Is Catnip Good For Your Cat?

You probably aren’t aware that the minty gum in your mouth right now is related to catnip.  Catnip, or nepeta cataria, is an herb.  It’s in the Lamiaceae family and was once only native to Europe and Asia, but has spread to the US and Canada.  It is currently available at most pet stores nationwide.

If your cat smells catnip, there might be many ranges of different results.  Some cats begin rubbing the plant, while others sniff it and lick it.  Still, other cats shake their heads or begin prancing about.  Different cats are affected by the herb in different ways, but approximately 50 percent of cats will be affected by it in their lifetime.

Your cat might become very excited by the herb, though some cats become very sedate and actually fall asleep.  The cat can become stressed, or even begin to eat large amounts of the herb.  Your cat will experience the effects of catnip for five to fifteen minutes, but once the effects have worn off, they cannot be repeated for two hours.  In addition, if you have a young cat, it will likely have an aversion to the herb, or toys that contain it.

Vets claim that catnip can be good for your cat by aiding in digestion, or providing fun playtime.  It’s nontoxic, but if a large amount is consumed it can result in vomiting or diarrhea.