The Curious Case of Catnip: Why Cats Go Crazy for ItIf you’ve ever sprinkled a little catnip on a toy and watched your cat transform into a rolling, purring, drooling ball of joy—you’re not alone! Catnip is one of those mysterious little wonders in the feline world that seems to flip a switch in some cats, sending them into euphoric bliss. But what exactly is catnip, and why do so many cats love it? What Is Catnip? Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. It's a perennial herb that grows in many parts of the world and is perfectly safe for cats. The magic comes from a compound in the plant called nepetalactone, found mostly in the leaves and stems. When cats smell nepetalactone, it binds to receptors in their noses and triggers a response in the brain—similar to the reaction to feline pheromones. Not All Cats Respond Interestingly, not all cats are affected by catnip. Sensitivity is hereditary—about 50-70% of cats have a reaction. Kittens under three months of age usually don’t respond to catnip at all, even if they have the gene for it. So, if your feline friend doesn’t react, don’t worry—they’re still perfectly normal. What Does It Do to Cats?
Is It Safe? Absolutely! Catnip is non-addictive and safe for cats to sniff or eat. However, too much can lead to an upset tummy, so moderation is key. A small sprinkle a few times a week is more than enough to keep things fun. Fun Ways to Use Catnip Here are some creative ways to enrich your cat’s life with catnip:
Alternatives to Catnip If your cat doesn't react to catnip, try these alternatives:
--- In Conclusion: Catnip is one of nature’s delightful little gifts to our feline friends. Whether it sparks a wild zoom-fest or just a mellow cuddle session, it’s a great way to enrich your cat’s environment and bond with them in a fun, harmless way. Does your cat go wild for catnip or prefer to sit it out? Let me know in the comments!
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Kitten basics when bringing home your new fur baby! We know how exciting bringing home a new companion is, and we also know that you might have questions or need support along the way. For basic pet care tips, please read below.The BasicsFoodKitten (under 18 months old) Purina Pro Plan kitten hard food: Chicken & Rice Formula
 Purina Pro Plan kitten wet food: Variety Pack
 Adult (18 months old and older) Purina Pro Plan adult hard food: Sensitive skin & stomach
 Purina Pro Plan adult wet food: Variety Pack
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 *If you wish to change the brand of food, we recommend that you purchase another nutritious cat food and introduce it gradually by mixing the current food in with the new food.
It's always crazy around here! The Maine Coons demanding their wet food! Lomiluskr Cute Cat Wireless Mouse, Lightweight Soundless Mouse, 2.4G Wireless Mice, Candy Colors, Kawaii Mouse for Girls and Kids (Milk Tea) About this item
PTLOM Pet Stainless Steel Litter Box - Litter pan for Cats of All Sizes, Rabbits, and Others          Small to Medium Animals
Cat litter box shape: rectangular Applicable pets: cats, rabbits, small and medium-sized dogs, other small and medium-sized pets Features:
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AuthorI'm Crystal Rhine, owner of Wildcat Creek Cattery LLC. Follow along to watch cute videos, see testimonies, cute pictures and Maine Coon information! 
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