On the Nip

mnemonic_hyperc · Oct 6, 2005

We adopted two cats a few weeks ago, and just discovered that they enjoy catnip (my other cat doesn't care for catnip or toys, so these two seem like maniacs in comparison).

My question is, can cats develop a tolerance to catnip? I want to make them more toys, but will their threshold for the nip keep increasing until they need lots and lots?

Also, are there side effects from being around catnip too long? We let them play with the nip toys for awhile when we're around, and then put them away so they aren't nuts all day long. Mostly because I don't want them to build a tolerance so soon.

I know I must sound like I've lived in a cave, please help.

pushylady · Oct 7, 2005

As far as I know, cats don't build up a tolerance for it like little furry junkies!

I think the only danger to catnip is the crazies they might get up to if they eat too much in one sitting.
Catnip does go stale, so toys will lose their attractiveness after awhile and need to be replaced with fresh ones.

coaster · Oct 8, 2005

I thought I remembered reading somewhere that cats do build a tolerance to catnip if they are exposed to it too oftlen, but I couldn't find the reference. When I tried to see what Google came up with, I came across this interesting article: Catnip Growers Assoc which says:

The high lasts five to 15 minutes, and then itâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]s over. The cat wonâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t react again to catnip for about an hour.

So, I guess maybe there's a sort of temporary tolerance.

pat · Oct 8, 2005

Originally Posted by mnemonic_hyperc

We adopted two cats a few weeks ago, and just discovered that they enjoy catnip (my other cat doesn't care for catnip or toys, so these two seem like maniacs in comparison).

My question is, can cats develop a tolerance to catnip? I want to make them more toys, but will their threshold for the nip keep increasing until they need lots and lots?

Also, are there side effects from being around catnip too long? We let them play with the nip toys for awhile when we're around, and then put them away so they aren't nuts all day long. Mostly because I don't want them to build a tolerance so soon.

I know I must sound like I've lived in a cave, please help.

I have a catnip faq on my website that should answer most of your questions. They may have varying response to catnip depending on the quality of it (more potent catnips will be those where the blend is of catnip leaf and flower, with the highest concentration of the essential oil of catnip being in the flowering buds).
I would only give them a bit at a time, but with the toys, I've yet to see a day pass where Alix isn't giving one of her catnip toys a very serious bath and tussle

pat · Oct 8, 2005

Originally Posted by pushylady

Catnip does go stale, so toys will lose their attractiveness after awhile and need to be replaced with fresh ones.

Catnip's active ingredient is neptalactone, and it is sensitive to UV rays...so storing catnip in a container that does not allow light in is one way to keep it fresher longer. You can also store it in your freezer to extend it's potency.

As to truly going stale, the main source for my catnip, has a sample that is almost 100 years old - still got the kind of response you'd expect a catnip loving cat to have!

coaster · Oct 9, 2005

Pat & Alix - it's a good article, but I didn't see an answer to the tolerance question. So, still wondering about that. Thanks....

pat · Oct 9, 2005

Originally Posted by coaster

Pat & Alix - it's a good article, but I didn't see an answer to the tolerance question. So, still wondering about that. Thanks....

Ah, I thought I had...here try this one and go to the section titled "Can I overdose my kitty?" click here it gives you an answer, imo

coaster · Oct 9, 2005

OK, thanks ... I think that answers it.

On the Nip

mnemonic_hyperc

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pushylady

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coaster

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pat

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pat

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coaster

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pat

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coaster

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