Catnip toys: what they are for and how they affect cats

The almost magical effect of catnip on cats has been known since ancient times. Substances that intoxicate four-legged pets are contained not only in mint, but also in valerian root. Let's explore how catnip affects cats if they have access to it. The effect of this plant on cats has a mysterious and striking effect.

Features and photos, plants

The plant has a strong aroma with lemon notes.
In natural conditions, the grass is rarely found at great height and has a tetrahedral stem. At the same time, catnip, the photo of which is presented in the article, does not grow upward, but spreads parallel to the ground. At the point where the plant comes into contact with the soil, a root is formed, and the catnip quickly spreads across the surface of the soil, forming an original living carpet. The plant has opposite foliage and funnel-shaped flowers, with lower petals shaped like an elongated lip. The inflorescences are placed in special whorl boxes. The lower petals are painted with dark dots. If the stem is broken, a pungent aroma immediately spreads due to the high concentration of essential oil. In forests, gardens, various wastelands and hills you can easily come across this unusual plant. Today there are more than 200 species of catnip. Catnip can reach a meter in height. The grass stem is usually uneven, and the flowers resemble miniature bouquets gathered together. The plant has white, pinkish flowers with brown spots, as in the photo. Inflorescences of a purple hue are less common. Some flowers are found with wavy edges and leaves that appear to be cut into a heart-shaped shape. All this luxury is complemented by the magnificent aroma of geranium, rose and lemon, harmoniously intertwined with each other.

What it is?

Catnip (or catnip) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. The biological description of mint is presented below.

• The plant can be found throughout almost the entire territory of the European part of Russia, as well as in the Caucasus, Siberia and the Far East. This perennial is better known as a weed.
• Catnip looks like an upright plant with a pubescent woody stem, ovate leaves and dense semi-umbrella-shaped inflorescences consisting of many small white-bluish flowers.
• The root of the plant is branched and quite powerful.
• Flowering of the perennial grass begins in June and continues until the end of July.
• The aerial part of the catnip contains nepetalactone, glycosides, saponins, tannins and bitterness, as well as ascorbic acid.
• The leaves of the plant contain the most essential substances, while the stem contains very few of them.

The essential oil of catnip smells like a mixture of lemon and tart geranium, which is why this perennial is also called lemon catnip. Sometimes people confuse catnip with lemon balm - both of these herbs look similar to each other, and lemongrass also has a smell with lemony fresh notes. However, if a person can confuse these herbs visually, then cats, with their unique innate sense, are not mistaken in this matter.

Catnip attracts the attention of cats and kittens precisely because of its ethereal lemon smell, but kittens up to six weeks of age remain completely immune to the plant. In addition, scientists have found that not all representatives of the cat family react to catnip, but only 75% of them

In addition, scientists have found that not all representatives of the cat family react to catnip, but only 75% of their number.

Why do cats love catnip?

Why do cats need catnip?

Today, many cat lovers use this fragrant herb to lift the mood of their furry pet.

And watching the behavior of a cat who has sniffed mint lifts the mood and makes the owners themselves purr.

The fact is that this plant contains a special essential substance - nepetaloctone.

This aromatic component has a stimulating effect on mature cats and encourages them to behave in extremely unusual ways.

Animals suddenly begin to rub their heads on the grass, sway on the ground, tumble and meow.

To someone observing such a picture from the outside, it may seem that the cat is intoxicated.

By the way, those who cannot figure out what to name a girl kitten should observe the behavior of their pet and choose the name that suits her character most.

Some time after exposure to catnip, cats will usually go to bed to regain their lost energy.

The smell of the essential oils of this plant causes very unusual and funny behavior in cats.

All cats are very sensitive to essential oils, and especially to nepetaloctone, contained in catnip.

At the same time, catnip does not have such a strong effect on them compared to valerian.

Nepetaloctone can cause mild hallucinations in cats that inhale the substance by affecting receptors in the brain that are responsible for emotional reactions.

When catnip essential oils are inhaled, a neuroendocrine reaction occurs in the animal's body, which causes behavior similar to what occurs during estrus.

When asked whether cats need catnip, every furry pet owner has their own answer.

Some people mistakenly believe that this plant can harm a cat’s psyche, while others, on the contrary, know why catnip is needed and actively use its properties for a variety of purposes.

Your furry pet will be very happy if you plant catnip on your property.

