Cats / Behaviour
A cat rolling, drooling and rubbing its face against a catnip toy looks completely unlike its usual composed self, and there is a genuine biological reason behind the transformation.
A cat rolling, drooling and rubbing its face against a catnip toy looks completely unlike its usual composed self, and there is a genuine biological reason behind the transformation.
Catnip, a plant in the mint family, contains a compound called nepetalactone. When a cat sniffs it, the compound binds to receptors inside the nose that connect to areas of the brain involved in emotion and behaviour. This triggers a short burst of what looks like euphoria, typically involving rolling, rubbing the face and body against the source, vocalising, and occasional bursts of playful energy. The effect usually fades within five to fifteen minutes, after which a cat becomes temporarily unresponsive to catnip again for an hour or two.
Sensitivity to catnip is inherited, and roughly a third to half of all cats show no reaction to it whatsoever, regardless of exposure. Kittens generally do not respond until they are three to six months old, since the trait switches on with maturity rather than being active from birth.
Catnip is non-toxic and non-addictive, and there is no risk of a cat overdosing on it through normal use. Eating a larger than usual amount can occasionally cause mild stomach upset, so it is sensible to offer it in modest amounts rather than leaving an entire plant accessible at all times.
Silver vine, also called matatabi, affects a noticeably higher share of cats than catnip, including many that show no catnip response at all, and is increasingly available through Indian online pet stores even though it is still uncommon on physical shop shelves. Valerian root is another option some cats respond to, worth trying if catnip and silver vine both draw a blank.
Article content © Ravi Teja. All rights reserved.
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