Cats & Cat Health

Have you ever seen a cat enjoying a catnip plant? We planted one in our garden a couple of years ago and Alfie loves it. Luckily only one neighbourhood cat seems to have discovered it, and as he is a senior cat Alfie stands back for him! But when I am with him he relaxes and concentrates on the cat nip experience. What is it that makes catnip so much more exciting than say mint? Our mint is growing right next to the catnip but all he does is sniff it. The catnip sends him into a paroxysm of delight. He eats it, he sniffs it, rubs it on his fur. If I pick it for him he almost scratches my hand in his eagerness to get hold of it. Only 60% of cats enjoy catnip and I am glad that mine is one of them. Strangely Australian cats do not have the gene for it but New Zealand do.

“When cats sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip, they may roll over it, paw at it, chew it, lick it, leap about and purr, often salivating copiously. Some cats will also growl and meow. This reaction only lasts for a few minutes before the cat loses interest. It takes up to two hours for the cat to “reset” after which it can come back to the catnip and have the same response as before. Young kittens and older cats are less likely to have a reaction to catnip.” (Wikipedia) The part that cats find irresistible is thought to be actinidine. ( Wikipedia)

Catnip is a small hardy perennial plant with gray-green serrated leaves that smell a little like mint. The plant thrives in a moist, well-drained soil and can be raised from seed, cuttings or by dividing the mature plants. Either they can be planted out in a sunny yet sheltered spot in the garden or you could put them into pots.

Other plants that also have this effect on cats include valerian. I discovered this by accident when I was taking a couple of valerian tablets to help me sleep. Alfie went crazy and searched everywhere around me frantically for the source of the delicious odor! When he found it he had to get at it! If your cat is around when you take valerian wear gloves-you have been warned!

If you want a gift for your cat this Christmas why not plant catnip in your garden or in a pot if your cat is an indoor cat?

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