Tandem hind leg kicking behavior may indicate predatory behavior. Thank you for signing up to Live Science. All species of cats (Felidae) including Big Cats react to catnip. Does catnip make cats high? Although some people may be philosophically opposed to the drunken, appetitive, and seemingly erotic state that catnip produces, it has not been shown to be harmful and may even be beneficial in some circumstances. No one really knows why catnip is such a big attraction for cats. The reason behind it is very logical and it requires some knowledge about the plant itself. "When you buy catmint [another cat-attracting plant in the Lamiaceae family] or catnip from a nursery, they're usually hybrids sold for ornamental purpose; they usually don't attract cats because they have very little nepetalactone," Simon told Live Science. According to a dictionary definition, “catnip is a strong-scented mint (Nepeta cataria) that has whorls of small, pale flowers in terminal spikes and contains a substance attractive to cats.”. It’s an herb that’s related to the mint family. Rolling and rubbing appear to be a sexual behavior mimicking being in heat. Give seedlings or young plants ample room to grow, leaving about 18 to 20 inches (45.7 to 50.8 cm) between each plant to prevent crowding. If he or she actually absorbs nepetalactone, the opioid-receptors, pleasure centers, and “go” systems of the brain will be activated and the cat will roll around in ecstasy. Lamiaceae-type plants may have evolved the ability to manufacture cyclopentanoids, known insect sex pheromones, to attract insects to assist in their own reproductive cycle. It stimulates certain types of opioid receptors in the same way morphine does. By Kate Hughes. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole. Related: In Photos: Animals That Get High. All this may sound a little far-fetched but does explain the known, observable facts. The Catnip is a plant known worldwide for having the ability to drug cats. Both the Latin name and scientific names are derived from the inability of cats to resist the aroma of this plant. What Is Catnip? It will sprout in two to three weeks if started from seed. There was a problem. catnip) isn’t a drug. Catnip, Nepeta cataria, is an herb from the mint family that has long been known to be attractive to cats. Cat in garden of catnip, and cat lounging afterwards (first photo chicochi3). Catnip is a trip, there’s no doubt about it, but not every cat is sensitive to it. Offer a pinch of catnip or a catnip-filled toy to your pet feline, and her response might be dramatic ... and silly. Response to catnip is hereditary; about 70 to 80 percent of cats exhibit this behavior in the plant's presence. The compound that plays the biggest role in the so-called catnip effect in domestic cats is produced in specialized glands in catnip's leaves and flowers and is called nepetalactone, said Jim Simon, a professor of plant biology and co-director of the Center for Sensory Sciences and Innovation at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Mindy Weisberger - Senior Writer Superficially, a cat's response to catnip looks similar to a narcotic drug response in people. There are other compounds in catnip that are similar to nepetalactone in their molecular structure, and some can even stimulate a response on their own, but nepetalactone is the strongest of the group, Simon said. "A person who takes an opioid and has a euphoric effect from it; that can be blocked by naloxone. Chewing and salivating appears to be an appetitive response, one that is associated with getting food. These behaviors can include overt signs of affection, relaxation, and happiness. Most people think of catnip as having drug-like effects on their cats.Some cats lick it, eat it or just sniff it and owners can see a definite behavior change. It is also unclear what sensations it is eliciting and what behavior(s) it is releasing. A common myth is that all cats react to it. Many Australian cats do not react to it. Chasing behavior also indicates a predatory component. But is that what's happening here? What does catnip look like? Other compounds in catnip affect neurotransmitters, "resulting in inhibition of central nervous system activity," said Dr. Bruce Kornreich, an associate director for education and outreach with the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York. Catnip looks somewhat like mint. To harvest take a pair of sharp scissors and cut as cleanly as possible. By Here are a few possible explanations and discussion of the points that arise: Nepeta cataria is a smallish herb, growing up to 3 feet tall and forming a low, fuzzy shrub with dusty-looking leaves and purple and white flowers. Valerian root and valerian leaves can cause a reaction in cats very similar to catnip, but