The catnip effect on cats can be very entertaining for both you and your kitty. He will sniff the catnip and probably rub his face in it and this creates a brief euphoria for him. They sometimes chew the catnip to release an ingredient called nepetalactone. The effect lasts for 5-10 minutes.

You will find that sniffing the catnip will stimulate your cat while eating it will probably make him sleepy. Researchers examining the catnip effect on cats have found that it causes a psychosexual effect in males and females. In other words it is like an aphrodisiac to a cat. Your cat will roll around in it, salivate, and purr like a kitten. You can tell he is enjoying himself. As the catnip wears off he will probably be in the mood for a nap.

The strength and freshness of the catnip will determine how much effect your cat experiences. Catnip seems to affect about 50-70% of all felines. The cat’s ancestry will determine whether he will experience this catnip effect on cats. One cat will crave catnip and another will ignore it. Cats who are descended from cats who lived in a part of the world not growing catnip will generally have no interest in catnip.

Very young kittens do not tend to be effected. Around the age of two months many kittens will start to appreciate catnip. With some cats it may take up to six months. If your kitty does not respond to catnip by the age of six months he probably will not learn to like it. If there is no response you may wish to try organic catnip. It is said that the organic varieties have more of the active ingredient and are more potent.

Catnip grows wild in virtually all of our country. It needs little water for growth and is often seen growing along fence lines. It is also found around dump sites and railroad tracks. Only buy “wild” catnip from a trusted source.  Toxic materials could be present in some wild catnip, which could be harmful to your pet.

The catnip effect on cats is also seen in larger felines such as cougars, bobcats, and lions. Catnip effects on humans can be desirable. Catnip is similar to valerian, a natural herb taken as a sleep aid by humans. Catnip sometimes relieves migraine headaches. Humans have also benefited by taking catnip to relieve indigestion and colic.

You might also enjoy catnip seeds for sale.