Crazy Catnip Cat Toys

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an aromatic herb and a member of the mint family. It is a native species of North Africa and the Mediterranean, but now grows wild throughout Europe, North America, and many other parts of the world. Catnip is a perennial, meaning it will grow again and again each season after a single planting. It is considered a weed to most gardeners who are quick to warn that if you plan on planting it, it requires strict control so it doesn’t overtake the garden.

Although catnip has been used medicinally by humans since the 15th century, it is best known for its effect on feline species, including house cats and wild cats. The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone. The scent of catnip contains sufficient quantities of nepetalactone molecules so that when it is smelled by a cat, it is absorbed through the olfactory system and into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the ingredient interacts with special receptors that have only been found in cats. Cats have been found to be sensitive to very low concentrations of the active ingredient, down to 1 part per billion.

Not every cat is affected by catnip. Only 2 out of 3 cats show signs of catnip intoxication after being introduced to fresh, dry or liquid suspensions. Additionally, kittens less than 6 months of age are never affected by catnip. The response has been discovered to be genetic and is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Cats isolated in areas traditionally free of catnip, such as in East Asia, usually do not respond to the herb.

Typical responses of cats sensitive to cat nip are rolling on the ground or on the herb, licking it, rubbing the floor and other objects, jumping, running, growling, meowing, and purring. Basically, all stuff cats normally do, but exaggerated and in combination with each other. Some cats become aggressive and possessive of catnip. Other cats can become overly sedated. In every case, catnip is completely non-toxic with no negative side effects. The effects last only several minutes, until they become acclimated to its presence. The cat can again become intoxicated after 1 to 2 hours away from catnip.

Cat owners sometimes give fresh or dried catnip directly to their cats. Others prefer to use it in conjunction with cat toys made especially for use with catnip. Many of these catnip cat toys are like the standard furry mouse or small animal toy, but they have a hidden pouch in which catnip can be placed. The pouch is then closed up with Velcro so the catnip doesn’t fall out. The cat can smell the catnip through the toy, and as the cat chews on the toy, getting it wet, more of the aroma is released. The toy can be used multiple times before all the ingredients have been drained from the catnip inside. All that is necessary to refresh it, is to take out the old catnip and put in new.

Catnip is sold in several different forms. The dried flowering buds of the herb are the most potent. To use this form, some of the flowers and leaves are pulled from the bud and gently rolled between the fingers before use. The most common form of catnip is dried cut leaf. No preparation is necessary before use. Cosmic catnip and cat toys are among the most popular brands for cat owners. Cosmic catnip is popular because they offer cat nip and cat toys online.