it … Catnip, it seems, kindles a little bit of everything, exciting cats and allowing them to let go of their inhibitions. The answer may be to attract insects that will subsequently assist in cross-pollination or help plants in other ways (e.g. First, if your cat just smells the compound in catnip, it will act as a stimulant and your cat may seem like it is going crazy with tons of extra energy. The catnip plant has jagged leaves and when in bloom, it has. 7 strange things that fell from the sky, Stunning telescope image of Jupiter and Saturn's Great Conjunction will amaze you. It is the nepetalcataria variety that most cats enjoy. This goes along with the theory of opioid activation, as opioids, in some species â cats and horses included â do cause stimulation of “go system” neurochemicals (a.k.a. This implies a general excitatory effect on areas of the brain, particularly those centered in and around the hypothalamus, the region that controls appetitive, predatory and sexual behavior. Please refresh the page and try again. Studies have also shown that lions, leopards and jaguars respond to the compounds found in catnip, though tigers appear to be unaffected, Kornreich said. You might ask why an innocent plant would be harboring such a powerful chemical. Look for jagged, heart-shaped leaves and thick stems that are both covered in fuzzy hairs. They are very strong feelings, and one could almost see how the cat owner feels when the cat wanders off. Valerian. Cats are receptive to a volatile oil (an oil that evaporates in the air) found in the stems and leaves of the catnip herb. In fact, only about two-thirds of cats will be drawn to catnip, exhibiting behaviors like licking, rubbing catnip toys, … Her actions seem goofy and comical, and somewhat resemble the uncoordinated and gleeful behavior of someone who's had a little too much to drink or is pleasantly under the influence of recreational drugs. Future US, Inc. 11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, "They assume what's called a kind of sphinx position, and they vocalize less," Kornreich said. Contrary to the belief of many, Nepeta cataria (a.k.a. Cats get frisky when they eat this plant yet humans find it relaxing. What are the uses of catnip for humans? Also, the analgesic properties of catnip may be helpful for cats in pain. Kittens under six months of age don’t respond to catnip. Along comes a cat with a nose for fun, discovers this interesting, perhaps pheromonally-attractive plant, which it proceeds to investigate and perhaps to chew. They may look blissful and euphoric, but what's really happening? Catnip is best acquired from a reputable source—go for organic and know the source. It turns out that it’s a particular oil in the plant that cats react to called nepetalactone. Catnip for Cats. Cats affected by catnip roll on the floor—which mimics a female in estrus. The active ingredient nepetalactone, is an essential oil which alters the behaviour of domestic and other cat species. However, some studies have shown that when cats are given compounds like naloxone that block opioid receptors in the central nervous system, catnip's effects are minimized or even eliminated, suggesting that opioid receptors might be involved. Moisture = soggy catnip. Catnip Explained. But when it works, it really works, appearing to drive cats wild with excitement. Catnip can be used in veterinary clinics, shelters, and foster homes in addition to a cat's own home to help lower stress levels. For example, tea made from the leaves and flowers of Nepeta cataria is said to relieve coug… "The results of this study suggest that a much higher percentage of cats — if not all cats — are somehow affected by catnip.". Currently, it is shipped almost everywhere and can even be seen in some animal stores in Spain. Even domestic cats' wild cousins aren't immune to catnip's effects. In the past, herbalists used catnip for medicinal purposes, although that’s not nearly as common in today’s advanced medical landscape. A member of the mint family, catnip is also used in food and herbal remedies. Home grown is even better. It is not limited to house cats. