Cat owners will be intrigued by a recent study that links catnip with pleasure and protection. The study revealed that the chemical in catnip, nepetalactone, triggers happy sensations in cats, while also protecting them from unwanted pests like mosquitoes.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip, also known as silver vine,  is an aromatic herb in the mint family, and it’s known for its ability to drive cats wild. It contains nepetalactone, a chemical which triggers a response in cats--from mild pleasure to full-on euphoria. Cat owners have long assumed that catnip is only for fun or stimulation, but this recent study signals that there are potentially many more benefits of this aromatic herb.

How Does Catnip Create Pleasure in Cats?

Scientists believe that the nepetalactone in catnip binds to proteins in cats’ noses, allowing them to experience a heightened sense of pleasure. As most cat owners know, cats can get very playful when exposed to this herb--they may sniff it, lick it, roll around on it and rub against it. It’s believed that the reaction is similar to what humans experience when we take certain drugs.

Catnip Isn't Just for Fun! New Research Says It Can Also Protect Your Cat from Mosquitoes

A recent study published in Science Advances has revealed that cats may benefit from catnip and silver vine not only for pleasure but also for protection. Researchers conducted the experiment on 25 domesticated cats, 30 feral cats, and larger cats including an Amur leopard, two jaguars, and two Eurasian lynx. The team found that after topical application of catnip and silver vine on the fur of cats, they were successfully protected from pesky mosquitoes and other parasites. The results indicated felines generally responded positively to catnip and silver vine and enjoyed the beneficial effects they offer.

What Are the Benefits of Catnip?

 While the primary benefit of catnip is giving cats pleasure, there are several other advantages that come along with it. In addition to being an effective natural insect repellent, catnip can help reduce stress and anxiety in cats. It's also been known to increase their appetite and has been used as an herbal remedy for treating ailments such as fever, headaches, stomach pain and diarrhea.

Other Ways Catnip Can Benefit Cats and Households

In addition to the pleasure and pest protection it provides, catnip can also reduce aggressive behavior in cats. It has been used to soothe cats during vet visits and vaccinations and is great for owners who want to get cats accustomed to new objects or locations. Catnip is effective for training cats to use scratching posts, litter boxes, and other such objects as well. Lastly, cat owners have found that catnip can often keep cats away from plants, furniture, and other items they may find interesting but don’t want destroyed.

Try adding some catnip treats to your cats diet as a preventative measure! The Greenies Catnip Treats will also assist with your cat's dental health too, that's a win-win!

How to Use Catnip Safely

Catnip can be enjoyed by cats in many ways, but it is important to use it safely. Never give or spray your cat with catnip directly — ingestion of large amounts of catnip can lead to digestive distress. Instead, buy cat safe cat toys that are impregnated with catnip or that allow you to add catnip to as required.  Alternatively, catnip spray can be applied to a toy if you want to give your feline friend an extended “trip” that lasts throughout the day.

Modern cat toys will now have an option to add a sachet of catnip to the inside

of their cat toy. Some cats enjoy a romp in the pet Greens Catnip plant that you can grow specifically for your pet cat.

Additionally, you can apply catnip spray  onto your cats furniture like their scratching post to reinvigorate its use and stimulate play. 

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