If you are a cat parent, you are probably aware of catnip toys that can transform your cat into an energetic, playful kitten. But what is a catnip, and why do cats like it so much? We are going to cover the remarkable history and usefulness of catnip, how it affects your cat, its advantages when used as a toy for your cats, and the most effective ones to get. In training, there is a need for calmness, passiveness, and energy in the cat. A catnip toy is an ideal solution to these needs. You may wonder what these animals see and feel when playing with these toys.
What Is Catnip?
Also called Nepeta Cataria, catnip is an herb that is a member of the mint family incorporating nepetalactone which is the probable cause for most euphoric outbursts from home pet owners. When a cat gets in contact with catnip, say through smelling or chewing. The act that follows is a behavioral response that is more like a high but lasts just a short period of time, about 10 – 15 minutes on average.
The reason why some cats are more attracted to catnip than others can be answered biologically and socially; there are reasons at play as well. There also is a long-standing rule that states a zero response to catnip. It is observed that approximately about 70% to 80% of lost cats react to it, while others are relatively unaffected. Also, kittens less than six months of age and older cats may desire to. But the changes are striking — and often amusing for those who respond!
Why Do Cats Love Catnips?
Typically, when a cat encounters that substance, it would attempt to rub itself onto it, roll around, and, in some cases, even jump or act hyper or wild. Some would even try to start mewing voices or chase after ghosts. What happens with cats and catnip is more biological. Specifically, nepetalactone attaches to nerves inside a cat’s nose and stimulates it, making the cat behave crazily, actively, and cheerful. They have pheromone-like properties too: it brings the cat into a playful mode.
On the other hand, I would like to address the fact that the effects of catnip are short-lived and last no more than ten minutes. Nonetheless, it poses no threat to your cat because it neither injures it nor creates any dependence. After the initial excitement, most cats lose interest in the catnip, but they may be ready for another round of fun in just a few hours.
Benefits of Catnip Toys
Now we can proceed to the benefits of catnip toys for you as well as for your pet, taking into consideration what catnip is all about and how it works:
Encourages Exercise and Play
Domestic cats are natural-born hunters and pretend play fulfills their needs. Catnip toys, for example, can get the laziest cats up and active. No matter if it is a catnip-filled mouse that is batted about with the paws or a stuffed fish filled with material that gets pounced on by a cat, such toys manage to get the feline pets off the couch Potato’s Potatso’s house and into action. Among other benefits, they also help to avoid obesity, improve muscle tone, and inter alia, the health of the organism.
Alleviates tension and worry
Even dull catnip toys provide some stimulation that may serve the function of stress relief in anxious cats. Catnip toys are especially helpful for cats that come across stress normally, such as newcomers to the pet household who go through a lot of stress when moving to the vet for checking purposes, among other reasons. Catnip toys will help to calm down the nervous pet and relieve cats’ anxiety and mood pimples.
Encourages Mental Activities
Catnip products make our cats mentally work and that’s best for their modesty. These ones motivate your cat to put her mind on how to spot, grasp, take off, and pounce on and wrestle with the toy. Such mental work is quite necessary for those cats who are kept inside since these high-energy cats need to be active and move around. By offering these toys, you are not only enhancing your live cats to play physically but also promoting their mental health.
Assists in Training and Behavior Modification
Cats sometimes acquire troublesome behaviors like tearing up sitting room attire or refusing to utilize their scratching post. Catnip toys will be useful to you at this time. Just a bit of catnip on such areas, like scratching tones or some telling-a-purpose catnip-infused toys, will successfully keep your cat’s cat’s attention on the right things and on the right toys, which will also ensure that your chair stays unblemished.
Fosters Relationships Between You and Your Cat
Whenever you indulge your cat in catnip toys, the bond you have with your pet is delightfully and energetically reinforced. Sky tossing bits of catnip or swaying a feathered cat toy is no more serious than splitting cabbage; nonetheless, playing with your cat strengthens trust and love towards each other and creates deeper relationships.
Choose the Best Catnip Toys for Your Cat.
Consideration should also be given when buying a catnip toy with regards to the type of the cat. How the cat plays around. Some enjoy running and pouncing, while others prefer lying down with a stuffed toy and exercising nothing. Here’s what to remember:
- Durability: Look for durable toys, as they help withstand your cat’s constant use of them, especially if your kitty likes to bite and chew them.
- Size: Check if the toy is the right size for your cat. Smaller cats may like lightweight and small toys. Maximum-feline cats, however, might prefer and enjoy big stuffed toys.
- Safety: Avoid using toys made from poisonous materials and construction materials with small parts that can be swallowed.
How to Introduce Catnip Toys to Your Cat
If your feline has never used catnip toys, worry not—it takes little effort to introduce them. Just keep one of the catnip toys near your cat and wait for the cat to sniff it or play with it on its own. You can also initiate the play by throwing or using the toy with your hands. Remember that catnip’s effect does not last as long, so giving your cat a game of catnip followed by rest is wise.