As a gardening and landscaping expert , I have had personal experiences with catnip and its impression on kat . Catnip , also known as Nepeta cataria , is a appendage of the mint family and is widely known for its effects on computed axial tomography . When cats are expose to catnip , they often exhibit behaviors such as roll around , rub against the plant , and even articulate . It can be a root of great entertainment for both computerized axial tomography and their proprietor .
Catnip is generally moot dependable for cats to consume and interact with . It is non - toxic and does not pose any serious wellness risks to cats . In fact , many cat owners utilise catnip as a course of environmental enrichment for their pets . By furnish cats with Nepeta cataria toys or allowing them access to fresh catnip plants , proprietor can excite their cats ’ natural instincts and allow them with mental and physical stimulation .
One of the reasons catnip is so attractive to cats is due to the chemical compound nepetalactone found in the plant life . It acts as a stimulant , triggering a reception in cats that can range from meek euphoria to hyperactivity . However , the effects of catmint are irregular and usually last for only a few minute . After that , African tea may lose interest in the plant and move on to other activity .
It is deserving note that not all kat are touch by catnip . It is estimated that about 50 - 75 % of cat have a transmitted sensitivity to catnip . If a cat does not reply to catnip , it does not mean that there is anything wrong with them . They simply miss the specific receptor that make them sensitive to nepetalactone .
While catnip is broadly speaking good for cats , it is of import to use it in moderation . undue exposure to catnip can potentially lead to an worried breadbasket or looseness of the bowels in some cats . to boot , some cats may become overly excited or agitated when exposed to catnip , and it is best to celebrate their behavior and interfere if necessary .
If you decide to grow catnip in your garden , it is crucial to keep in mind that cats can be quite destructive when it comes to flora . They may wave around in the catnip patch , induce impairment to the plant . It is advisable to provide a dedicated area for your catnip works , such as a raised bed or a pot , to protect it from being tread down or destroyed .
Catnip can be a wonderful addition to a cat ’s environment . It bring home the bacon genial and strong-arm stimulant and can raise their overall well - being . However , as with any flora or content , it is authoritative to use Nepeta cataria in moderation and observe your cat ’s behavior to secure they are not experiencing any negative effects .
Caroline Bates