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae, which includes aromatic herbs such as rosemary, sage, oregano and basil. Why does your feline look like she is high as soon as she sniffs catnip? NY 10036. Catnip, like most herbs, will thrive in poor soil. Catnip can be administered in toys, in spare socks, sprinkled on cat posts, sprinkled near … But one of the things cats like the most is catnip; they go crazy over it. Catnip is actually a plant from the mint family.It contains the chemical trans-nepetalactone which causes the cats' odd behavior. Catnip-sensitive, feuding cats have been made to perceive each other in a new light following the application of catnip to one or both cats. The catnip response is inherited, and some 30 to 50 percent of cats lack the gene that lets them turn on and tune out. wasps that are attracted will eat aphids). It has been shown that exposure to nepetalactone has an amphetamine-like effect in some animals and will cause certain repetitive behaviors. Catnip grows to a height of three or four feet and has featherlike, light green foliage and small clusters of lavender flowers that grow on spikes. If a cat has behaviors that can be blocked by naloxone, might one of those behaviors — in the cat's perception — be euphoria? The way in which it works is very interesting. Luckily we don’t need a campaign to legalize catnip for medical use in our feline friends. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Not all cats respond strongly to catnip. But there's no information to show that catnip is operating the same way that medical cannabis, marijuana or cocaine does," Simon said. Some gardening sources … It also explains why some cats are immune. No one really knows why catnip is such a big attraction for cats. Catnip is grayish-green and can grow up to three feet tall. People can use catnip in many ways. "I've watched people closely who consume the drink, and I've noticed they seem especially frisky afterwards," mixologist Alan Walter jokes about the Here Kitty Kitty, a cocktail he created with catnip … They might look thin when you first plant them, but they will need … 03 November 2019. A cat reacts to catnip with ecstasy and unbounded joy. Alan Walter serves his catnip cocktail in a bowl, with a lemon peel garnish meant to look like unraveled yarn. Males, too, engage in rolling and rubbing behavior characteristic of estrus. What to Do With a Catnip Plant During the Winter. While cats are plenty silly on their own, there are few things like seeing your kitty under the influence of catnip. Not every cat will react to catnip. Stay up to date on the coronavirus outbreak by signing up to our newsletter today. We like to joke that catnip is like drugs for cats — but it turns out there’s definitely some psychotropic science going on when your feline gets into the catnip zone. Harvesting catnip is quick and satisfying, especially for your cat. Please deactivate your ad blocker in order to see our subscription offer, Mysterious asteroid the size of a dwarf planet is lurking in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn descend on world's tallest building in epic 'Great Conjunction' video, Extraterrestrial evidence: 10 incredible findings about aliens from 2020, 10 geological discoveries that absolutely rocked 2020, Fireballs, spaceships and … iguanas? It is not hard to understand why they like the catnip, and therefore want to look for it. catecholamines), as amphetamine does. Catnip allows your cat to goof around for a maximum of 15 minutes. Superficially, a cat's response to catnip looks similar to a narcotic drug response in people. ©Copyright 1999 - 2020. You will receive a verification email shortly. They’ll catch a whiff and next thing you know, they’re writhing on the ground, meowing loudly or otherwise acting way out of their normal character. But though still a mystery, the substance that attracts cats has been isolated. Cats are attracted to the odor of nepetalactone, which binds to receptors in their noses and often produces behavior that appears euphoric. Place a small amount of catnip on your cat's scratching post to encourage scratching, or in their carrier to encourage them to enter, thereby creating a positive association. Catnip mimics feline sex hormones, so cats enjoying this substance will often display behaviors similar to a female cat in heat (although both male and female cats can experience the effects). The term ‘catnip’ is thought to originate from the response cats show towards the plant. Nepetalactone is not attractive to all cats; only about 30 to 70 percent of cats are actually attracted to it. Cats like a lot of things: naps, eating, playing and laying in a warm spot. © What does Catnip do to Cats? She may roll on her back, dart wildly around, drool, lick the catnip and rub it on her face and body, or flop over and lie there purring. "It used to be believed that about two-thirds of adult cats adults respond — cheek-rubbing, rolling on the ground, vocalizing," Kornreich told Live Science. What happens when my cat has catnip? It is also unclear what sensations it is eliciting and what behavior(s) it is releasing. Nepetalactone targets receptors in the cat’s olfactory epithelium located on the roof of the nasal cavity which activates the same neural pathways as sexual pheromones.. Neil B. Todd found 31% of cats are immune to the effects of catnip. If a cat that is initially attracted to catnip does not ingest the material, it will not discover the “forbidden fruit” and will thus remain indifferent to the covert pleasures. But a study published in 2017 in the journal Behavioural Processes suggests that some cats may exhibit a less active response to the plant. What exactly is Catnip and why do some cats love it and others have no reaction? Some of the behaviors look play-like, so cats under the influence of catnip do seem to be in a good mood and having fun. Other times, a cat may simply be too young. But far more cats may be susceptible to the plant than once thought. "They become playful and get agitated, they get excited, and then they go to sleep. Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China.It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America. In humans, consumption of alcohol, marijuana, heroin or cocaine stimulates brain cells to release mood-altering dopamine. Catnip is non-toxic to cats. Visit our corporate site. 30 % or more cats do not react at all to catnip. For all our scientific know-how, we still have not uncovered the secret of why cats are attracted to catnip. But while cats may appear to be enjoying themselves when they're rolling around in catnip, scientists can't say for sure what's happening in the cat's brain and how it's being affected by the plant, Kornreich told Live Science. Hunters have used catnip to trap cougars and mountain lions, hanging dried plants to lure the big cats with their tempting aroma, Simon said. It's a question as old as time (or at least Egyptian papyrus): Why do cats like catnip so much? As may know, cats who like their catnip, REALLY like their catnip. As was mentioned earlier, nepetalactone is the chemical compound found in catnip that attracts and affects cats. Recent evidence is that nepetalactone, whose molecule has an opioid (opium-like)-shape, does indeed have an opium-like action. Cats like the smell of catnip because it gives them a sense of security and balance. It’s a volatile turpenoid, and has a specific chemical name: nepetalactone. Here are a few possible explanations and discussion of the points that arise: It may be that they all are correct. Reaction to catnip is … A sprinkle of the stuff on a toy or scratcher and a cat's eyes bug out, before the little fella writhes around on the floor, tail swinging back and forth, in a state of unmistakable euphoria. It's possible, but we don't know for sure," Kornreich said. Cats who nibble on catnip tend to have a more mellow response. Generally it is best to do this at mid-day or after the morning moisture has gone. Most say that it is a dominant gene so 70-75% of cats will respond to catnip, but it is important to note that kittens under 6 weeks of age will probably not respond no matter what their genes say. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a relatively hardy herb, thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. The IHC Group. New York, "They become playful and get agitated, they get excited, and … Originally from Asia and Europe, it was introduced in the United States and Canada by settlers in 1600. Catnip can be planted in your garden in spring or fall, from seed or plants. The best time to search for wild catnip is between July and October when the flowers are in bloom. All Rights Reserved, Sniffing, chewing and batting around the catnip source, salivating profusely, Rolling and rubbing themselves on the floor, Tandem kicking forward with the hind feet. Catnip is a perennial herb that is native to Europe and Asia but also grows throughout North America and Africa. For those cats who respond to the nip—experts say that’s anywhere from 50 to 70 percent of felines—reactions can vary from purring, rubbing, and vocalizing to rolling and even amorousness, says Dr. Sarah Gorman, associate veterinarian at Boston Animal Hospital. This can be explained by the fact that no behavior is unique to any one sex, not even a sexual behavior. Not Even a Contact High. Some cats only exhibit a passive response to catnip—they calm down and sit in a sternal posture, so many cats may actually be affected by catnip much more than we think.. How to Use It. Although it seems logical to assume that the estrus-like behaviors released by catnip would be a female-only phenomenon, this is not the case. Cats that come from areas where catnip is common are more likely to react. It seems that catnip in cats has similar effects to marijuana in people. Catnip, or Nepeta Cataria, is a perennial plant (meaning plants that generally live for more than two years, returning even after deep freezes like in our current Illinois climate) and is a member of the mint family. One source said that cats in Australia do not have the gene, but I could not find support for the theory. 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