What is catnip?

Catnip is the common name for a plant species that contains a unique chemical that makes the cat react hormonally. A euphoric cat on catnip is quite fun to watch!

What is catnip?

Catnip is a cousin of mint. Catnip is a common aromatic herb found in the great deserts of North America. Catnip has been naturalized in Canada from its native roots in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Catnip has been used for centuries by herbalists as a treatment for colic, headaches, toothache and spasms. It is a mild stimulant when consumed in a tea. Catnip is an excellent sleep inducing agent.

What will my cat's reaction to catnip be?

The reactions of the cats differ. Some cats become hunters and fight with their toys. Some will just have fun and roll frantically. Some will just lie down and start biting, licking and salivating on toys with catnip.

Why does my cat act like that when he smells, licks or eats catnip?

According to a serious research conducted by James Black of "Kooky Kat" during her biology degree, the cat reacts to the natural chemical "Nepetalactone" found in the plant producing catnip.

The domestic cat and other big cats of nature: cougars, lynx, lions and panthers biochemically respond to a compound called nepetalactone. This chemical is the main constituent in the essential oil of catnip. Nepetalactone induces a harmless physiological response in cats.

Cats have a special gland on their palate. It is called the Vomeronasal gland. Essentially, it is used to recognize and analyze the pheromones of other cats, especially those found in feline urine. Népétalactone in catnip has a chemical composition very similar to cats pheromones, so that's why cats love it!

This reaction has been studied extensively and reveals a psychosexual response in males and females. One could say that catnip has an aphrodisiac effect.

Is catnip good for my cat?

It's affirmative. According to veterinarians, catnip is a good way to keep fit as you get older while losing weight and fat, which improves your health. You can give your cat toys that contain worry-free catnip. On the other hand, it is important that you should know that you should not feed your cat with too much catnip. 1 or 2 spoonfuls at a time, 2 or 3 times a day is enough.

Can my cat overdose with too much catnip?

This is unlikely because cats know when to say "enough". If you give too much to your cat, it will eventually divert his attention. This reaction will not last long because in a few days he will be back in your catnip hiding for another period of play.

Are there other uses for catnip than toys and games?

Indeed there are several others! You can use it as a training tool. Use catnip to encourage your cat to use his new scratch post or new soft bed. You can also use our Catnip Spray Rejuvenator essential oil to direct your cat's attention to specific points.

What should I avoid doing with catnip?

Very important  : never use catnip to train your cat to litter. For example, there are many new natural litter formats available on the market. Your cat may not like it at all and avoid its new litter box. NEVER put catnip in the litter to attract your cat to it. The reason being that it may eat catnip mixed with litter filled with feces.

Unfortunately, by ingesting this, it could cause many deadly diseases such as heartworm and fungal poisoning. In addition, the use of catnip in the litter combines the play area with the defecation area, which will confuse the cat.

My cat is already hyperactive and over-excited, maybe he does not need catnip?

Of course it remains your choice. Catnip can turn a hyperactive cat into plasma speed for a few minutes, but after that it will be well relaxed and will probably come to nap your legs.

Will catnip lose its aroma over time, what is the shelf life?

Cats respond to catnip at concentrations close to 1 part per billion. All essential oil-based herbs will lose their potency over time. The main reason is that nepétacactone is photosensitive to ultraviolet. Store catnip in the freezer to maximize freshness. Make sure your cat can not open the freezer door! The shelf life is approximately 2 years in a dry and dark place.

My cat does not react to the catnip. Why? An alternative?

About 15% of cats do not respond to catnip. Cats that are less than 6 months old (not sexually mature) almost never respond to catnip, regardless of their genes.

Asian cat breeds are usually not genetically programmed to respond to catnip. Some cats have the Veromonasal gland (mentioned above) that is either non-existent or non-existent. In this case, cats can not perceive the pheromone odors of catnip, preventing the reaction.

But rejoice because there are alternatives. Less popular plants create the same effect on cats. Valerian root and honeysuckle are two of them. Silver Vine (called Silver Vine or Matatabi) is very effective for cats that do not respond to catnip. Some of them will be able to have a reaction like the catnip. From The Field offers the "Ultimate Blend" of Silver Vine and Catnip as a solution.

How can I differentiate the quality of catnip? There are so many companies producing it.

First, pay attention to the color of the catnip. Like all plants, a bright green color is a sign of freshness. You can also try to smell catnip through the bag. With a powerful catnip, you will be able to feel it. But above all, get to know your supplier. Find out about his company and his products on the internet. Ask them where and when the catnip was harvested.

A yellowed catnip generally means that the catnip was harvested several years ago and rotted in a warehouse for a very long time before landing on the shelves.

From The Field grows its own catnip with farmers located in Washington State. All our products are always made with fresh catnip from this harvest of the year.

What are the available formats of your catnip?

The most common is the "leaf and flower". It is a dried mixture of leaves, buds of catnip flowers and very small pieces of stem. There is also the "Kitty Safe" powder format. Also the "Whole Bud" format, which is the intact upper part of the catnip plant (6 to 8 inches).

We also have compressed catnip, which we call "pellets".

The most popular format is our "Catnip Spray Rejuvenator" containing cat grass and water.

Are there other plants that contain this Nepi..Neppo ... Nipa ... Nepetalactone?

Yes there are more than 100 other plant species that contain nepetalactone.

Where can I get this excellent "FROM THE FIELD" catnip?

Our products are available in all good pet stores across the United States. You can see our  list of pet stores , classified by US states.

Also you can buy our products online. Visit our list of  online stores  that will proudly deliver your products to your home.

Here's a tip: find the perfect gift for your cat on our website and print the page with the product on it then go to your local pet store and let them know you want to buy this product. More often than not, they will make sure to order our products so that they are always available to you!