
lure cats to do the right thing. Catnip can help
take the cat's mind off of the scary car ride-or at
least induce a catnip snooze so she doesn't care
anymore.
You'll find catnip toys, herbs, even growing kits
advertised in all the finest cat magazines,
"special" brands touted in pet stores, and feline
fanciers comparing quality like true gourmands. The
fresher the herb, the more likely your cat is to
react. And no, catnip doesn't affect people the same
way, although it has in the past been used as a
soothing tea for upset tummies.
Be aware, though, overindulgence may "wear out" your
cat's response to the plant. An occasional treat,
perhaps once every two or three weeks, is plenty.