How far can a cat smell catnip

1) It’s a Type of Mint Plant

Catnip’s taxonomical name is Nepeta cataria. It’s also known as catmint. As you may have guessed from the name, catnip is a member of the mint family (it’s one of over 250 species in that family, in fact). The plant is native in Europe but has been successfully naturalized in Australia, America, and other places around the world. In fact, you’ve almost certainly driven by catnip at one point in your life: it’s a common roadside weed found along highways or in fields.
The plant grows to be up to 40 inches tall and is distinguished by its angular stems and soft, fuzzy, triangular-shaped leaves.

2) Researchers Don’t Know Why Cats Love Catnip

Catnip’s distinctive smell comes from an essential oil called nepetalactone. It’s the scent of this essential oil that has such a powerful effect on your cat.
Researchers don’t know for sure why cats love the smell of catnip, but they have a few ideas.
It’s most likely that the smell stimulates receptors in the brain that respond to your cat’s “happy” pheromones, causing your cat to enter a state of euphoria. Almost immediately, your cat begins to roll, rub, chew, and play with the catnip. Many cats also run around excitedly after smelling catnip.

3) Only About Half of Cats Respond to Catnip

You may think that all cats go crazy for catnip. However, it’s estimated that only about 40% to 50% of cats are significantly affected by catnip. It’s actually a genetic trait.
You may have also noticed that kittens don’t respond to catnip. Even in cats that have the genetic trait, they’ll only begin to exhibit symptoms once they’re 3 to 6 months old.

4) Catnip Produces a Mellow, Relaxing Effect When Ingested by Cats

Catnip is safe for your cats to ingest. In fact, your cat will love ingesting catnip: it produces a calming, mellowing effect on your cat. They’ll probably fall asleep for 10 to 20 minutes. Once they wake up, they’ll act like nothing happened and be back to normal. It will take a couple hours before they become sensitive to catnip again.

Many people are familiar with catnip, but not everyone knows what type of plant it is or the science behind how it affectsacat’s mood and behaviors.

This article will give you some insight on how catnip works, why cats go crazy for it, and whether there’s such a thing as a cat having too much catnip.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb that is a member of the mint family.

It’s a plant that is easy to grow in North America and has feather-like, light-green foliage with lavender flowers.

Catnip leaves have actually been used to make tea, and the flowers are said to relieve coughs. It’s also a main ingredient in some natural bug sprays. 

What Does Catnip Do to Cats? How Does Catnip Work?

Cats have an extra scent organ called the vomeronasal gland in the roof of their mouth. This special pathway allows scents that are collected in the nose and mouth to be carried to the brain.

Nepetalactone is the oil that’s found within the catnip plant’s leaves that can cause behavioral changes in cats.F    or a cat to be exposed to this substance, they have to smell the catnip.

Catnip mimics feline sex hormones, so cats enjoying this substance will often display behaviors similar to a female cat in heat (although both male and female cats can experience the effects).

These behaviors can include overt signs of affection, relaxation, and happiness. Other cats will display active behaviors, such as playfulness or sometimes even aggression.

For cats that have a positive experience with catnip, it can help reduce anxiety and even relieve pain.

Some veterinarians have recommended using catnip to help with separation anxiety if your cat will be home alone for an extended period of time.

Does Catnip Work on All Cats?

Not all cats will respond to the active compound in catnip. Veterinary studies suggest that about 60% of cats will have a behavioral reaction to catnip. If your cat does not react to catnip, you can try silver vine.

There is also evidence that a cat’s response to catnip is a dominant trait that’s based on genetics.

How Long Does Catnip Last? 

Catnip effects will vary in length, depending on the cat. Usually, the behaviors associated with smelling catnip will last for around 10 minutes and then wear off gradually.

It could then take 30 minutes without smelling catnip for the cat to become susceptible to the effects again.

Catnip does lose its potency over time, so it is recommended to keep it in an airtight container for maximum freshness.

Can Kittens Have Catnip?

Catnip is not harmful for kittens, but most cats won’t react to catnip until they are 6 months to 1 year of age.

Some cats can be exceptions to this rule, as they will slowly increase their sensitivity over the years.

Can Cats Eat Catnip? Is It Safe?

Cats can ingest catnip, and it may even be helpful for their digestive tract.

The catnip plant has actually been used in people for its antidiarrheal properties. With this said, it is important to prevent your cat from ingesting large amounts of catnip, as this can cause digestive upset. 

Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?

Too much catnip can cause health problems in cats, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or having trouble walking. Use just a little at a time, and you can always discuss the correct amount for your cat with your veterinarian.

Fresh catnip is more potent than the dried form, so you won’t need to give your cat as much of it. It is also recommended to avoid highly concentrated catnip oils due to their potency.

How to Use Catnip

Catnip is available in many forms:

• Fresh catnip (growing your own catnip plant)

• Dried catnip

• Catnip sprays or bubbles

• Toys stuffed with dried catnip

Catnip sprays are a good option for cats that get an upset stomach from ingesting the plant. You can spray your cat’s favorite toy or cat tree or cat scratcher. You can also sprinkle dried catnip on a cat tree, scratching post, or cardboard scratcher, or you can roll a toy in it.

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