Have you lately been thinking that there is no way to make your cat love you? Clearly you haven’t tried nepetalactone, which is the active component in catnip [1]. If your cat is one of the 60-70% of cats who respond to catnip, its use can make them love you for 10-15 minutes [1]. Cats will roll, chew or sniff catnip to inhale the nepetalactone, which binds to receptors in their noses [2]. You will notice your cat becoming more playful, vocal and active [2]. They may salivate and rub up against you, as the catnip has aroused them [2]. If you are into exotic cat breeds such as tigers and lions, catnip has been found to have the same effect on large cats as it does on small cat breeds [3].

Since the plant is so hardy, you can have an endless supply for your cat, because you can grow it in your own backyard [4]. Just be sure to gather the leaves when the plant is in full bloom and allow it to dry [4]. Once gathered, be sure to store the plant in a cool, dry room to keep it fresh [4].

If some catnip has accidently spilled into your tea or latte, do not fret. Catnip is not toxic to both cats and humans [2]. In fact, in humans is has very mild calming effects [2]. It may even help repel insects from you [5]!

            If catnip is too mainstream for you other more potent options are available. Tatarian honeysuckle and Japanese catnip both have a chemical similar to nepetalactone, but have a stronger effect in cats [1].

            Now if you’re worried about having to check your cat into rehab because he’s become addicted to catnip, do not worry. Catnip is not an addictive substance [5]. The nepetalactone doesn’t actually get into the cat’s bloodstream to affect its brain, so it acts through different pathways then typical drugs [5]. Also, cats do not get ‘high’ they get aroused [2].

            Stand up to not receiving the love you deserve from your cat and try catnip. With no side effects and only the possibility of love awaiting you it seems like a simple decision.

References

[1] Simms, J. (2013, September 26). Alternatives to catnip. In PetMeds. Retrieved February 18, 2015, from http://news.petmeds.com/news/how-to/alternatives-to-catnip/#.VOUhsFaGvHN

[2] Turner, R. (2007). How does catnip work its magic on cats?. In Scientific American. Retrieved February 18, 2015, from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-how-does-catnip-work-on-cats/

[3] Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Ed.). (2011). The Handy Science Answer Book (p. 440). Detroit: Visible Ink Press.

[4] Kowalchik, C., Hylton, W. H., & Carr, A. (Eds.) (1998). Catnip. In Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs (pp. 71-74). Emmaus, PA: Rodale

[5] What is catnip (n.d.). In Professor's House. Retrieved February 19, 2015, from http://www.professorshouse.com/Pets/Cats/Feeding/Articles/What-is-Catnip/