Catnip is a member of the mint family and a big favourite with most cats.  This is mainly due to the active ingredient of nepetalactone which copies the natural pheromone found in male cat urine. The pheromone reacts with olfactory nerves and may cause playfulness and relaxation. The effects can last for up to 15 minutes.  Cats will never overdose on catnip and will walk away when they have had enough.

Cats will select catnip by chewing it, rubbing against it or rolling in catnip. If inhaled catnip has a stimulating effect, however if chewed it has a calming an sedative effect on cats.

Also acts as a good insect and flea repellent as the nepetalactone component has similar effects to deet.

All cats really appreciate catnip on a tea towel and allow them to eat / roll in it. Also great to lay a trail outside when letting cats new out for the first time to keep them to areas you want and to encourage them home!

Lets put this on front page as a great Xmas gift – suggest buy 25 g and make a py by putting some in an old sock and tying a knot and also allowing them to roll on it… can go in news letter too. Great to put som in carrier before trip to vets, orr put their cat nip toy in with them..

Catnip is good for:

• Stress and nervousness when chewed
• Stimulating / happy effect when inhaled/ rolled in
• May work as insect and flea repellent

Instructions

Place a little of the dried herbs on a towel and allow your cat the option of smelling or rolling in the herb to release the aroma and medicinal properties. Cats are very intelligent and if they do not require the aroma and medicinal benefits they bring, they will not go near the herbs you place in their surroundings.