Impact principle

When a cat inhales the aroma of this plant, certain substances enter the respiratory tract. There a special signal is produced in the animal’s brain, namely in the hypothalamus. This is how short-term auditory and visual hallucinations appear, which explain the pet’s strange behavior. This can be expressed in purring, an unreasonable increase in activity in the form of games, jumping, running. This effect can last 10-15 minutes.

Question to the expert

What are the effects on a cat from taking catnip?

After a surge of emotions, the cat quickly gets tired and simply goes to sleep or doze. If parts of the plant enter the cat’s body, the effect may be the opposite. The plant affects animals in different ways; lethargic cats can become active and vice versa.

The animal owner should not be afraid of this. The cat itself will understand when to stop and stop inhaling the aroma of the plant. Many people are sure that catnip contains some dangerous substances that can be addictive. However, this is not true; it does not cause addiction in cats.

Schisandra bush

Comparison with regular mint

Catnip or in Latin Nepetia cataria. usually grows in vacant lots and roadsides. This is a perennial plant with a strong and tough rhizome. Melissa or Melissa officinalis L. is similar in appearance. But its leaves are ovoid in shape with a round base, they do not have a heart-shaped cutout, which catnip has. Melissa's flowers are collected in so-called whorls and racemes, but not as dense as those of catnip. These criteria distinguish these two plants.

Catnip and Valerian

Catnip differs from valerian in its safety for the animal.
It has a lighter chemical effect on the animal. This plant also contains other substances:

• glycosides;
• saponins;
• tannins.

Why cats love catnip

The substance nepetolactone contained in catnip is a biologically active substance that has a short-term effect on the animal’s psyche. It can cause visual and auditory hallucinations and a feeling of euphoria.

When ingested by a cat, nepetolactone begins to act within a few seconds, and this effect lasts about ten minutes. This does not depend on the gender or age of the animal.

Catnip has a relaxing effect. The difference in effect depends on the way the substances enter the cat’s body - through the respiratory tract or through the gastrointestinal tract. In this case, the opposite effect may be observed.

Peppermint can be used to influence her behavior. Special bags with dried mint leaves are available. Using them you can invigorate your pet or, on the contrary, calm it down. Some manufacturers treat their products with essential oils.

Material on the topic: Abyssinian cats.

Catnip: harm or benefit?

Since time immemorial, people have known about the unusual reaction of cats to the smell of this unremarkable plant, for which it got its name - catnip or catnip. Its effect on the body of the purr is somewhat reminiscent of the effect of valerian, despite the fact that these are two completely different plants.

Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant up to 1 meter high with triangular soft leaves and small white-purple flowers collected in a corolla.

How and Why Catnip Works on Cats

Not only domestic cats, but also wild cats show interest in the plant. They are attracted to catnip by the essential oil with a specific “lemon” aroma, which is due to the presence of the nepetolactone component. Special receptors are responsible for sensitivity to this substance in cats; they are transmitted at the genetic level, but not everyone has them.

Once in the nasal passages, nepetolactone binds to receptor proteins and stimulates sensory neurons that selectively affect areas of the brain, mainly the amygdala and hypothalamus, which regulate all emotional reactions of the body. Nepetolactone is chemically similar to hallucinogens, but it is not addictive and is completely harmless.

Many believe that catnip has an aphrodisiac effect, that is, it provokes sexual desire and corresponding behavior in the animal. Cats begin to rub their heads and whole bodies against surrounding objects, jump, roll on the floor and make inviting sounds. But it is worth saying that in cats with a choleric type of temperament, harmless grass can cause overexcitation of the nervous system and an attack of aggression.

The effect of catnip on a cat is short-lived, only 5-10 minutes. The animal will react to it again no earlier than half an hour later.

Interestingly, catnip also has an effect on the human brain, although not as strong. In folk medicine it is used as a mild sedative, and in cooking to add a lemon aroma to dishes.

What kind of cats usually like catnip?

As with valerian, not all cats are delighted with catnip. About 30% of purrs lack the receptor for nepetolactone. Among the rest, males and female cats aged from 1 to 4-5 years react most vividly to catnip. The older the animal gets, the less interest it has in such fun. As a rule, the plant has no effect on kittens under 6 months of age.

Why are cats given catnip?

Furry catnip lovers are given the plant as a reward after training or just to please. Sprays are convenient to use during training to a scratching post or a new sleeping place. They are often sprayed onto toys, and some already contain crushed weed inside. In addition, mint will help cats relax and unwind after suffering stress.

