"There's nothing like the presence of catnip to make a normally dignified cat lose his cool. One whiff and he's rolling around on the floor, looking half-crazed but ecstatic".

Catnip (nepeta cataria) is an herb and member of the mint family. The aroma of the catnip plant acts as a stimulant for most cats and sends them into a state of friskiness and euphoria.

A highly versatile product--cats eat it, play with it in a toy, roll in it, and lick it. These actions release the oils in the herb which are inhaled.

Bringing a Kitten Home

Introducing new Cats to the household

Protect your cat from common diseases

Using Bach flower remedies

Using Catnip

Along with being a fascinating and entertaining phenomenon, cats' attraction to catnip can also be put to use in modifying their behaviour. I often use a catnip spray or crushed leaves to persuade a cat to use his scratching post rather than his owner's favourite armchair!

Catnip can also be used to improve your pet's health. It can be used to stimulate exercise and playfulness encouraging older or overweight cats to exercise more. Catnip is completely safe and non-addictive for adult cats and a natural digestive aid. Cats usually aren't interested in catnip until they reach maturity at six to nine months of age. Domestic cats aren't the only animals who enjoy catnip. Studies have shown that the big cats--such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars--may also enjoy the effects of catnip.