How and why this special herb drives your kitty crazy

(hint: it’s not a drug!)

If you have a cat, you’ve no doubt heard of catnip and the effects it can have on feline behavior. You may be wondering whether it’s safe to give your cat catnip, whether it may be addictive, and whether it’s worth having your home turned upside down!

Well, you can take a deep breath and relax, because catnip is completely harmless for your cat. In fact, catnip is a naturally grown member of the mint family. It seems that cats have a special genetic disposition to this plant, which can change their mood and behavior, causing them to become anywhere from highly active to completely mellow, and some cats are not affected at all. Cats that do respond to catnip may sniff it, roll in it, and eat it, and when catnip is placed inside a toy or bed, make playing even more fun. You will have to introduce catnip to your cat to find out what sort of reaction she has.

For indoor cats, especially, catnip can be a very healthy addition to their lives. By ingesting catnip (up to one tablespoon per day), your indoor cat gets a bit of the greens she needs to stay healthy that outdoor cats consume on their prowls. Also, if your cat gets frisky when playing with catnip, it can also give her a bit more exercise to help keep her fit.