Anyone who owns cats knows what happens during an encounter with catnip: They sniff it first, rub against it like crazy, taste it with a cursory lick and then some cats will even consume it. The reason why cats go wild for catnip can be summed up in one word: "nepetalactone.” This is an essential oil found in the leaves and stem of the catnip plant that when crushed affects many cats like a drug.

Catnip stimulates many cats, but if consumed, it has the opposite effect and works as a sedative.

Seductive catnip

Classified as Nepeta cataria, catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family that goes by an assortment of names including “catmint.” A catnip plant can grow up to three feet high, and its hairlike gray-colored leaves and stems make it easy to spot in the wild. In summer, clusters of 3/8-inch white and purple-spotted flowers make it a colorful addition to any herb garden.

According to newscientist.com, “Nepetalactone closely resembles a chemical found in the urine of female cats. It binds to a cat's olfactory receptors that are involved in sexual stimulation, including those in large wild cats.”

The reason why cats go wild for catnip has been explained in human terms by researchers. They believe that a cat's response can be compared to a human's response to smoking marijuana or using hallucinogenic drugs like LSD. Some cats will respond with wild behavior reminiscent of exposure to an aphrodisiac.

Most cat experts agree that cats probably release “excited” pheromones during interaction with catnip. Pheromones are chemical substances released by animals as a form of communication. Some females will go so far as to act sexually, as they do when in “heat.” Still others are quick to point out that nonsexual behavior also occurs in the form of play.

Young kittens, less than eight weeks of age and not sexually mature, are unaffected by catnip. Much older cats, that are sexually diminished, become less sensitive to catnip. The fact that these two groups appear to be desensitized to the effects of catnip is one reason why researchers suspect that nepetalactone in catnip is different than a real pheromone.

Not all cats have sensitivity to catnip. Even in those cats that go wild for catnip, not all respond to it in the exact same way. It is believed that a cat’s reaction to catnip is inherited. Others cite environmental factors like stress and gender, as males are reported to respond more often than females.

While catnip cannot hurt your cat or trigger an addiction, too much of it can dull the effect through overexposure. For most cats a once-a-week treat is more than enough.

Looking for catnip and/or meds for less? Shop at the Petango Store and get $5 off your first order with coupon code '5MRKT2010'!

How to use the power of catnip for behavior training

If your cat responds positively to the power of catnip, you can use it as a tool to overcome problem behavior.

Motivate lazy cats: Some cats are lazy by nature and do not get enough exercise. If cats like this show sensitivity to catnip, use it in toys to encourage activity. Even after it appears that the effect of catnip has worn off, do not put the toy away. Many cats will return later, even up to an hour or two later, and will resume energetic interaction once again.

Retrain destructive cats: When a cat rejects its scratching post in favor of furniture in the home, catnip may help to make the scratching post or scratch box more attractive again. Rub catnip or catnip oil on the post, then make attempts to reintroduce it to the cat. Do not be discouraged if the cat does not respond immediately. If they like catnip, eventually most casts will begin to use the post or scratch box if you keep the catnip fresh.

There is one caution about the use of catnip. If you observe overly aggressive behavior in your cat, discontinue use immediately.

Most cat owners are happy to give their cat a wild catnip romp simply because it gives them pleasure. Experiment with different varieties of catnip to see which one your cat favors. Fresh catnip is also easily grown in patio pots. Watch your cat go crazy when you rub the leaves.