Can Kittens Get Catnip

Can kittens have catnip.

Can kittens get catnip. The chemical compound in the plant that attracts and affects cats is called nepetalactone. Catnip nepeta cataria is a perennial herb that is a member of the mint family. Kittens get catnip for the first time and some new toys. Can kittens have catnip.

Among those cats who do like catnip you ll find two basic kinds of reactions. These hard wired preferences aren t immediately apparent though since kittens under the age of 3 months don t react to catnip at all. When cats get a whiff of catnip they behave similarly to female cats in heat erratic movements strange howls and all. It can grow to be up to three feet high.

Catnip is native to north america known for its unique effect on cats. Catnip releases feel good pheromones that over half the feline population are heavily attracted to displaying a subdued or in love behavior. If he s still young give it some time. The herb s influence is genetic so not all cats respond to it according to the humane society of the united states.

What about the effects of catnip on kittens. A very young kitty s response to catnip all over the floor by him will probably be indifference and that s totally normal. Not all felines respond to catnip. Ingesting catnip has no effect on a cat it s the nepetalactone vapour that the catnip gives off that your cat reacts to.

This out of fur experience is due to the active ingredient in the oil. It is found in the leaves and stems. Some cats become like a lazy drunk while others get a wired up crazy. He may wind up falling in love with his catnip toys when he gets a little older but don t be discouraged if he never seems to care.

Kittens usually have no sensitivity to catnip until they get to ages 3 6 months. Catnip can be identified by its heart shaped scalloped leaves hairy stalk and greenish grey coloration. It s perfectly safe to give a kitten small amounts of catnip however. The reaction can be intense but it s relatively short lived.

If a kitten is going to be a catnip lover you usually can tell that when he is 3 to 6 months old. Newborn kittens aren t usually responsive to catnip at all until they are about 3 months of age.