What is Catnip?

• Posted on 6 April 2016
• By Dr. Jill Tack
• Posted in catnip, fat pyewacket
• 0

We all know that cats love catnip, but why? And what exactly is catnip? Cats are attracted to the organic compound present in catnip called Nepetalactone, which is part of the mint family of plants. Cats breathe in the vapors and experience almost a euphoric feeling in some cases. Eighty percent of cats have the gene that makes them susceptible to the effects of catnip, although it usually doesn't develop until a cat is around six months old.

We all know that cats love catnip, but why? And what exactly is catnip? Cats are attracted to the organic compound present in catnip called Nepetalactone, which is part of the mint family of plants. Cats breathe in the vapors and experience almost a euphoric feeling in some cases. Eighty percent of cats have the gene that makes them susceptible to the effects of catnip, although it usually doesn't develop until a cat is around six months old.

But not every cat reacts to catnip the same way. Some get frisky and run, jump, meow, and roll around in the catnip, sometimes even eating it. Other cats enjoy it in a much more low-key manner, simply purring, lazily rolling around, and becoming sleepy. And some don't really react at all.

The catnip affect usually wears off in 15 minutes or less as the cat becomes "nose blind" or fatigued of the scent. A two-hour break is needed before they will react again and play.

Stop in any Saturday in April from 12 - 3 p.m. to pick up a FREE sample of Fat Pyewacket catnip!