Catnip primarily contains chemicals that stimulate the nervous system in cats, such as nepetalactone. After ingesting catnip, cats may briefly exhibit behaviors such as rolling around, whining, sneezing, and frequent meowing. These behaviors usually disappear naturally after about ten minutes.
Although catnip is a natural, non-toxic plant that will not have long-term effects on a cat's health or cause sudden death, excessive use may cause a cat to become desensitized to it and could even lead to breathing difficulties. Therefore, owners should pay attention to the amount and timing when giving catnip to their cats.
In addition, the frequency of catnip use should be controlled. If catnip is used too frequently, it can cause the cat to lose interest, and the catnip may no longer have any effect on the cat. It is recommended to use catnip about once a week.
