Catnip is pure ecstasy for cats. Lexie Lee's reaction to catnip is to roll around in it, rub her head against it, and lick it off the floor. This drug-like trance usually lasts ten to fifteen minutes for her. Then just as quickly as she reacts to it, she loses interest. A couple hours later she may reactivate to it, providing there is any left on the floor. Other cats respond by drooling, running, jumping, growling, chasing, and purring.

Catnip or catmint, Nepeta cataris, originated in Europe and Asia and is now grown in North America. If you are looking for an ornamental groundcover, consider growing catnip. Your cats will love you for it! I purchase dried catnip at the local pet store. To activate the catnip, I simply rub a few leaves between my fingers. It does not take much catnip to create excitement. If I find any hard stalks in the catnip container, I remove them and use only the fine ground leaves. Then I sprinkle the catnip on the floor for Lexie Lee. Sometimes, I sprinkle it on her scratching box. The cat's bedding, furniture, or toys are also other options. I don't recommend putting the catnip in food since it may upset eating habits.

According to Janet Tobiassen Crosby, D.V.M., cats have a special receptor for the catnip active ingredient, Nepetalactone, a mild hallucinogen. Some cats show greater interest than others. About 10-30% of cats do not respond to catnip since they do not have the catnip gene. Generally, very young or elderly cats respond minimally or not at all. Carolyn M. McDaniel, D.V.M. at Feline Health Center at Cornell University, reports there is no correlation between catnip sensitivity and sex, color, or breed.

Catnip is nontoxic and perfectly safe providing your cat with temporary amusement. I am just amused watching Lexie Lee's antics!

What is your cat's personal reaction to catnip?

Happy Purrs!