--- title: "All About Catnip" id: "199715" type: "post" slug: "all-about-catnip" published_at: "2020-08-24T05:28:17+00:00" modified_at: "2020-08-24T05:28:17+00:00" url: "https://petlandbeavercreek.com/all-about-catnip/" markdown_url: "https://petlandbeavercreek.com/all-about-catnip.md" excerpt: "Does your fur baby love catnip? Well, here’s why! Cat owners respond with laughter when they see their cat’s reaction to catnip, an herb in the mint family. Their normally lazy feline rubs her nose and cheeks in the catnip,..." taxonomy_category: - "Community" --- [Home](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/) / [Blog](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/blog/) / [Dogs](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/uncategorized/) / **All About Catnip** [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) # All About Catnip August 24, 2020 · Carley Kuehner [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandbeavercreek.com) ## Does your fur baby love catnip? Well, here’s why! Cat owners respond with laughter when they see their cat’s reaction to catnip, an herb in the mint family. Their normally lazy feline rubs her nose and cheeks in the catnip, rolls around on the ground, leaps around like a kitten, and then in roughly 10 minutes falls asleep. Most cats enjoying catnip also vocalize more than usual, but not all cats are equally respondent. Some people question the ethics of giving what appears to have the effect of a recreational drug in human use to an animal. But is it really the same? What exactly is going on when our cats act silly around this “magic” cat herb? There are many varieties of what is commonly known as the catnip plant (*Nepeta cataria* and other *Nepeta species*). They are all members of the mint family *Lamiaceae* that also includes such herbs as rosemary, sage, oregano, and basil. Catnip contains tannins, volatile oils, acids, and sterols. Although not native to North America, they were imported from Europe, Asia, and Africa and are now commonly seen in herb gardens. The plants also grow widely as weeds. The volatile oil nepetalactone found in the stems and leaves of the catnip plant is the component that cats react to. It is nonaddictive and completely harmless to cats. Domestic cats as well as their wild cousins seem to love the smell. They look high—are they? Jim Simon, a professor of plant biology and co-director of the Center for Sensory Sciences and Innovation at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, says no. The behaviors exhibited by cats when they smell catnip are those common to queens in season (females in heat.) The response to catnip is hereditary. Seventy to 80 percent of cats, both male and female, act this way when exposed to the plant. Kittens under the age of 6 months (when they reach sexual maturity), however, do not react to catnip. If it induced a high like marijuana does in humans, age would have no bearing on it. Enjoying this read? You'll love our puppies. Adorable, vet-checked pups looking for their forever homes — available now. [Meet our puppies](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/) It’s not only nepetalactone in catnip that stimulates a response, says Simon. Other compounds are similar in molecular structure, but not as strong. The odor of nepetalactone binds to receptors in their noses and the resulting behavior may appear euphoric. According to Dr. Bruce Kornreich, an associate director for education and outreach with the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York, these other compounds affect neurotransmitters, “resulting in inhibition of central nervous system activity.” A study published in[Science Direct](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635717301766?via=ihub) says that virtually 100% of cats respond to catnip, although the reaction in some is passive, seen in the sphinx-like posture they exhibit. Whatever their response, it’s definitely a pure pleasure for the cat that smells catnip. Check out your local Petland for a variety of fun catnip treats! [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandbeavercreek.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/) - 54 views Very Popular ## [Binx - Male #7238](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky/pomsky-7238/) ### [Pomsky](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 73 views Very Popular ## [Winnie - Female #7237](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/miniature-schnauzer-7237/) ### [Miniature Schnauzer](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 72 views Very Popular ## [Mary - Female #7236](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/hippo-mini/hippo-mini-7236/) ### [Hippo Mini](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/hippo-mini/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 73 views Very Popular ## [Sarah - Female #7235](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-7235/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - - 64 views Very Popular ## [Dani - Female #7234](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/bernedoodle-mini-2nd-gen/bernedoodle-mini-2nd-gen-7234/) ### [Bernedoodle Mini 2nd Gen](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/bernedoodle-mini-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 117 views Very Popular ## [Pugsly - Male #7233](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-7233/) ### [French Bulldog](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 76 views Very Popular ## [Gomez - Male #7227](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/chihuahua-7227/) ### [Chihuahua](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 88 views Very Popular ## [wednesday - Female #7230](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-7230/) ### [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - - 137 views Very Popular ## [Homer - Male #7228](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/cocker-spaniel-7228/) ### [Cocker Spaniel](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/cocker-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 167 views Very Popular ## [Dallas - Male #7224](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/havanese/havanese-7224/) ### [Havanese](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/havanese/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 212 views Very Popular ## [buckeye - Male #7223](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/beabull-2nd-gen/beabull-2nd-gen-7223/) ### [Beabull 2nd Gen](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/beabull-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) - 100 views Very Popular ## [Jet - Male #7219](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-7219/) ### [Dachshund](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(937) 986-1900](tel:(937)%20986-1900) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/blog/) - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/bringing-home-your-dream-puppy-how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it's a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/the-love-languages-of-dogs-yes-theyre-real/) Fact: your dog is absolutely saying "I love you"… just not with words If you've ever fallen down a relationship rabbit hole,… February 1, 2026 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/new-year-happy-dog-10-healthy-habits-to-kick-off-2026-with-your-pup/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/the-ethical-and-welfare-implications-of-buying-from-petland-explained/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/the-ethical-and-welfare-implications-of-buying-from-petland-explained/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/the-ethical-and-welfare-implications-of-buying-from-petland-explained/) Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional decision. And if you've ever paused and thought, "Am I making the right ethical… January 1, 2026 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/12-ways-puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there's a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [Why Are Petland Puppies So Expensive?](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/why-are-petland-puppies-so-expensive/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting… November 30, 2025 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [Puppy Gratitude: 10 Little Things Our Dogs Do That Deserve a Big Thank You](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/puppy-gratitude-10-little-things-our-dogs-do-that-deserve-a-big-thank-you/) How to say "thank you": A longer walk. A belly rub. A new squeaky toy that mysteriously disappears in a day. Or… November 1, 2025 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [From ‘Just Looking’ to My Perfect Puppy, All Thanks to Petland](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/i-went-to-just-look-at-puppies-i-left-with-my-perfect-match-and-a-whole-lot-of-trust-in-petland/) Confession: I didn't plan to fall in love that day.I told myself I was just browsing. Like someone who walks into a… November 1, 2025 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [15 Howl-Worth Pup Costumes For A Paws-itively Spooky Halloween](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/15-howl-worth-pup-costumes-for-a-paws-itively-spooky-halloween/) October isn't just for pumpkins and trick-or-treaters. It's also for the pups who steal the show before anyone's even rung the doorbell!… October 29, 2025 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [Where Is the Most Trusted Place to Buy a Puppy:Inside the Standards That Set Petland Apart](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/where-is-the-most-trusted-place-to-buy-a-puppyinside-the-standards-that-set-petland-apart/) Bringing home a puppy isn't just about finding a pet. It's about beginning a lifelong bond. Every wag, every paw print, every… October 22, 2025 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/sniff-crunch-zoom-the-best-fall-activities-for-your-pup/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/sniff-crunch-zoom-the-best-fall-activities-for-your-pup/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [Sniff, Crunch, Zoom: The Best Fall Activities For Your Pup](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/sniff-crunch-zoom-the-best-fall-activities-for-your-pup/) Summer may have had its beaches and barbecues, but when the season changes, autumn? Autumn is pure magic. The air is cooler,… September 29, 2025 - [https://petlandbeavercreek.com/where-does-petland-get-their-puppies-the-truth-behind-the-tails/](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/where-does-petland-get-their-puppies-the-truth-behind-the-tails/) [Community](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/category/petland/) ## [Where Does Petland Get Their Puppies: The Truth Behind The Tails](https://petlandbeavercreek.com/where-does-petland-get-their-puppies-the-truth-behind-the-tails/) Locking eyes with a puppy is easy. Doing your homework is the important part. Before those wagging tails and floppy ears join… September 4, 2025