Happy Kitties?????

With all the rain we have been having lately, our backyard is very green, and there are many things that have gone completely wild. Catnip is one of those things. We never planted it. It was here when we moved in over 16 years ago. But this year it is out of control.

I don’t know what to do with it all. We don’t give it to our kitties, and even if we did, this would be an overdose for sure.

Otis (my puma) and Nicodemus or Nicky (my panther)

Catnip is one of the approximately 250 species in the mint family and has a leafy green appearance. Nepetalactone, an essential oil found in the catnip plant, stimulates cats in ways that are similar to how cannabis affects humans, according to MyPetNaturally.com. When cats ingest or rub themselves with catnip, nepetalactone triggers a euphoric reaction, which makes cats feel good, according to Purina. There are many benefits that come with introducing catnip to your cat’s routine. According to Petnaturally.com, catnip can help reduce stress, depression and anxiety in cats by acting as a sedative. Catnip can also reduce bloating and stomach pain.  According to PetMD, catnip can produce a high in cats similar to highs from marijuana usage. When cats smell catnip and nepetalactone it works its way through their inner opioid system and interacts with cells in their upper airways. This causes the release of endorphins acting as natural opioids, according to a paper in ScienceDirect. 

The most intense catnip experience starts with the nose—one whiff of the stuff and your cat promptly goes nuts. Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, it tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out.

Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time. Other cats become hyperactive or downright aggressive, especially if you approach them.

Usually these sessions last about 10 minutes, after which your cat loses interest. It may take as long as two hours for him to “reset” and become susceptible to it again. Be mindful of overindulgence though—cats are unlikely to overdose on catnip, but they can get sick if they eat too much. Trust your kitty to know when they’ve had enough.

Catnip isn’t just for cats though. It’s been grown in medicinal gardens for centuries for its sedative effect on humans. Made into a tea, it has calming properties similar to chamomile. Concentrated nepetalactone also makes for a powerful mosquito repellent. The only hitch is that it lasts just a few hours.

A couple of weeks ago, I got this bright idea to start drying it.

We kept it down in the basement, out of the light for about 10 days. The leaves dried out and it was ready to use. The next step was to process it. I removed all the leaves and placed them in the food processor to grind them up.

This turned out to be quite a chore and my yield just wasn’t worth it. All I got for all my efforts was only 3 bags.

So ….. what do I do with all of it now? I am open to any and all suggestions.

I am always curious, and am always trying new things. Some work, most do not, but I keep trying none the less. I am insatiably curious. It keeps me young and keeps me informed. So, stay curious, and never give up. Never stop trying. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.