since the cats don't really get to play with toys anymore (solomon thinks they're all his) i made them 'toys' today by placing a small handfull of catnip in an old sock and knotting it shut. i made one for each, and was able to observe the difference of effects of this intoxicant on my feline friends. frech, the younger one, preferred to vigorously nuzzle the sock with her face, freak out, run around a little bit, and then go back for more nuzzling. she pretty much kept at it till i took it away. ripley on the other hand attacked her sock by biting it in a crazed fashion till she was worn out, then she retired to the upstairs bedroom and slept it off. does anyone know exactly what it is about catnip that is so appealing? obviously i figure it's scent related, i just wonder about the mechanics of it. if you're out there, clue me in.
1 comment:
Catnip works throuhg smell (you're right).
It contains "nepatalactone" which is a pleasure-release chemical for cats. They get a high that wears off after about 15 minutes. Just don't leave the catnip out all the time, since they do grow immune to it with overexposure.
It's also a good relaxant, once they get down off the high.
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