<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCatnip is not addictive. Cats are fond of catnips, not addicted. Sometimes they like to ingest, smell and just roll around on it. Catnips are not dangerous, however, it should also be regulated since some cats have very sensitive systems.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/span>The science behind catnips<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nJust to be clear, catnips are not equivalent to addicting drugs for humans. Cats are very different from humans, that\u2019s for sure. Rather than addictive, catnips to cats are pleasures that they are happy to have but can eventually live without it. Here are some things that you need to learn about catnips and how it affects a cat\u2019s behavior:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3 reasons catnip affects your cats behavior<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>1.\u00a0Nepetalactone<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis is a herb with the same plant family as mint. Nepetalactone is a chemical present in catnips that are causing your cat to behave weirdly when presented with catnips. According to Kat Arney, a science British communicator, she said \u201cit exerts its remarkable effects by binding to special receptor proteins in a structure in the back of a cat\u2019s nose known as the vomeronasal organ, which is particularly sensitive to pheromones and other scent signals. In fact, it\u2019s thought that nepetalactone resembles a chemical in cat urine, which might explain its stimulating actions.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nNepetalactone is a stimulant that produces a certain reaction to cats similar to LSD and other drugs to humans. However, as what was said earlier, cats are different from humans. Cats would spend 10 minutes with it and move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>2.\u00a0Genetics<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA research showed that cat\u2019s reaction to catnips actually depends on genetics. Study showed that some cats are not affected by catnips. Cat\u2019s reaction to catnip is hereditary. Pam Johnson-Bennett, a cat behaviorist and author of several books explaining cat behavior, said that one third of the cat\u2019s population does not have the gene that reacts to nepetalactone. Your cats\u2019 reaction to catnip will vary, some of them will rub their body against the plant and some will just sniff and show interest due to sheer curiosity. Also, kittens will not get a reaction from catnip because their pheromones are yet to be developed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>3.\u00a0Cats reaction to ingesting, rolling or sniffing the catnip<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSome cats would be writhing, meowing loudly and just overall weird even with a small whiff of catnip. The response to catnip varies from cat to cat, some may eat it, some will roll on it and some just like to sniff until kingdom come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Humane Society reported that \u201cThe most intense catnip experience starts with the nose\u2014one whiff of the stuff and your cat promptly goes nuts. Researchers suspect that catnip targets feline ‘happy’ receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, catnip tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time. Other cats become hyperactive or downright aggressive, especially if you approach them. Usually these sessions last about 10 minutes, after which your cat loses interest. It may take as long as two hours for him to ‘reset’ and become susceptible to catnip again. Be mindful of overindulgence though\u2014cats are unlikely to overdose on catnip, but they can get sick if they eat too much. Trust your kitty to know when they’ve had enough.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nSo it is highly unlikely for your cat to overdose on catnips, however, like everything, it should also be in moderation. Your cat may get sick if you give him\/her too much catnip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Common Questions about catnip<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Can other kinds of felines get affected by catnips?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAll kinds of cats are affected by catnips. Reader\u2019s Digest reported that catnips have effects as well to big cats like lions and tigers with similar reactions to that of a domestic cat. They are seen sniffing, licking, chewing with head shaking and rolling over the catnips. A study conducted by Dr. N.B Todd suggested that big cat\u2019s responded when they were exposed to catnips. Dr. Todd tested this on lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars and snow leopards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>What are the symptoms that my cat had too much catnip?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nCatnips may not be addictive, but ingesting too much catnips may have effects on your cat:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vomiting<\/li> Diarrhea<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\nAs of now, no other symptoms are reported. However, catnip poisoning can be very painful to your cat and it would be best if you expose the catnip to your cat in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Can catnip affect humans, dogs and other animals?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAccording to Dr. Todd\u2019s research, noncats such as civets and mongooses are indifferent to catnips. However, they exhibited interest in the plant. Dogs, rabbits, mice, rats, guinea pigs and fowls were also tested according to Reader\u2019s Digest. These animals remained passive when exposed to catnips. Several reports stated that their dogs had a reaction to catnips. However, it has been debunked by several studies because dogs cannot process the chemical compound the same way. Catnips on the other hand can be used as a food to avoid diarrhea and muscle spasms. For humans, catnips are used and ingested like tea. It is said to have antibiotic, astringent and relieves muscular aches and pains.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo can your fluffy friends become an addict? No, not at all. Cats like the catnip but do not become addicted to it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2020,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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