It must be very difficult for every dog ​​owner who has aloof cats to capture their lively shots! They are either lying down and sleeping, or sitting and looking at the scenery outside the window, looking so uncontested. As if it is your master.

But it is said that there is something that can make them change their usual posture, spin and jump and close their eyes! They look so cute as if they were a different cat! For this kind of cat-attracting artifact, we call it "catnip"!< /p>

What is catnip?

Catnip is also called cat grass, also known as Nepeta cataria, and its scientific name is Nepeta cataria. It is a non-toxic and harmless herb. Many pet stores in China will give catnip as a gift when selling cat toys. It can not only make cats excited, It also has the function of inducing vomiting of hair balls.

The reason why catnip can trigger all kinds of strange reactions in cats is that it contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which can stimulate sensory neurons connected to the brain and cause transient behaviors in cats after eating it. Changes, these behaviors will not cause harm to the cat's body, and there is no addiction.

From our pet cats to lions and tigers, everyone is highly susceptible to the effects of catnip. In early circuses, animal trainers would give them catnip.

How will catnip react to cats?

When they smell catnip, they will rub their heads, jump and roll, or make sounds. This reaction will last for about 10 minutes. Reactions to catnip are mostly hereditary, with about 50% of cats having this reaction. But Maobo basically has no reaction to kittens under six months old. Among them, some cats will not react to catnip.

Is catnip harmful to cats?

Generally speaking, catnip has no substantial harm to cats’ health, but never put catnip in cats’ food bowls, because if they eat too much, it will cause digestive problems. Try to shorten the frequency of use to once a week. Also, avoid giving catnip to kittens and pregnant cats, as it is not safe for them.

Cats’ reactions to catnip can be roughly divided into three categories:

· Severe addictive type

Such cats will be immersed in their own spiritual world, unable to extricate themselves, rolling and rubbing in catnip! Even those cats who love to be clean will get it all over themselves!

·Depend on your mood

Their reaction is not obvious, and they will cautiously test the surroundings, but their obsession is relatively short-lived. Generally speaking, idols carry heavier baggage.

· No response

Excluding kittens, some cats are too timid and nervous, and some cats do not respond to things like catnip.