Variety

Catnip makes cats go crazy

A perennial herb in the mint family, catnip is best known for its euphoric effect on cats.

Even if you do not have a feline pet many of you must have seen how a majority of domestic cats react when they are given a plant of catnip,which we call kuppamania in Sri Lanka.There are over 250 different varieties of catnip in the world but all of them are not popular with cats.

What exactly is this plant which makes most cats go crazy? It is simply a type of herb which is related to the mint family. Nepeta cataria (also known as catnip, catswort, or catmint) is a plant in the Lamiaceae family that is native to much of Asia and Europe, and is widely naturalised elsewhere. The common names can also be used to refer to the Nepeta genus as a whole. Common catnip is the variety of this herb loved by cats. The heart shaped leaves are grey-green and like spearmint have a scalloped edge. They are covered in a layer of fine, downy hairs, as is the stem. The plant will grow as tall as three feet, the top being a tall spike covered in small white flowers.

When exposed to this plant most cats start frolicking and rolling around in the catnip. Some will react primarily to the smell.Through chewing biting, rubbing, and rolling in the catnip, the natural oils are released from the leaves.

It is a harmless, non- toxic "high" for felines, cats do not always eat catnip not all cats are affected by the herb. It appears that a cat is either born a catnip addict of not, the sensitivity being inherited from its parents. So ,you may have a cat that goes absolutely crazy for catnip while others will show no interest in it at all. Whether you have a catnip crazy cat will not be evident until it is about three months old.

It is easy to spot whether you have a catnip sensitive cat or not as the signs can be quite dramatic. Once the cat is introduced to catnip it will begin by sniffing at it. This sniffing will become more and more frantic. Then it will start to lick and then even eat the plant. Some cats will rub their head and body against the plant and possibly start to foam at the mouth. Rolling around on the ground and emitting loud purrs and growls are also quite common. The cat will look as if it is completely mad and may even display quite uncharacteristic behaviour like leaping around and even becoming aggressive towards other animals. All of this behaviour is quite normal and will vary from cat to cat but one is for certain the cat certainly looks like it is enjoying itself.Cats enjoy the aroma more so when the leaves are withered and or damaged.The whole experience may last for 10 minutes or so, after which the cat will be back to its normal self.Even though catnip is harmless too much of it in one go may not be good for your cat, especially if it is is very small.

Do you know that humans too can get as much or more from catnip as cats. This herb forms an excellent base for herbal teas, sty addition to salads and flavoring for foods. The chemicals in catnip allow it to work as a mild sedative, lower fevers, sooth stomach troubles and help clear sinuses. It also is a natural insect repellent.

Catnip is a wonderful plant to grow at homeHowever, when deciding to grow catnip it becomes necessary to pick the right one. The best known variety is the one which cats are fond of, but remember there are over 250 different varieties of catnip in the world.

[Fast facts]

* Catnip, also known as Nepeta is genus of approximately two hundred and fifty species of blossoming plants in the Lamiaceae family.

* Catnip was given its name (the unofficial one) due to cats' fondness for this herb.

* Until after the age of three months of age all kittens are completely indifferent to the herb.

* Many adult felines including tigers and leopards react to catnip. Lions are a rarity as the majority of them are too sensitive for the effects of catnip, but some do react. Both male and female cats react the same way to it.

* Catnip grows well in light sandy soils in the full sun.

* It is a great mosquito repellent.

* Catnip has medicinal purposes in addition to being an attraction for cats. Catnip tea is beneficial against colds, fevers, and infectious childhood diseases. In tincture form it is know to be soothing for upset stomachs and diarrhea.Some have been using the leaves in soups and sauces for years.

* Catnip was used in England as a spice for meat as far back as the 13th century. The leaves can be added to salads, soups, stews and sauces. It is a member of the mint family so expect to have just that little bit of minty freshness in your food.

* Cats can smell 1 part in a billion in the air.

* The response to catnip is mainly via the olfactory system. However, even cats who can't smell can still respond to catnip.

* Catnip is also known by the following names: Cataria, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Heal All, Cat's-play, Cat's Wort, Catswort, Catwort, Chi Hsueh Tsao, Field Balm, Garden Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep.

* When sniffed, catnip will stimulate a cat, however when eaten it will act as a sedative.

*Pregnant women should avoid catnip.

Facts and pix: Internet