How Catnip Makes Cats Go Wild

 Ah, catnip. The mysterious herb that has cats everywhere going wild with delight. But what exactly is catnip and why does it have such a profound effect on our feline friends?

Well, catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family, and it's scientific name is Nepeta cataria. It's a natural herb that grows wild in many parts of the world and has been used for centuries as a mild sedative and tonic for both cats and humans. But let's be real, we're here to talk about its effects on cats.

When cats smell catnip, it triggers a response in their olfactory receptors, releasing pheromones that make cats feel, well, pretty frisky. Some cats will roll around in it, some will drool, some will even meow like they've just won the lottery. It's like a kitty version of a happy hour. Catnip can also cause a temporary euphoria, making cats more playful and relaxed. But don't worry, it's not addictive and the effects only last for a few minutes to an hour.

So there you have it, a brief explanation of the magical herb that has cats everywhere going wild. Just remember, not all cats are affected by catnip - some cats just don't have the "catnip gene", and that's okay too. But for the cats that do react to it, it's a wild ride and a source of endless entertainment for cat lovers everywhere.

So, you may be wondering, how exactly does catnip make cats go wild? Well, it all starts with a little something called nepetalactone. Nepetalactone is an oil found in catnip that triggers a response in a cat's olfactory receptors. It's like the secret ingredient in a recipe for a kitty party.

When cats smell nepetalactone, it binds to the receptors in their nose, and sends signals to their brain that makes them feel a little bit like they've hit the catnip jackpot.

And let me tell you, cats have some serious olfactory receptors. They have about 200 million of them in their nose, compared to our measly 5 million. It's no wonder they can smell things we can't even fathom. And when it comes to catnip, they can smell it from miles away. So, if you're growing catnip in your backyard, don't be surprised if you suddenly see a group of cats marching through your yard, following their noses straight to the catnip patch.

It's like a kitty version of a treasure hunt, with the treasure being a pile of catnip.

So next time you see your cat rolling around in a pile of catnip, remember, it's not just the catnip they're after, it's the nepetalactone that's driving them wild. And who can blame them, we all need a little something to make us feel good.

Now, let's talk about the wild side of catnip. As we've mentioned before, catnip can cause a wide range of reactions in cats. Some cats will roll around in it, some will drool, and others will even meow like they've just won the lottery. But, as with any good party, there are always a few unexpected guests.

For instance, have you ever seen a cat do the "catnip dance"? It's like the kitty version of the "happy dance" and it's a great sight. Picture a cat, rolling around, flipping and flopping, making a complete fool of themselves. It's like they've just won the catnip lottery and they can't contain their excitement.

Another funny reaction observed in cats is the "catnip crazies", where they run around the house like they've just had a shot of espresso. It's a real workout for them and for you, as you'll likely have to chase them down to put them back in their designated catnip-play area.

And let's not forget the "catnip hugger". In this case cat will find the nearest person, animal or stuffed toy and just hug it tight, not letting go for dear life. It's like they've finally found the love of their life, and it's just a stuffed teddy bear.

But perhaps one of the funniest reactions observed in cats is the "catnip snorer". These cats will get so relaxed that they'll just fall asleep right where they are, drooling and snoring away, dreaming of catnip and birds.

Now, we all know that catnip is the most popular, when it comes to making cats go wild, but what if your kitty is one of those picky cats that just aren't impressed by the common catnip? Fear not, there are alternatives out there for your finicky feline.

First up on the list is silver vine. It's known to have a similar effect on cats as catnip does. It's said that some cats even prefer it to catnip. So, if your cat is the "catnip snob" of the neighborhood, silver vine might just be the answer to your problems.

Next up is valerian root. It's like the catnip's older brother. It's known to have a calming effect on cats, which can be helpful for cats that are anxious or stressed. It's like a kitty yoga class in a bottle.

And last but not least, is honeysuckle. It's said to have a similar effect on cats as catnip does, but with a sweeter fragrance. It's perfect for cats that have a sweet tooth.

But let's not forget, these alternatives are not for everyone, and some cats may not be affected by them at all. So, if your cat is a true catnip connoisseur, stick to the classic. And remember, the best way to find out what your cat likes is to give them a taste of the different alternatives. Just make sure you have a camera ready, because you'll want to capture the catnip crazies, the catnip dance, the catnip hugger, and the catnip snorers, no matter what kind of catnip they are on!

Of course, let's not forget, as much as we love to see our cats go wild and crazy, it's important to remember that too much catnip can have the opposite effect and make them sleepy. So, as with all good things, moderation is key.

My 3 cats - Kitka, Spurka and Gryzka, all love catnip, but sometimes prefer silver vine and valerian root - however the last one does not make me happy, as it smells really bad!

Let us know, what is the best for your cat? Or maybe some other suggestions?