Why Cats Love Catnip
| Most people have heard that cats go wild for catnip, also known as nepeta cataria, a naturally occurring herb that is a part of the mint family. The question is, why? Originally used to lessen cold symptoms, nausea and coughing, it has also been used by humans as an herbal remedy to help induce relaxation, sleep, and to lessen anxiety. While there have been many uses for this herb among humans, catnip also has quite an effect on cats.
While not toxic in low doses, what is most interesting is that the herb contains a soporific ingredient that is similar to valerian root (used as a sleeping aid for people), which elicits the response in the feline brain. Studies have shown that it is the aroma of the herb, not ingesting it, which has such a striking effect on cats. While humans may not be able to sense any discernable scent from the herb, cats, which rely solely on their sense of smell, can detect what we can't. This causes most cats to have a remarkable response. Your cat may bat at the herb, roll around with it, kick it, and then, after a few minutes, simply walk away, only to return hours later and exhibit the exact same reaction. This is because the main ingredient, nepatalactone, which is an imitator of a pheromone, releases an essential oil absorbed by the cat's olfactory system when rubbed or chewed which causes a euphoric or aphrodisiac feeling in cats for five to fifteen minutes. |