Catnip (Catnip) is commercially available in a variety of forms: bulbs, powders, and spray. You can get acquainted with the assortment and buy products for cat pleasure in pet stores in the city or on the Internet: https://www.zootovary.com/catnip-koshachya-myata-c-23_255_823.htm

Interestingly, mice and rats do not tolerate this grass and try to avoid places where it grows. In addition, nepetolactolactone repels mosquitoes and cockroaches, and therefore is included in some repellents.

Is there any harm?

Catnip is not addictive in animals, so it is considered quite safe, although we were unable to find any research on this. Owners should remember that catnip causes aggressive behavior in some animals, and accordingly they should stop using it.

On the Internet you can find testimonies from owners that their pets had seizures; perhaps the cause was an overdose or an individual reaction. It should be remembered that adding catnip to a cat's food can change its behavior and even reduce its mental abilities. We can give only one piece of advice - everything should be in moderation, you should not be zealous in using not only catnip, but also other means that influence the behavior of animals.

How does it affect cats?

Catnip, after inhalation, has an intoxicating effect on pets, animals begin to meow loudly, rub their faces and roll on the ground, females begin to behave as if they are in heat. Cats love this mint; most pets chew its leaves with pleasure. For humans, this herb is not dangerous due to its euphoria and does not cause hallucinations.

Cats are attracted to the strong smell of essential oils in mint. Grass has exactly the opposite effect on cats, provided that the pet eats it. After consuming mint, the animal becomes docile, calm, and sometimes apathetic, this is the effect nepetaloctone has on its body.

There is no need to be afraid of the ambiguous behavior of animals; the essential oil does not contain any narcotic substances.

The aroma of catnip, combined with the pet's receptor proteins, has a strong effect on neurons that cause short-term hallucinations. Excited reactions appear only for a while, then the cats come to their senses.

Useful properties and indications

Catnip has many positive qualities for cats, for example, catnip can rid an animal of worms and increase appetite during illness. The plant is non-addictive and is used to correct animal behavior under the following conditions:

• if the pet is excessively aggressive;
• to relieve stress before going to the veterinarian, before moving or a long journey;
• if the cat is too active and playful;
• when accustoming an animal to a tray (it is enough to place dried flowers under it to attract it).

The beneficial properties of catnip do not end there. The plant is used as a treatment and prevention of poisoning and infection with worms, as it has a bactericidal effect and can relieve muscle spasms.

Using pet mint is easy. To correct behavior, you can sew toys for cats and stuff catnip inside; you can also hang dried mint leaves and flowers from a scratching post, from a tray, or next to a place to sleep. You can add some dry leaves to the food.

Contraindications and harm

Before feeding your pet fragrant grass, you need to find out whether catnip is harmful in some cases. The properties of catnip in certain cases can harm the animal. When you should not use mint to correct behavior:

• if the pet reacts excessively emotionally to the plant;
• with a weakened nervous system and psycho-emotional disorders;
• It is better not to let pregnant cats smell the plant.

How to use correctly

Catnip can be used in a variety of situations:

• the pet exhibits aggressive behavior;
• too playful and runs around the apartment, knocking down everything in its path;
• you need to accustom your pet to the tray;
• the cat and the owner face a long or difficult journey;
• the cat is lethargic or passive;
• a stomach spasm occurred;
• the pet refuses to eat.

Catnip is useful for giving to cats infected with helminths. This plant has a pronounced anthelmintic effect. The catnip itself can be used both fresh and dried, while all its beneficial properties are preserved.

How to use?

You can buy catnip at any pet store that sells products for cats. The herb is sold in dried and crushed form, packaged in bags or bottles of various shapes and volumes, as well as in the form of a spray with a spray device, sticks for chewing and cleaning teeth. It is even included in some cat toys. The smell of catnip makes the toy especially attractive to the pet, but only at first - over time, interest in it may disappear. Dry grass or essential oil included in the toy loses the brightness of its aroma over time and gradually disappears.

The spray is considered the product with the longest shelf life - it can be sprayed where necessary and at the required frequency. Dry grass or crushed powder made from it can be added to your cat's food or scattered in small quantities in certain areas of the house. A stick with catnip, intended for chewing, will help accustom your cat to the procedure of cleaning its teeth if for some reason it ignores the usual means.

Cat owners who are familiar with the effects of catnip consider it necessary to have products with this plant at home and spend considerable sums on their purchase:

• a 100 g bag of dried catnip leaves will cost 100-150 rubles;
• a 50 ml bottle of liquid spray with catnip costs 350-500 rubles;
• a small package of cat treats in the form of crispy pads containing catnip, weighing 50 g, costs 130-150 rubles;
• cat toys and chew sticks are in the price range from 150 to 250 rubles.

