When cats smell nepetalactone, they experience a brief but intense period of euphoria. They may exhibit a variety of behaviors, such as:
- rolling around
- rubbing their faces in the catnip
- drooling
- meowing
- purring
- chasing imaginary mice
- becoming aggressive
The effects of catnip on cats usually last for about 10-15 minutes. After this time, the cat will typically return to its normal behavior.
Why Give Catnip to Cats?
There are a few reasons why you might want to give catnip to your cat:
- It's a natural way to stimulate your cat. Catnip can be a great way to get your cat up and moving, which is especially important for indoor cats who may not have a lot of opportunities for exercise.
- It can help relieve stress and anxiety in cats. Catnip has a calming effect on many cats, which can be helpful for reducing stress and anxiety.
- It can promote bonding between you and your cat. Spending time with your cat while they're enjoying catnip can be a great way to bond and strengthen your relationship.
Catnip is safe for most cats, but it can cause some cats to become aggressive or hyperactive. If you're not sure how your cat will react to catnip, it's a good idea to give it to them in small doses at first.