Pet Cats

It is not clear how catnip affects cats but its always a revelation to see a cat react to catnip, a plant that smells strongly of mint. The cat goes into throes of ecstasy & excitement, behaving as if it were on drugs. It begins to salivate and sniff and chew in a possessed manner.

Many cats begin to grind their bodies against the floor or the wall. Some even become giddy and loose balance as they try to walk around the room. Cats also show a assured degree of forceful behavior as they kick out with their front paws and flex their claws

Although it is not officially known as to why cats behave in the way they do after taking catnip, but some of their reactions are quite predictable. They loose their aggressive attitude, their inhibitions seem to melt away and they seem to embark on a fun trip very much like human beings under the influence of marijuana.

It is also possible that catnip has a sexual effect on cats because they are seen rolling and rubbing against hard objects (this works for male as well as female cats). Incidentally, kicking out is a symbol of predators, not of cats.

Science too has not been able to explain satisfactorily the effect of catnip on cats. However, it has been able to identify the substance in the catnip that affects cats. It is a volatile chemical called "nepetalactone". This chemical does not affect all cats, but only those cats that actually chew on the plant.

Nepetalactone has an opium-like molecule and an opium-like action in that, it stimulates certain pheromones in cats, which in turn sensitize certain receptors, quite similar to the effect morphine has on humans. It has a certain excitatory effect on the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls appetitive, predatory and sexual behavior in cats.

Catnip is not necessarily harmful for cats. In fact, it has some useful, medicinal properties that are rapidly being developed. However, for cat owners catnip remains a mysterious plant with its small, plane flowers. They can only gasp in amazement when they see their cats react to this plant. Some even give catnip to their cats for fun. However, this is an activity that should be avoided. There is always the possibility that the cat may get hooked on the plant, and behave in an abnormal manner.

Dont Scrimp On Grooming Cats
Biologically speaking, cats need to be clean and feel clean at all tim...
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Can Cats Live With Other Pets
This especially applies to cats and dogs. Ideally, these two species should be introduced to each other when t...
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Cat Eyes Are A Fount Of Mystery
Cats can thus shift their vision from side-to-side as well as from up to down, making it possible for them...
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How To Train Your Cat
This clicker method is by far the most common and useful way of training a cat....
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When Not To Get A Cat
You should also avoid getting a cat during holidays, unless you are sure of dedic...
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Cats Resources
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Declawing Cats Is Indefensible
Declawing is a painful surgery as delawing the front feet alone involves as...
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Grooming Cuddly Kitties Is Fun
The cats most right for lap training include: ...
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Bringing A New Cat Home
You need to adopt the following strategy to avoid trouble: ...
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Adopting A Cat Brings In Several Responsibilities
You need to keep the following points in mind before deciding...
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American Shorthair Cats Have Won Their Deserved Respect
It was only in 1965 that Shorthairs came to be regarded as popular an...
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Cat Bites Can Cause Severe Pain And Inflammation
Generally, the teeth of a feline tend to...
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Cat Toys Are The Best Way To Keep Your Pet Occupied
Toys need not be bought from the stores alone....
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Cats Body Language Can Help You Decipher Its Moods
The most important way in which cats communicate is by vocalizing. A purr implies contentment, a...
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How To Avoid Common Cat Rearing Mistakes
Some of the common mistakes that you need to avoid are: ...
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How To Handle Aggression In Cats
These cats use aggression as arm twisting tactics to...
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How To Keep Cats From Scratching Furniture
The following tips can be used to keep your pet from sc...
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Keeping A Cat Occupied Needs Time And Effort
There are many ways to keep a cat busy. These include building climbing frames, bird feeders, fish tanks or food puzzle...
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Maine Coon Cats Are Gentle Giants
Maine Coons have an extremely lovable personality ...
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Persian Cats Are The Queen Of Cats
The most important aspect of a Persians life ...
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Points To Keep In Mind While Buying A Cat
However, when doing so you must keep two points in mind. These are: ...
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Taming Feral Cats Can Create New Problems
Total feral cats are those that have had no previous h...
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The Siamese Cat Is A Delight To Behold
The Siamese is notable for its large, beautifully shaped, baby blue eyes, which are the main reason that the ...
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Tonkinese Cats Are An Owners Delight
Tonks are well loved for two reasons: their pleasing body structure and their even more pleasing personali...
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Traveling With Cats Needs Meticulous Planning
The planning must include some training for the cat. You must get the c...
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