Why do cats like catnip?

Catnip contains a substance called nepetalactone, which stimulates the cat's central nervous system, making them excited and active. This substance has a hallucinogenic effect on cats, similar to that of cannabis on humans. Therefore, cats tend to love mint. When cats smell or eat mint, they will exhibit different behaviors from usual and it will also stimulate their appetite.

Reason why cats like mint

Cats like the smell of some plants, including mint. After eating cat grass, cats will vomit the hair they've swallowed to prevent the hair from accumulating in their stomach. Cats are clean animals, and they generally don't reject mint, which can also help them remove body odor. Like humans, cats have their favorite smells. It's also possible that some cats don't like the smell of mint.

Symptoms of cats smelling catnip

Approximately 70% of cats show a strong interest in catnip, which is a hallucinogenic herb. When cats smell it, they will exhibit behavior changes lasting from a few minutes to tens of minutes. For example, the cat may roll around or lie motionless on the ground. It is not recommended to use catnip long-term as it can also cause harm to the cat's body.

How much catnip to eat at a time

There is no substantial harm or benefit to a cat's health from eating catnip. A cat can have one or two pieces at a time, and excessive consumption may cause indigestion. Most cats show significant behavioral changes when they smell or eat catnip, such as rolling, jumping, rubbing, and meowing. This has a brief stimulating effect on the cat's nerves, but long-term consumption has average effects.