Catnip is a plant from the mint family that cats love and that performs many beneficial functions. Let's get to know it better with the help of an expert.
It is called erba gatta – or catnip, to use its English equivalent – and it is the herbaceous plant that sends domestic cats wild with joy, a sort of feline "drug" with countless beneficial effects and a few contraindications. Let us therefore get to know this magical little herb better with the help of Dr Valerio Ciarrocchi, veterinary surgeon, nutritionist and vet rehabilitator for Ultima petfood.
Catnip, also known as erba gatta, erba gattaria, gattaia, or cat mint, is a plant native to Europe. It belongs to the mint family and has a citrusy aroma. Its botanical name is Nepeta cataria. Cats are absolutely crazy about it, and this little herb seems to communicate excitement and joy to them. The effects vary from one individual to another, but they share a common thread: bringing happiness to the domestic feline. Once a cat is attracted by the scent of catnip, it will sniff it, rub itself against it and may even want to eat it. Felines in contact with catnip appear euphoric, out of control and eager to play.
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But why all this? Catnip contains nepetalactone, a volatile oil (and therefore a natural substance), whose action closely resembles that of a pheromone. According to the journal Scientific American, it has effects on 70–80 per cent of cats. Even if some call it a "cat drug", this little herb is absolutely harmless to our four-legged friends and has significant effects on their behaviour.
It is a perfect anti-stress remedy at times when the cat is anxious, for example after a move or after a tense situation it may have experienced at home. Playing with this plant can help it feel more relaxed for the rest of the day. The plant can also be useful if the cat is lazy and not keen on moving around much. Building a scratching post or a cat tree with a little catnip is enough to stimulate the feline to play and want to move.
It is worth knowing, with regard to the area where scratching posts or toys containing catnip are placed, that one should avoid spots where the cat could fall and hurt itself, or fragile objects it might break while playing. The feline's level of excitement can be so high that it will be unable to control itself as it normally would. On rare occasions, catnip can cause vomiting or an adverse reaction. In this case, the cat is likely to be allergic to the plant and it is advisable to speak to your own vet.
Catnip can be found in the wild, as the plant grows spontaneously in various locations: waste ground, slopes, hedgerows, embankments and the ruins of old buildings. Catnip can be purchased at pet shops or garden centres, where seeds for growing and ready plants are also available. Pet shops also sell it in dried form or as tablets, sprays or drops. There are even cat treats made with catnip whose "happiness" effect is guaranteed.