🌿 What is catnip?

Catnip is one of 250 varieties of the mint plant family, also called Nepeta. Nepeta Cataria (the fancy name for catnip) has a scent that sends most cats wild. The essential oil produced by the plant, Nepectalone, is the key to the antics of our feline friends when they get a whiff or a taste of the stuff. It is easily grown around the globe and is a firm favourite with cat owners worldwide for its entertaining effects on our feline friends. 

👃 A superior sense of smell

Cats have a sense of smell that is another level compared to ours. With over 20,000 receptors, you can see why this stinky herb has an effect. Scientists believe that the scent mimics the smell of cat pheromones, bringing on the reaction that you might have seen in a female cat in heat. They roll around, rub and generally get pretty relaxed. Although, the catnip aroma affects both male and female cats similarly. 

😾 Not all cats love catnip!

You may have a cat who couldn't care less about this funny herb. According to researchers, 30 - 50% of cats don't respond to catnip, as they haven't inherited the gene that lets them tune into the herb. Suppose your puss is one of these kitties. In that case, the extra stinky Valerian or Silvervine might be an alternative natural high for them.