Throughout history, as long as cats have been around, so has catnip. It is believed that Ancient Egyptians, who worshiped cats (check out our post on
Ancient Egypt), were some of the first peoples to give catnip to their feline companions. From there, mentions of catnip can be seen all around the world. Catnip is native to Europe, the Middle East, and some parts of China. But is now easily available almost everywhere.
What is catnip, exactly?
Its scientific name is nepeta cataria and appears as a plant with small green leaves. To the human nose, catnip has an earthy smell that hinges on minty— which totally makes sense because it is technically part of the mint family! While it is most known for its effects on felines, catnip has historically been used to treat human ailments such as headaches and sleep problems. Humans have been known to ingest catnip by steeping leaves in tea or making salves from the plant.
Nowadays, catnip can be found in many different forms aside from the herb form sold at pet stores. You can now get catnip bubbles, oils, and sprays, just to name a few. Many popular cat toys have catnip inside them for an extra fun kick. Follow us on Pinterest for some great cat toy ideas
The real magic behind catnip comes from nepetalactone, which is a chemical produced by the plant to ward off insects that might want to take a bite out of it. A study revealed that the catnip plant actually evolved twice, which is why cats love catnip but don’t care about other mint plants. Similarly, spider plants are also known to act as mild hallucinogens for felines.
Did you know that catnip affects other animals too?
Catnip is completely safe for dogs, but interestingly enough, gives off the opposite effect! Dogs will be more sedated after ingesting catnip. Sprinkling a bit of catnip on top of your pup’s food will help aid their sleep and anxiety. Catnip can also help in digestion and provide some beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Catnip can be easily grown at home! It’s just a matter of making sure your furry friend doesn’t get to it before it has a chance to grow. Catnip can be stored in the freezer to prolong its shelf life. What better way to treat your kitty than with some homegrown catnip? Whether it be fresh or dried, it’s always a good idea to have some nip on hand, even if it’s just for the funny cat videos you’ll be able to record.
Recent Comments