\u00a9 2020 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Catnip is also one of the herbs that has a long history of use for children. This may damage any planted catnip. Catnip comes into two major forms, leaves and spray. The oil tends to dry out over time, which may be why Fluffy started to ignore some of those catnip toys. As much as your cat appreciates this, he/she would love you even more if you provided them with fresh catnip. Remember, consuming catnip makes a cat sleepy. This does not mean the catnip has made your pet angry. In that case, choose a spot that gets partial or shaded sunshine. It was also used to treat stomach ailments, fevers, colds and flu. This relaxation does not only apply to a cat’s mind. Catnip is easy to grow, so use fresh catnip in catnip toys as much as possible. Catnip can be used in veterinary clinics, shelters, and foster homes in addition to a cat's own home to help lower stress levels. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Apply these leaves to a cat’s toys, scratching posts, food, or bed. It is believed that this chemical simulates natural pheromones, acting on those receptors to generate a reaction. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A variety of catnip types are available everywhere. Perhaps the best human comparison is the pleasure we receive from eating chocolate. You may get 30 minutes or more of protection. Add the dried catnip to a tea infuser ball or sachet, or strain it out of the tea when it’s done steeping. Excessive use of catnip will cause it to lose its effectiveness on the cat. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Let each cat cool off alone and enjoy their catnip experience. If you have cats, then you are more than likely to have given them catnip or have toys for them that contain catnip. If you’re interested in adding catnip to your cat’s life, you have several ways in which you can do so. Only about 1/3rd of cats react strongly to catnip. Your cat will not experience physical withdrawal if it does not utilize catnip. Watch Queue Queue. Others may never have been trained on how to enter or leave the home this way. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. In order to use catnip, crunch the leaves of the herb into powder. If you detect rodents in your home, offer catnip then let your pet loose. Some cats become aggressive and overactive with catnip. It should be noted, though, that catnip is different is not a narcotic. Why and when to use catnip on your cat. The effects usually last around 10 minutes. As cats play with catnip, these happy feelings are triggered, causing a series of chemical reactions that contribute to cats' love for catnip. Others will grow a little hyperactive. This plant sets off chemicals in their brain, provoking an energetic behavior or a relaxed disposition. Catnip is non-toxic to cats. Nepeta cataria is often called catnip – or catswort – as it attracts felines. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Almost any toy from a pet store will be covered in catnip. Every cat is different. Starting cats on catnip while young may reduce the effects into adulthood. You can use the dried herb on anything, from toys to scratching posts. Many people find that catnip tea has a calming effect, much like chamomile tea. Any pet store will sell catnip. Some cats can become anxious and even aggressive when stimulated by catnip, so don’t use it when introducing a new pet or any other situation where your cat may already be stressed. If doing this, use a small amount of catnip. Catnip plants are also safe for your cat. Catnip made for cats should not be used by humans. Once harvested, catnip is sold to health food stores for use in herbal tea mixtures, as well as to cat owners and manufacturers of cat toys. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. For a cat that tends to be less active, catnip can encourage moments of rambunctious activity. It has heightened every one of your cat’s senses, though. Catnip tea is one of the most common and easiest ways to ingest the herb. Placing catnip in a litter box may confuse a cat. Once exposed to catnip for a while they become resistant to it’s effects and will ignore the offered plant / toys. 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