To save money on the family budget, experienced cat breeders grow catnip themselves. This plant can be planted in your dacha or even at home in a regular large flower pot. Catnip is unpretentious, grows well and quickly, and does not require any special care. Cat mint is not afraid of pruning and replanting and takes root well.

Lemon catnip can be used in a variety of ways.

Soap bubbles with mint. The product contains catnip essential oil extract. This product is intended for active games with your pet. The cat reacts not only to the iridescent bubbles floating in the air, but also catches the tart lemony smell of mint, which additionally encourages the animal to play.

Sprays and dried catnip leaves can be used as desired. If you lightly spray the spray near the cat's litter box, the cat will show interest in this design, which means it will be much easier to train her to use this litter box for its intended purpose.

Sometimes animals don’t want to stay asleep in their place and, meowing pitifully, ask to go to bed with people. This cannot be allowed, because it will become impossible to eradicate this habit later. You can accustom the animal to its place by spraying it with catnip spray or sprinkling a small amount of crushed dried leaves of this plant. The pet will be happy to stay on its bed and over time will begin to do this even without the use of catnip.

When buying a dried plant, you need to know that only the leaves of catnip emit the smell, and the stems do not have such an aroma

For this reason, when buying dried catnip, you should pay attention to the quality of the raw material - it should not contain crushed dry stems. Otherwise, the effectiveness of such a remedy will be low.

Read on to learn more about how catnip affects cats.

Benefits of using mint for cats

We can say that this cat plant is like a behavior correction for some cats. For example, in very aggressive pets, after eating catnip, their behavior becomes docile and calm, while slow and lethargic cats can become active and playful. After consumption, this plant has a bactericidal effect, that is, it relieves stomach spasms.

Veterinarians confirm that mint is a good cure for stressful situations for cats. They calmly endure travel and various trips to the veterinary clinic. Also, this herb does not act as a strong drug; the cat will not get used to it if you control your pet and do not let it near the plant often.

After catnip became popular among cats, many experts began to produce special toys for cats with the smell of mint. And some owners independently sewed an artificial mouse from rags, placing dried cat grass inside. They also produced drops that drip onto a device for cats where they scratch their claws. Thus, cats do not spoil good furniture, but get used to the fragrant scratching post.

If your cat has no appetite, you can add some dried or fresh cat mint leaves to the food.

It is important to note that catnip is considered an anthelmintic. If this medicinal herb is not available in nature, you can plant it in a pot and place it on a windowsill where the sun's rays constantly fall

Watering frequently is not recommended; the soil should not be acidic. To prevent your cat from eating all the grass at once, after it ripens, you should pick it off, chop it up and dry it. Must be stored out of reach of cats.

If this healing herb is not available in nature, you can plant it in a pot and place it on a windowsill where the sun's rays constantly fall. Watering frequently is not recommended; the soil should not be acidic. To prevent your cat from eating all the grass at once, after it ripens, you should pick it off, chop it up and dry it. It must be stored out of the reach of cats.

In addition to the fact that cats love this grass, it is also rich in nectar, so bees are also partial to it. It is also added to vermouth, shampoo, and perfume. Some people use mint herb as a spice in confectionery, soap making, and cosmetic purposes. It turns out that the plant treats many diseases: it improves the gastrointestinal tract, soothes migraines, and eliminates cough. It also improves blood circulation, can cleanse the lungs, and overcome insomnia. And this catnip can also help get rid of mosquitoes.

Why give your cat mint?

Lemon catnip is used by owners to correct the behavior of furry pets. The herbal remedy allows you to make an aggressive cat gentle and docile. It will help to “cheer up” a lethargic cat and make him more active.

The product helps relieve stress, and therefore is used when changing the environment, to calm the animal during trips to the veterinarian. It allows you to quickly accustom the animal to the scratching post.

The benefits of consuming mint are as follows:

• positive effect on the body;
• stress relief;
• improved appetite and digestion;
• prevention of parasites;
• behavior adjustment.

The plant does not have a negative effect on the cat’s digestion and nervous system. However, you should not give it too often (20 minutes a week is enough): mint is addictive, and over time the pet stops responding to it.

Descriptions and photos of the plant - catnip

Catnip is an herbaceous perennial plant from the mint family that grows from 90 cm to 1.4 m in height. It has straight, green, square-shaped stems with brown-green foliage. The leaves have curly edges (triangular to ovate), with gray-white hairs on the underside. The fragrant flowers are small, white with spots of pale pink or purple, and bloom from late spring to mid-autumn.

What do you know about grass for cats?

There are about 250 species of plants in the Lamiaceae family, known collectively as catnips. Most of them are perennial plants that grow in height from 30 cm to 1 m. The catnip family grows in Europe, Africa and South-West Central Asia, in Russia it is distributed throughout almost the entire European part, in the North Caucasus, in the south of Western Siberia and the Far East, and was also naturalized in North America. Some are grown as ornamental plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies.

Most people associate catnip with its effects on cat behavior. However, if the plants in your garden are not damaged, cats will most likely not be interested in them. But some cats will roll around near the plant, meow, and even eat the plant, after which they fall into a relaxed, sleepy state. The thing is that big cats, such as lions, have inherited a specific gene - nepetalactone, which leads to such a sensitivity to the aroma of catnip. Cats that are younger than six months old and cats that have not carried this gene since birth do not have any reaction to catnip.

How does it affect cats, why do animals love it?

Harmful or not?

Many people think about how grass affects cats, whether it is possible to give their pet such a treat and whether it will end in tears. Is grass harmful to cats? Catnip is absolutely safe, and in some cases, even beneficial. The plant is not addictive. Let's consider the range of beneficial effects of the plant on cats:

• when used internally, it will get rid of worms;
• helps with spasms;
• reduces aggressiveness;
• calms down when going to the veterinarian;
• helps when training a cat to use a litter box (you need to put some dry grass under the pot).

Why else do cats need this weed? It’s very easy to control your pet’s mood with mint; you can sew a little mint into your favorite toy and take it out as needed. Although in most cases the grass is harmless, there are exceptions:

1. If your pet behaves aggressively under the influence of mint, then you should limit it from this plant. Such bursts negatively affect the pet’s nervous system.
2. It is also prohibited to give mint to pregnant or lactating cats. In pregnant cats, emotional outbursts can negatively affect the pregnancy of kittens.

Can it be given to kittens?

The essential oil that catnip contains is similar to the aroma of the pheromones that the cat family secretes during mating. Mint will affect the animal only after puberty.

Attention! When a kitten meets this plant, there will be no effect and no negative impact either.

How to use for pets?

There are many ways, and you can use both dried herb and various catnip-based products.

How to use:

• You can add mint to your food, and there are also edible bags of dry herb.
• Toys with grass sewn inside, drops and infusions with mint extract.
• Sprays are very popular in use, in this case you choose where to spray it, and it is very convenient to store it.

Effect of smell

Why do cats love this weed so much that they go crazy from its smell? The reaction of cats is explained by the fact that catnip gives them a feeling of excitement or a relaxing effect. When cats hear the smell of catnip, say in a certain place, they can purr, purr, and rub their whole bodies against the thing with a wonderful aroma. You can immediately determine whether the cat likes the smell or not.

What happens if you let a cat smell a plant? If you like the smell, you will be able to observe how the cat slightly opens and protrudes its mouth and releases a small amount of saliva. The cat will try to lick and chew the source of the smell.

Each cat may react differently. Some cats become more playful, cheerful and run around the apartment. Others, on the contrary, become lethargic, calm and more affectionate, even if they themselves have a complex character.

Attention!

Important ! Mint acts on cats for 10-15 minutes, after which cats develop a kind of immunity to the aroma of the plant. They will be able to experience such “joy” again only after 1-1.5 hours

Why is there no reaction?

Yes, about 30% of cats are immune to this magical herb. Why doesn't my cat react to the smell? The reasons may be different:

1. it only affects those animals that have already reached puberty, therefore, it does not affect kittens;
2. no effect on spayed and neutered animals;
3. the effect decreases in older animals;
4. Some animals lack the gene that is responsible for the perception of this smell.

Benefits and harms for humans

pros

• It is used to combat insomnia not only in adults, but is also absolutely safe for babies.
• Eliminates feelings of anxiety.
• Help with intestinal spasms.
• Improves blood circulation.
• Clearing the lungs of phlegm.
• Relieves stomach pain.
• Eliminates flatulence.
• Acts as an antiseptic.
• Used for asthma.
• Helps with both diarrhea and constipation.
• Oral administration is used as an anthelmintic.
• Ingestion prevents skin diseases.

