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A nip of delight for your kitty

Catnip, an herb in the Lamiaceae family resembling a mint with grayish-green leaves, is known to have positive behavioral and emotional effects on cats – and sometimes, even dogs. While some cats will do anything to roll in, sniff, or even eat a freshly-sprinkled pile of the leafy plant, others (approximately one-third, according to some sources) seem to be unaffected by it. Genetic makeup largely determines whether a cat will turn its nose up at the plant, or happily rub its nose in it for several minutes at a time. Exposure to catnip can elicit a temporary euphoric state in your cat due to its stimulation of cats’ pheromone receptors. Test your cat’s response to catnip by using a small amount at first. Most cats will respond by calmly purring, as well as pawing, licking, rolling in or eating the plant. Although they are in the minority, some kitties can become over-stimulated by the herb and respond aggressively by scratching, biting or growling. Cats less than six months of age are usually not affected by catnip.

If you’d like to give catnip a try for your feline, you can either grow it outdoors or purchase it at your nearest PetSmart store. The herb, available dried or fresh, can be used to fill soft cat toys or even sprinkled on the floor. You may want to consider purchasing a toy with a Velcro closure that can be opened periodically to insert a fresh supply of catnip. The fresher the herb, the better your cat will respond to it. To help keep your catnip fresh, store any unused supply in the freezer.

If you have any specific questions about using catnip for your cat, speak with your local Banfield veterinarian.
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