Why are Kitties Crazy for the Nip?

There’s no denying cats get a type of “high” from catnip that can make them go coo-coo for a few minutes at a time. This wacky sensation is most likely due to a chemical called nepetalactone in the catnip that cats are particularly sensitive to. Humans still don’t fully understand exactly what is going on in a feline brain while they roll, rub and kick at the catnip, but it is clear they are having one heck of a time!

So why do we allow our precious pets this sort of “drug” when such ideas are dangerous and illegal for humans? For one thing, cats don’t become dependant or addicted to it and try to seek it out for their daily fix. Cats may be happy when catnip is around, but they’re also cool if it’s nowhere to be seen. The effects only last a few minutes and then a cat will acclimate to it and may return to the catnip a few hours later for another few minutes of fun.

 Not all kitties will react to catnip in the same way and some won’t be affected at all, so there’s no need to worry if your cat isn’t jumping off the walls or spinning in circles on the ground. Just make sure to supervise you’re cat during catnip time to make sure they don’t hurt themselves…or knock your lamps over!

A variety of catnip products including catnip infused toys, liquid sprays and even catnip bubbles are available at The WHS Gift Shop, located inside the shelter, where all proceeds are directed right back to the animals in our care.