Catnip: The Cat’s Weed That Repels Pests

Catnip is well-known to most cat owners as a plant that they like to munch on, mostly due to its intoxicative properties that help them relax. But studies have shown that there are even more benefits that catnip provides to cats. The chemical that causes this effect is called nepetalactone.

Interestingly enough, its effect on the cat’s body depends on how it was consumed. When consumed by smell, it acts as more of a stimulant, but as soon as it enters the digestive system, its effects reverse and cause the cat to be calmer.

The “high” that cats get from catnip occurs after 15-30 minutes of exposure, according to Texas A&M University.

And like human-enjoyed substances, catnip has varied (generally positive) effects on cats, ranging from constantly getting “zoomies” up to the other extreme of having no effect at all. Nevertheless, it is a tasty treat that your cat is sure to enjoy.

Of course, too much of everything can be bad. Overdosing on catnip can cause nausea and vomiting. In a case where that happens, it is advisable to remove catnip from the cat’s environment so as to prevent further effects. Over-exposure, in general, may also affect their tolerance.

There are apparent extra benefits to catnip, as some studies had shown that catnip releases a natural insect repellent, which protects the cat from pests that may live on their skin. Other mammals like chimpanzees also make use of similar compounds as a natural way to repel pests, especially in the wild.

Silvervine is the Asian equivalent of this curious plant, so pet owners on that side of the world may also give that at a much lower cost than imported catnip. 

References:

T. (2022, March 11). Feline Fine: The Benefits of Catnip. CVMBS News. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk/feline-fine-the-benefits-of-catnip/

Good News Network. (2022, June 29). Give Your Feline Some Catnip – Getting Hooked on it Has Benefits. https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/iwate-university-catnip-cat-mosquito-cell-press/