Have you ever wondered why your kitty has a love affair with the catnip? Anything that has the scent of the catnip –toys, beddings, scratching posts, etc.—always get the full attention of most cats.

Catnips are actually herbs under the mint family. When the plant’s leaves are broken or torn, there is the release of a chemical that most felines are known to respond to.

Cats don’t have similar reactions to catnip. Though some may appear unaffected, some cats go crazy, a behavior that animal experts attribute to nepetalactone, the active ingredient present in catnip. Most cats will eat or lick the plant while some roll in it. Studies have shown that a kitty’s reaction to catnip is inherited. That is why not all cats share the same response to the herb.

Catnip is not addictive and won’t harm your cat. There are many cat toys embedded with catnip scent, making them more attractive to cats. Felines that respond to the scent of the plant are usually perceived to undergo some distinct changes in behavior.

Be sure to pay a visit to a Dunedin veterinarian. Visit the site of Highland Animal Hospital to know more about your pet's needs and set an appointment.