Introduction
Catnip - scientific name Nepeta cataria - is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family.
Nicknamed catnip due to the particular effects it produces in felines, Nepeta cataria is a plant that has found and is probably still used today in folk medicine .
In the course of the article, therefore, the main characteristics and properties of the catnip will be described, its uses in folk medicine and the particular effects that the plant has on the much loved domestic cats.
Warning!
What is commonly called catnip should NOT be confused with cat grass, which these felines feed on when necessary. More information is given below, in the dedicated chapter "Grass for Cats".
What is that
What is the Grass Cat?
Catnip, whose scientific name is Nepeta cataria (from the Latin cathus, meaning "of cats" or "relative to cats"), is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family ; so to speak the same family to which aromatic plants like melissa, marjoram, sage, rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint belong. It is not surprising, therefore, that another of the common names attributed to N. cataria is mint of cats .
Also known as catfish, gattaria or simply gattaria, N. cataria is particularly known for the effects it causes in cats. However, perhaps not everyone knows that catnip is also used in folk medicine.
Did you know that ...
Also the plant Teucrium marum (common name camedrio maro) and the Valeriana officinalis are sometimes called " cats ' herbs ", since they are capable of inducing effects similar to those induced by the catnip itself. Not by chance, often and willingly, all these plants are grouped under the name of "cat grass".
Notes on Botany dell'Erba Gatta
Catnip is a perennial herbaceous plant whose stem - erect and with a quadrangular section - reaches heights varying from fifty centimeters to one meter. The roots are secondary to the rhizome. The leaves are petiolate, heart-shaped at the base and with toothed margins. The upper leaf page is green, while the lower one is generally gray-whitish. The flowers are white-purple in color and bloom from May-June until August-September. The fruit is a tetrachenium.
The typical habitat of catnip consists of ruins, old walls and rubble, but can also grow along roads and in hedges. In Italy it is present on most of the territory, but it is not however a particularly widespread plant.
The smell of catnip is aromatic and characteristic, reminiscent of mint.
Composition
Substances contained in the Grass Cat
The active substances of catnip are contained above all in the essential oil of the plant, in whose composition we find:
- Nepetalactone and epinepetalactone (terpenoids);
- Karyophyllene (a bicyclic sesquiterpene);
- Thymol (a monoterpenic phenol);
- Camphor (a cyclic ketone);
- Carvacrol (a phenolic monoterpene);
- Pulegone (a monoterpenic ketone).
In addition to essential oil, catnip also contains flavonoids, saponins and tannins ; the latter considered responsible for some of the various properties attributed to the plant.
Property
Properties and Characteristics of the Grass Cat
By virtue of its composition, the cat is attributed different properties that are performed in humans, such as: sedative, antispasmodic, antipyretic and diaphoretic properties (ability to increase body sweating). These properties are mainly attributed to the tannin content and essential oil .
The tea obtained from the infusion in water of the aerial parts of the catnip are also attributed diuretic properties and the ability to stimulate the activity of the gallbladder (or gall bladder).
Finally, repellent properties against insects are ascribed to the essential oil contained in the catnip. In particular, it seems that nepetalactone is particularly effective as a repellent for cockroaches and as a fly killer.
Curiosity
A study published in the first half of 2018 highlighted how nepetalactone extracted by distillation from catnip plants can be effectively used to prevent mosquito bites in sub-Saharan Africa, thus hindering the spread of malaria in local populations. Although the study - conducted on some families in endemic areas of Burundi - has produced encouraging results, more in-depth research and epidemiological studies have yet to be carried out to establish the real clinical effectiveness of this remedy.
uses
Uses (not approved) of Cat Grass in Popular Medicine
By virtue of the different properties attributed to it, the catnip has been used and, very probably, is still used today by the folk medicine as a natural remedy against various disorders.
In detail, the uses of catnip in folk medicine include the treatment of fever, cold and even colic . Preparations based on catnip were also used to treat migraine and some gynecological disorders .
In the past, in France and England, catnip has been used for different times both in the culinary field and as a medicinal herb, as well as being used for the preparation of stimulating drinks.
Please note
The uses of catnip described above are not accepted by modern medicine, they have not been subjected to experimental tests conducted with the scientific method or have not passed them. They could therefore be ineffective or even be harmful to health .