To improve digestion, for gastritis and other unpleasant issues associated with the gastrointestinal tract, take catnip decoction orally.

1. 1 hour required. l. Dried grass pour a glass of boiling water and leave for 3 hours.
2. Strain the resulting infusion and take 1 tbsp before meals. 3 times a day.

For a cold, the decoction should be taken orally hot:

1. For 500 ml. You will need 1 tbsp boiling water. l. dried herb.
2. Infuse for 20-30 minutes and can be drunk as tea with raspberries or honey.
3. Be sure to strain before use.

Minuses

It should not be used for food or for treatment in cases of individual intolerance, also for pregnant and lactating women.

Catnip - what is it?

This plant has an official name - catnip. What is catnip? This is a perennial herb of the Lamiaceae family. Cats are attracted to it thanks to its lemon-scented essential oil, which contains a special substance - nepetalactone. Inhaling the aroma, cats and even lions and panthers experience ecstasy. And all thanks to the gene that programmed such a reaction in the cat’s body.

What catnip looks like: photo and description. The plant has a purple flower and green leaves.

Although the main use of this plant is not related to the pet industry. It is a spice that is added to food and also to perfumes. Catnip also has healing properties: it is used for inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, anemia, migraines, poor appetite, depression, and is used against worms and infections. Some people manage to take it as a hallucinogen. And in ancient times, catnip was added to love potions, attributing magical properties to it. Although this opinion is based, rather, on the fact that the plant acts as a pheromone.

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Benefits and benefits of catnip

The main effect that grass has on four-legged animals is behavior correction. Many owners and breeders use this feature to influence their pets. If under normal conditions the cat behaves aggressively, under the influence of the aroma of mint he becomes calm and affectionate. Lazy and slow animals are made more playful and cheerful. Essential oils of the plant have other effects:

1. Mint contains bactericidal substances. When eating leaves and flowers, they eliminate infections of the digestive system and relieve spasms of smooth muscles.
2. Veterinarians recommend using catnip as an antidepressant if the animal has suffered a stressful situation - moving, visiting a clinic, painful procedure, etc.
3. Fresh or dried grass added to food increases the appetite of small animals.
4. A small amount of the plant taken orally helps get rid of helminths.

Budra is loved not only by furry pets. The flower nectar of this plant attracts bees. In the perfumery and food industries, it is customary to use catnip in the formulation of soap, perfume, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages. The plant also has a healing effect on people:

1. Improves the functioning of the digestive tract.
2. Eliminates cough and cleanses the lungs.
3. Relieves migraines.
4. Improves the condition of blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation.
5. Normalizes night sleep.

At home, you can grow budra yourself. To do this, plant it in a small pot and place it on the windowsill. The place should be well lit. It is better to choose slightly alkaline soil. Do not water the plant too often. Ripe flowers and leaves need to be torn off, dried and hidden so that the animal does not get to them. Store dry raw materials in a cool, dark place out of reach of cats. If you keep a pot of the plant in the room, its smell will help get rid of mosquitoes.

How to give catnip?

Some owners are wary or negative about lemon catnip, considering it dangerous for animals. Scientists refute all fears: consuming mint has no side effects or harmful effects. An overdose of a natural remedy is impossible: animals intuitively determine the dose and, if it is exceeded, immediately stop consuming the plant.

There are four ways to give your pet healthy mint:

1. Buy catnip toys. They are presented in an assortment of pet stores.
2. Buy a plant at a pharmacy or collect it in the forest, chop it, dry it and give it to your pet from time to time.
3. Plant the herb in a pot and grow it in your apartment. The cat will consume mint as needed.
4. Buy supplements with mint, vitamins based on it, a special spray or drops at the pet store.

Growing lemon catnip at home is easy. Plant it in sandy soil and place it on a windowsill so that the mint gets enough sunlight. You can give your pet leaves of a one-year-old plant.

Why doesn't my cat react to catnip?

Peppermint may not have its effect on all cats. A specific gene is responsible for susceptibility, which may be completely absent or undeveloped in a particular animal. A similar phenomenon occurs in every third cat. Small kittens are also not susceptible to mint. You shouldn’t give mint or catnip to furry babies until they are six months old, as the kittens simply won’t understand what it is.

The unresponsiveness may be explained by the low concentration of essential oils. Usually their content in the leaves of the plant is about 3%, but for a number of reasons it can be significantly reduced, for example, due to lack of sunlight.