What is it about us humans that seem to get as much enjoyment out of watching cats on catnip as the cats do themselves?! Maybe it’s that their inhibitions are lowered. Or perhaps it’s simply seeing their sheer enjoyment in such an unexpected way. Whatever your reasons for choosing to give your cat catnip, there’s no denying that it’s fun to see cats in this new light.
Catnip or Nepeta Cataria can be a wonderful treat but what is it about this plant that drives cats so batty? A member of the mint family it contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone. This stimulant, when sniffed or eaten, produces a high in around 50 percent of cats, which is believed to be similar to LSD or marijuana, and which thankfully, is completely safe. The effects usually last for around 10 minutes before wearing off and allowing normal cat-like services to resume.
And if you really want to get an insight into why cats and catnip are the perfect combination, a photographer has wonderfully captured a humorous collection of dozens of cats as they play with, roll in and chow down on their favourite herb of choice – catnip. Let’s face it – we could all do with a little light-hearted humour right now and this book serves to do just that.
The brainchild of cat photographer extraordinaire Andrew Marttila, who is best known for his captivating images of felines has recently finished a project about cats’ love for the green stuff.
The book aptly titled 'Cats on Catnip', is a delightful compilation of cats in all their catnip induced glory. With their inhibitions lowered, Marttila showcases cats as you’ve never seen them before. In a series of candid photos he highlights a set of kitties as they react to their catnip trip, which sees them turn into free-loving, saucer-eyed pussycats.
Marttila explains: “Catnip releases something primordial within cats. Whether it’s eating it, playing with it, or rolling around in it, catnip turns our domestic feline friends into hilarious balls of activity. Carefree and unconstrained, they are free to be silly, exceptionally playful, and downright gnarly.”
In the book you’ll find an array of photographs of cats on their trip. From sleepy tomcats enjoying a euphoric moment, to shy tortoiseshell pussy cats transforming into rebellious renegades, it’s amazing to see cats in this simple yet magnificent way.
Here at Kittyglitz, we appreciate the relationship between cat and catnip, which is why we keep our website stocked up with an array of catnip infused goodies. As well as the customer favourite Catnip Banana kicker toy, which cats absolutely love, we also sell ‘Purrs Potent Power Mix Catnip Baggie’, which is a blend of 4 herbs, which cats find irresistible; nepeta cataria (catnip), nepeta mussini (cat mint), honeysuckle and valeriana officinalis (valerian). This is great for refreshing catnip toys, for sprinkling over cat scratching posts to encourage use, or as a special treat. Finally, the Purrs Wild Hare Stinky Puff Cat Toy is infused with cat mint. Catnip Nepeta Mussini (catmint) is from the same family of natural herb plant as normal catnip. Cat mint is also a natural herb loved by felines and has more of a mint smell.
Check out our catnip shop and introduce your feline friend to the wonders of catnip today.
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