The information given is for illustrative purposes only. If in doubt, consult your doctor.
Other Uses
Catnip is also used by lovers of the genus as an ornamental plant .
Effect on Cats
Effects of the cat grass on domestic felines
The effects that the catnip is able to induce in domestic felines (but apparently also in wild felines like tigers and leopards) are undoubtedly very interesting, so much so that many compare the plant to a sort of drug for this animal species.
In detail, when a cat encounters a plant of Nepeta cataria on its way, generally, it first sniffs it, then nibbles it and then rubs its snout. After that, the cat can:
- Lie down on the ground (tipping over) rolling on your back and turning from side to side. These actions are generally (but not necessarily) carried out while the animal rubs on the catnip;
- Start purring;
- Running, jumping and playing with amazing energy, often producing bizarre meows.
In some cases, the stimulation and the state of excitement reached by the feline due to the catnip are so strong as to lead to the appearance of aggressive behavior; while some cats do not seem to be excited by the catharsis but, on the contrary, they seem to be sedated .
Did you know that ...
Catnip is used in cat toys (for example, inside balls), often in association with valerian whose effects on cats are similar to those induced by the plant object of the article, in order to stimulate the interest and the game of the feline at home.
Does the Grass Cat attract all the Domestic Felines?
Despite what has been said so far, it seems that not all cats are interested in catnip. In this regard, however, in 2017 a study was published which seems to contradict this last statement. In fact, according to this study - conducted on 60 domestic cats - all cats would react to catnip but some would do it actively showing the behaviors described above, while others would do so in a passive manner, taking different behaviors, such as the classic "position of sphinx "and reducing its motor activity; other cats, on the other hand, would react to catnip with a mixed response, partly active and partly passive. According to the study in question, this different response to the catnip would be influenced by various factors, such as the sex of the cat, age and execution or not of early sterilization.
How long are the effects?
The effects of catnip on our domestic cats usually appear in a short time and last about 10-15 minutes, but there are exceptions as each cat reacts in a completely subjective manner to plant exposure.
Why do feline cats like grass?
According to some theories, it would be the nepetalactone contained in the plant that attracts the felines, as it should be similar to some pheromones produced by these same animals. However, this hypothesis is not accepted by all, but it is commonly believed that catnip is a sort of "recreational drug" effective only on this animal species.
Can Grass Cat have Toxic Effects?
From the evidence available so far, it seems that catnip does not produce toxic effects on felines that inhabit our homes. However, as a precautionary measure, before making the plant in question available to your cat, it is a good idea to ask your veterinarian for advice .
Usually, the catnip does not produce dependence in the cats but apparently it can cause addiction if it is supplied to the cat too often.
Veterinary Uses
Uses of the cat grass in the veterinary field
Catnip can be used in the veterinary field to help your cat on different occasions. For example, it can be used to get him used to a new kennel, or to get him used to scratching posts . Furthermore, in cats that are attracted to it, N. cataria can be used to stimulate particularly lazy subjects. However, even in this case, it is always good to ask your veterinarian for advice .
Grass For Cats
Differences between cat grass and grass for cats
Catnip whose properties usually induce a stimulation in domestic felines should NOT be confused with the herb for cats, a plant in which felines seem to feed in the presence of particular needs and to support a behavioral instinct.
The herb for cats, in fact, has nothing to do with the Nepeta cataria, but is generally obtained from rye seeds, barley, oats or wheat. It looks like thin blades of grass which are nothing more than the young leaves of the plants in question.
The exact reason why cats eat grass is still not entirely clear, although it is commonly believed that this can be a behavior that can be linked to instinct . In nature, in fact, after having hunted and eaten with its own prey, it seems that cats tend to eat grass to induce vomiting in order to expel the non-digestible parts of the prey. Even if a domestic cat hardly eats prey from it hunted, instinct pushes it anyway to feed on blades of grass. In addition, the herb helps expel hairballs and apparently also performs a laxative action .
According to another theory, instead, cats would eat grass to get valuable nutrients from it, such as vitamins A and D.
In light of what has been said so far, therefore, the difference between the two types of grass appears clear: while the herb for cats has the function of contributing to the maintenance of the health of the gastrointestinal tract, catnip acts at the level of the central nervous system exercising a more or less stimulating action.
