We need to talk about catnip...
Greetings, fellow felines of Whiskerland!
It is still – surprisingly – a little-known fact in certain circles, that kittens aren't usually sensitive to catnip until around three to six months of age. It's mainly humans who don't know this – but sometimes we cats forget too.
Catnip sensitivity is linked to developing olfactory (smell) receptors in a cat's nose. Combined with a fully-developed central nervous system, they enable us cats to experience the famously euphoric effects of what we call 'da hero herb' or 'da botanical bomb.' This gap between kittenhood (when we're not ready) and adulthood (when we are) can create a divide. In many cat households, one can observe an awkward period where adult cats are clearly partaking in catnip, yet no one has explained to the kittens watching why we are doing this, or why it's not yet their time to join in. We're just not very good at having that conversation.
As a cat society, it's time that changed – it's time for us to 'cat up,' develop some 'we're-better-than-doggies' skills, and learn how to talk to kittens about catnip. Here's a refresher, and some top tips, so you can hone your skills, and find the right way to 'show and tell' your kittens the truth about catnip!
What is Catnip?
Catnip is a herb from the mint family that makes us go crazy. That's crazy in a good way – crazy happy, crazy silly, crazy chilled – not crazy in a bad way, like that mad old cat who lives round the corner, looks unwashed, smells eggy, and still, at the age of 16 in cat years, tries to chase its tail.
Catnip is filled with special magical oils, and the one you need to know about is called nepetalactone. (Top tip: get kittens to say it back: nep-et-alac-tone). In our household, we call nepetalactone the MVP – most valuable party starter. Kittens like fun, and they like to feel safe – what's safer than a party at home with mom and dad?
Why Do Cats Like Catnip? Show Them Through Catnip Toys
A fun way to answer the question 'Why do cats like catnip?' and introduce catnip, is through catnip toys for cats, from stuffed mice (my personal favorite) to crinkly balls (which I'm less keen on, because it's also my uncle's nickname), to miniature catnip cats (which I just think is weird). When an older kitten or younger cat is 'of age' and gets its first whiff of a catnip mouse, its olfactory receptors will send signals to its developing brain, triggering that burst of bliss we grown-up cool cats know and love. They will experience it not as part of a science lesson, or in the form of a scattering of innocent (and dare I say it, to a young cat that doesn't want to eat its greens) unappealing green herbs, but as a feeling. Then, afterwards – you can explain 'WTF just happened' with some science…
The Science Behind Catnip: Why Does Catnip Make Cats Crazy?
How far into the science do you need to go when telling young cats about catnip? Well, that really depends on the cat – some are inquisitive and want to know how things work, while others remain sensory-driven throughout their lives, just following the scent of whatever food/butt/catnip crosses their path. The key is for you to be armed and ready with the knowledge. Don't force-feed them, but do be open and discuss things, and then, if they are willing to learn (rather than just enjoy), that's a bonus.
And in case you need reminding, it's all about the interaction between nepetalactone, the receptors in our nose it binds to, and the sensory neurons that those stimulate. The result? As the daft feline pop artist Andy Cathol said: "Every cat can be world-famous for 15 minutes – or at least, on catnip, they'll think they are".
The Catnip Experience: What Happens?
Learning to Catnip Responsibly
After you've introduced a young cat to catnip via catnip toys, and explained as much of the science as you think they're ready for, then they can start their journey towards experiencing dried catnip in an adult way: knowing what it is, understanding how to get the best out of it, and learning how to catnip responsibly.
Remember, ' a safe place is a safe space'—start at home in a familiar environment, give them plenty of room to roll, rub, lick, zoom, and snooze—every reaction is different—and let them know that whatever their vibe, that's OK.
Play Time
Once a kitten has had their first knowing hit, how about challenging them to actively develop their catnip appreciation skills by knowingly targeting different ways to use it, including:
- Catnip-induced Zoomies: have a sniff, and then run around like mad, as if you're being chased by an invisible foe
- Catnip-induced Rolling: don't just roll in cat nip; roll with purpose – how many side-to-side 180-degree rollovers can you manage in one minute? Really get that fur to soak up the delightfully dreamy scent of some top-of-the-range 'product'
- Catnip-induced Purring: get them to breathe (cat nip) in, breathe out, and then purrrrrrr – get your young cat to really zone in on those deep, internal vibrations. Feeeeeel the satisfaction. Nice!
- Catnip-induced Meowing: similarly, breathe (cat nip) in, breathe out, and then get them to share their joy with the world. Cats primarily only meow to humans, who are a great source of catnip, so encourage young cats on catnip to practice asking for more. Showing them where their humans can get them a free hit is a good start.
Can Cats Have Too Much Catnip?
What happens after a young cat has tried catnip is so important. They may have questions – be there to answer them. They may also feel a little funny, if perhaps they've overdone it. This is the time to explain that yes, you can have a bit of a catnip hangover: it's possible for the uninitiated or overexcited to overdo it, but it's vital young cats are reassured that all we're talking about here is some mild gastrointestinal inconvenience, or perhaps a little grogginess. Catnip is not toxic – it cannot harm or poison you, so there's no drama. Just get them to remember that moderation is key – a little catnip goes a long way in keeping us happy, healthy, and high as all heaven.
Different Forms of Catnip
Once your young cat has fine-tuned their furry best self and mastered their dried catnip enjoyment, start introducing different sources and products – more toys, sprays, even source plants. They may want to buy catnip for cats themselves, for family and friends, or even for a Cat Crack House Party. But try to remember, and to make young cats understand, that the best catnip experience comes from the best catnip, which takes us full circle back to the start of the learning process. Young cats need to know that:
Catnip is a natural herb – therefore, the catnip they use should say:
- 100% natural' on the label – meaning no nasty chemicals or artificial ingredients. All killer, no filler.
- Nepetalactone is the key active ingredient. The highest potency you can get is 78%. Anything less than that means they are cutting corners and compromising on their catnip experience.
Conclusion: Embrace the Catnip Madness
So, there we have it. 'Why do cats like catnip? and 'Why can't I have some?' I hear your little one ask as you roll and writhe on the floor in ecstasy. Now you know how to answer these questions, and now you know how to introduce them when the time comes. Here's to a happy family future of enjoying catnip together! One day, their kittens will see a cat on catnip and have the same questions: this is your chance to ensure your wisdom - not your ignorance – is passed down through the generations. And perhaps you can be that kind of grannie or grandad cat that gives them that first free hit in a Christmas stocking?
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