The catnip doesn't bear its name for nothing. Here's why cats love the herb and how catnip is used.
Most people know that catnip (Nepeta) has a very special effect on cats. But why the herb is so irresistible for cats and what else catnip can be used for is not known to many. In this article we will tell you how and why catnip has such an impact on cats and how you can use catnip in the kitchen and as a remedy.
Catnip is a popular plant in our gardens, rooms or on the balcony. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and there are over 50 different species of catnip worldwide. Their flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and they also look good in perennial or scent beds. For us, the bushy plant with the blue or white flowers smells pleasantly of lemon and mint, hence the name. For cats, however, there seems to be more to smell than that.
How does catnip affect cats?
If you have cats yourself, you may have seen it before: when our house tigers come into contact with the special mint, they suddenly behave extremely strangely. Catnip has a very special effect on almost all cats and even on their wild relatives - like lions and tigers. The plant seems to exert a magical attraction on the animals. For most cats and hangovers, catnip induces a euphoric, hyper-psychedelic state. Some animals even become hyperactive when they come into contact with catnip, rubbing against the plant or even rolling around in it. Other cats also nibble on the leaves. However, a completely different effect can be observed with dried catnip: cats sometimes become very calm and relaxed on contact. However, catnip does not have the same effect on all animals. Young cats that are not yet sexually mature sometimes leave catnip cold.
Tip: The almostYou can embrace the drug-like effects of catnip. For example, toys that have been rubbed with catnip suddenly become very interesting to your pet again. This is especially useful for house cats who are reluctant to exercise and have a little too much flab on their ribs.
Why does catnip work on cats?
The reason why cats are so enthusiastic about the special mint has not been fully clarified by research. What is certain, however, is that catnip contains the substance nepetalactone in its essential oils. Nepetalactone is probably used by the plant as a natural defense against insects and pests. This substance is very similar to the natural sex attractant found in cats. That would also explain why hangovers in particular are so fond of catnip. The smell of the plant stimulates the cat's sex drive - and it releases happiness hormones.
By the way, small amounts of catnip are completely non-toxic and there is no reason to panic if your cat takes a brave bite of a catnip leaf. You can also read exciting facts about 10 other plants that are safe for cats in this special article.
Tip: The smell of catnip is not only beguiling for cats: Lacewings are also attracted by the smell of catnip. These are a natural enemy of aphids and also a pollinator for your plants.
Catnip use and use
Apart from its aphrodisiac effects on cats, catnip can also be used by humans. Essential oil is made from catnip because of its pleasant scent. This should act as a deterrent to insects. Various healing effects are also attributed to catnip. It has been used as a remedy since the Middle Ages.
Catnip has the following properties:
- Relaxing
- Antispasmodic
- Painkiller
- Digestive
- Sweaty and diuretic
Catnip can be used fresh or dried as a tea. To do this, the fresh or dried leaves and flowers are simply scalded with hot water and left to infuse for five to ten minutes. In the Middle Ages, catnip was also used to treat toothache. All you have to do is chew some fresh leaves. So if you want to make your cat happy or enjoy catnip from your own garden or fromon the windowsill, read all about planting catnip here.