Catnip : Makes Your cat 'high'

Catnip is of Asiatic origin and contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which is present in its leaves and stems. This chemical has a very powerful effect on some cats. Catnip, a member of the mint family, is a harmless "high" for felines. Although many cats will eat it, scientists say they're reacting to the smell rather than the taste. Felines bite, chew, rub against, and roll in catnip to release the volatile oil trapped in the leaves. Catnip is harvested when this essential oil production reaches its peak, and leaves and fragrant flowers are carefully air-dried to preserve essential oils at their best.

When a cat (normally over three months old) approaches the catnip plant and sniffs, it starts to lick, bite, chew, and repeatedly rub against it with its cheek and chin, shake its head, purr loudly, growl, miaow, roll over and over. Catnip seems to produce some sort of ecstasy drug trip, although unlike human drugs, after the cat's experience it soon goes back to normal with no ill-effects.
Catnip is not the only plant to produce magnetic effects on cats. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis ) and Actinidia polygama also produce strong cat-appeal.

How does catnip work?

Catnip contains various aromatic oils including one called nepetalactone, a mild hallucinogen, which is the main cause of the clinical signs. The receptor for nepetalactone is in the vomeronasal organ (also known as Jacobson's organ) at the back of the cat's nose and catnip needs to be inhaled to cause its effect.
Indeed it is a great chance to see a cat exhibit what is known as the Flehmen response where it pulls its gums back from its teeth and almost looks as if it is smiling. By doing this, the cat presses its tongue against the roof of its mouth forcing air through the vomeronasal organ. This concentrates the smell and allows the cat to concentrate the scent: to smell-taste, rather than just smell it.

When exposed to catnip some cats will rub (often with the chin and cheek areas), sniff, lick and eat the plant, sometimes followed by rolling over the plant. Following this contact with the catnip, behavioural changes are often seen. Most commonly reported signs of ‘intoxication' include having a ‘wild' or ‘drunken' appearance, vocalisation, rolling around in ecstasy and showing signs similar to sexual arousal. Affected cats look like they are having a really good time!! The effects usually last for a few minutes. Cats will then not react to catnip for at least an hour. In some cats, aggression can be seen with exposure to catnip. In these cats, it is probably best to avoid giving catnip treats or toys.
Cat owners often enjoy seeing the effect that catnip has on their pet. Catnip can be grown in the garden or purchased as a dry herb which can be sprinkled onto food, incorporated into toys or put onto a scratching post.

A recipe for catnip tea  from Kookykat  
1 heaped spoonful of catnip
125 ml boiling water
125 ml lactose free milk
Steep the catnip in boiling water for 10 minutes, stirring several times. Strain it. Add lactose free milk and serve.
 

Does catnip affect all cats?

First, not all cats do react to catnip. It is estimated that one third to half of the domestic cat population is unaffected by the herb. The reaction to catnip is inherited. Kittens that have only one parent that reacts have a one in two chance of reacting themselves, and kittens that have parents that both react have a three in four chance. Kittens under three to four months old do not react to catnip and with older cats the effect is considerably lessened.
About 80% of adult cats -- including lions, pumas, and leopards! -- react to this irresistible, intoxicating, analgesic soporific. The tendency to like or ignore catnip is inherited, and it's true that some cats are immune to its influence.

Susceptibility to behavioral changes has been shown to be inherited as a dominant trait in cats. This means that cats with one or both copies of the autosomal dominant gene will show behavioral changes when exposed to catnip. The effect is not seen in kittens, and in fact very young kittens tend to avoid catnip. Susceptibility to catnip starts to develop once kittens are six to eight weeks of age, fully developing when they are about 12 weeks old.

Also, if a cat that would normally have a reaction to catnip is in a threatening situation, or is outside of its usual surroundings, it may not respond to the catnip

Catnip has long been thought safe for humans. It has been prescribed by herbalists to treat nervousness, stomach complaints, flatulence, and even smallpox! Its leaves have been chewed to relieve toothache and it has been drunk as a tea as a cough remedy.  
Catnip is not dangerous for cats rather it is a very effective kitty treat for some cats, those that are susceptible to it, to enjoy.

Different Type of Commercial Catnip available on Amazon