Smithsonian Magazine: When Cats Chew Catnip, It Works as a Bug Spray
What is catnip? Dr. Heather Hoffmann discusses why cats like catnip, how catnip works, and how to give catnip to your cat.
What Is Catnip and What Does It Do to Cats? - PetMD
Catnip is a natural herb that acts like cat pheromones to stimulate various pleasure centers of your cat’s brain when inhaled. Most cats respond well to it by displaying...
catnip, (Nepeta cataria), herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), noted for its aromatic leaves, which are particularly exciting to cats. Catnip is commonly grown by cat owners for their pets, and the dried leaves are often used as a stuffing for cat playthings. The herb is native to Eurasia and is used as a seasoning and as a medicinal tea for colds and fever in some places.
In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the ways of catnip, discovering what it is, how it affects cats, and how your cat can enjoy catnip.
Clinical Signs: Many cats love catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible. * * A consultation fee may apply.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a versatile, low-maintenance herb adored by cats, beneficial for gardens, with uses in teas for calming effects and pest control. Thrive in zones 3-9.
Yahoo: What does catnip do to cats? The science of your cat’s favorite treat explained.