Cat owners are planting catnip gardens for their feline companions, and the kitties are going wild for it.
It's no secret that cats love catnip - the fluffy green herb stimulates physical activity and provides endless entertainment for cats and their owners. For outdoor cats, an outdoor catnip garden serves as a source of playtime energy. And it's super cute to watch.
Some cats are "fiends" for it, like The Taz, whose owner treated him to his own catnip plant.
And Cherie's curiosity led her straight to her special section of the garden.
But you may not want to mix it with the herbs meant for people, or else kitty will tear through everything.
Cats have a sensitivity to the oils produced by the leaves and stems of the catnip plant, nepeta cataria. When they sniff it, they exhibit behaviors similar to those of a cat in heat. These can include salivating, rubbing, rolling around, and vocalizations. Cats generally experience an uptick in energy, making them more playful and adventurous, albeit for a short time. Catnip typically affects cats older than six months.
"This response lasts for about 10 minutes, after which the cat becomes temporarily immune to catnip's effects for roughly 30 minutes," writes Scientific American. "Response to catnip is hereditary; about 70 to 80 percent of cats exhibit this behavior in the plant's presence. In addition, catnip does not affect kittens until they are about six months old and begin to reach sexual maturity."
Did you know catnip is a type of mint? "Nepetalactone, one of catnip's volatile oils, enters the cat's nasal tissue, where it is believed to bind to protein receptors that stimulate sensory neurons," Scientific American said.
And just look how happy these kitties are.
Catnip is considered to be nonaddictive and harmless, and can be a great way for owners to initiate extra playtime.
It's common for some cats to eat catnip too, which can actually put them to sleep.
Catnip can also give cats the munchies. Sound familiar?
Don't worry, Sparks is doing just fine.
So, show your cats a little extra love, and plant some catnip!
