What is Catnip?

How it works:
Catnip is a plant in the mint family (it's also referred to as catmint). It contains nepetalactone, which causes the playful reaction that most cats experience. Cats detect nepetalactone through the outer layer of skin in their noses where the nepetalactone binds to one or more receptors where its thought to mimic a cat pheromone.

Cautions:
Do not give more than one teaspoonful of catnip more often than once a week. Some cats can react aggressively. If your cat becomes aggressive, stop using catnip and consider an alternative.

Active Ingredient(s):
Catnip

What is this product used for:
Catnip is a plant in the mint family. It is found throughout the United States and grows wild as a weed. Catnip is used as a treat.

Availability:
Catnip is a non-prescription (OTC) product.

How this product should be used:
Catnip should not be given more than once a week or the effects may diminish. Apply catnip to scratching posts or use catnip in stuffed toys. Most older cats will become excited or aroused as they smell, chew and eat catnip. When using freshly cut stems and leaves, bruise it slightly before giving to the cat.

What are the side effects:
Cats under 3 months of age do not usually respond to catnip. Not all cats are stimulated by catnip in the same way, and approximately one third of cats will not respond at all. The differences in response to catnip can be due to environmental factors, genetics and the gender (males usually respond more than females due to the effects of nepatalactone, the principle found in catnip). Typical responses to catnip include salivation, rolling and rubbing, running and leaping.

What special precautions are there:
Do not give more than one teaspoonful of catnip more often than once a week.

In the event of overdose:
Contact your veterinarian or veterinary emergency room.

How should I store this product:
To preserve the potency of catnip, store this product in the freezer, in the original container it came in.

Directions: