Surprisingly, it is not only domesticated cats that have such strong reactions to Nepetalactone. Large cats, tigers especially, are very sensitive to the effects of catnip.
Some people worry that cats exhibiting such strong reactions to catnip might suffer side effects from it, but adverse reactions are very rare. The results of catnip exposure last only a short time, and may be followed by sleepy or sedated behavior, which is common with cats that eat the herb instead of just rolling on it. Some cats, such as the very young or the very old, may show no reaction to catnip at all. If you do observe vomiting or diarrhea in your pet after they’ve eaten catnip, limit their consumption. And don’t worry about your pet becoming addicted – catnip is a non-habit forming substance.
Growing Your Own Catnip
Catnip is easy to grow in many climates, but exercise caution if you don’t want it to take over your entire backyard. You can find catnip seeds or plants at most greenhouses, or growing wild in fields. One way to stop its rapid growth is to plant it in a submerged container, such as a plastic planter, or a bucket with holes drilled in it.
Once the plant reaches maturity, pinch off the leaves and either dry them and store them in a sealed container, or use them fresh. You can give your cat the leaves directly, or sew them into a small pouch for extended playtime fun. The catnip in toys does eventually lose its effectiveness, however, so keep that in mind if you choose to buy your catnip-enhanced toys at a pet store – they may easily be past their shelf life.
If your furry friend is a member of the population of cats that enjoys catnip, feel free to let your pet indulge. Catnip is easy to grow at home, virtually free of negative effects, and its stimulating properties are enjoyed by big and small cats everywhere.
