- What is catnip and why do cats like it?
Catnip is an herb related to mint. Like all mints, it has aromatic oils on the surface of its leaves. The magic of catnip comes from nepetalacone, one of the chemical constituents of its aromatic oil. When fragile membranes around the leaves are broken, the scent is released. A pleasure center in the cat's brain is triggered and they go into "cat happiness."
- Why do only cats react to catnip?
It's not known why the reaction to catnip seems to occur only among the feline species. What is known is that the ability to react to catnip is a genetic one. Cats that react to catnip possess a gene that programs them to react to catnip. The gene does not develop until after six months of age or so, and not ALL cats possess the gene. About 15 percent of the cat population does not possess the gene, so this may explain why your cat does not react. If they do possess the gene, cats of all sizes - from housecats, cheetahs, mountain lions, pumas, etc. - will love catnip. Worldwise saw this firsthand when it made a giant version of our bestselling SmartyKat™ SuperScratcher+ and donated it to a wildcat rehabilitation center in Folsom, California. The big cats went bonkers for the catnip in just the same way your housecat will.
- What do I do with it?
There are a variety of great uses for catnip. For example, you can:
- Sprinkle some catnip on the SmartyKat™ SuperScratcher™ or any other toy that you want to “recharge” for additional play and use.
- Create your own cat toys and stuff them with catnip. If you do not want to sew, simply fill the toe of an old sock with catnip and then tie a firm knot in the ankle.
- Sprinkle some catnip in any place that you want your cat to play.
- Sprinkle some catnip on your cat's food to increase digestion.
Many adult cats enjoy playing and rolling in catnip, and sometimes even licking it (kittens usually are not affected by catnip until they are at least six to nine months old). SmartyKat™ Certified Organic Catnip contains no straw or other fillers, so cats go crazy for it. And because it is organically grown, it is free of any chemicals or pesticides.
- Why should I buy SmartyKat™ Certified Organic Catnip instead of some other brand?
Quite simply, our catnip is the best available. It is Certified Organically Grown, which means that no pesticides are chemicals are allowed in its growing or processing. This is the best way to insure that your cat is being protected from potentially harmful chemicals or pesticides. In addition, our catnip is 100% pure. Many other brands add fillers to save cost. We use only pure catnip blossoms and leaves to insure you and your cat are getting the very best.
- My cat likes to eat your catnip. Is this normal?
Many cats like to nibble at catnip. SmartyKat™ catnip is 100% pure and certified organically grown, which means it is grown, processed and packaged without any chemicals or pesticides. It is perfectly safe -- most cats don't eat much of it anyway. Interesting fact: while cats enjoy eating catnip, ingestion does not cause the typical reaction. Catnip's aroma must be inhaled and reach sensitive nasal receptors to reach the cat's brain to cause a reaction.
- My cat doesn't seem interested in catnip. How come?
There are two possible explanation for why your cat is not responsive to catnip (or for why you think he is not):
1. As explained above, reaction to catnip is genetic. Cats must possess a gene for it. While most cats do, about 15 percent reportedly do not. Kittens, whether they possess the gene or not, generally do not react to catnip until they are from six to nine months old. Try reintroducing the catnip then and you will probably find that your cat will greatly enjoy it. If your cat is an adult, you may have one of the few adult cats that do not possess the gene.
2. Inferior quality catnip.
We receive letters all the time from cat owners who thought their cats didn't like catnip - until they tried ours. This doesn't surprise us however. Unlike many other commercial grade catnips, SmartyKat™ Certified Organic Catnip is 100% pure catnip leaves and blossoms - the part of the catnip plant that contains the highest concentration of the aromatic oil. Many other catnip brands are "cut" with straw, stems and other filler. This may fool the cat owner, but it doesn't fool kitty! Try some Certified Organic Catnip. We're willing to bet your cat that "doesn't like catnip," will!
- How do I store my SmartyKat™ Certified Organic Catnip?
Store our catnip in a cool, dry place out of reach of your cats if possible. Trust us when we say, they will find it! The freezer is fine, but not the refrigerator which is too damp. Plastic zip-loc bags and glass jars with lids are also good storage vessels.
Properly stored catnip can last about one year from harvest. We recommend (again!) taking a sniff. When you can no longer smell the catnip, it's time to buy a fresh bag. Toss the stale leaves into the garden and let them return to the Earth, naturally.
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