The Catnip Connection

PetSmart -

Catnip naturally stimulates cats -- they can eat it, lick it and roll around in it. The herb acts as a non-addictive hallucinogen, the effects of which generally last about 15 minutes.

For reasons we don't yet understand, catnip doesn't affect all cats, and it usually has a stronger affect on adult and older cats than it does on kittens.

You can buy your cat organic catnip in a box or bag, or you can buy toys filled with catnip. However, catnip gets stale fast, so catnip in toys isn't usually as strong as fresh catnip. Also, giving your cat catnip too often will lessen its effects.

To give your cat catnip, rub a little between your fingers and then drop some more on the floor. Be careful! Cats under the influence of catnip are often very playful and sometimes aggressive.

Catnip is also available in a spray that you can use to train your cat. Spraying catnip on a scratching post, for example, might entice your cat to use it. You can even grow fresh catnip indoors in small pots.
 

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