Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a plant containing nepetalactone, a chemical compound that affects felines. The plant elicits a variety of behaviors, including euphoria, playfulness, and relaxation, in susceptible cats. However, young felines typically do not react to the substance in the same way as adults. Understanding the developmental reasons behind this is key to responsible pet ownership.
The capacity to respond to catnip is hereditary. This responsiveness usually develops as kittens mature. The precise age at which a feline will exhibit a reaction varies individually. Introducing catnip too early will likely prove ineffective, since the receptor systems responsible for processing nepetalactone may not yet be fully developed. The herb’s effects can enrich older cats’ environment, offering a form of mental stimulation and, for some, stress relief.
