Meow-ee WoWee - That's some Good Catnip

Catnip also called catmint, is an herb that is, as its name suggests, very attractive to cats. It is a member of the mint family.

Catnip is completely safe for your Kitties A chemical compound called nepetalactone, the primary constituent in the essential oil of catnip, induces a harmless physiological reaction in some cats.

Some cats do not react to Catnip The response to catnip is an inherited "autosomal dominant trait" -- in other words, it is genetic and your kitten or cat must have inherited the appropriate genes.

Well it is easy you just buy some at the store Catnip is legal.
There are so many kinds available at your local pet store, even the supermarkets sell it. You can buy it in a tub, bag, in snack treats or stuffed in a toy - You can buy seeds and grow it yourself. It all depends on you and your cats.

My Brand of choice is Cosmic Catnip by the Tub and I grow it as well.

There are many ways to deal catnip to your cats and no you are not gonna bag it up folks - geez. What I do is take a pinch or two in my fingers and sprinkle it on the floor, in a paper bag or anywhere where the cats are. Be sure to rub it in your fingers - it seems to activate it more. Being I have 6 cats in my gang - I make a few spots. Then I step back and watch the fun begin. First it is all nice - they sniff it, eat it (which is just fine), roll on their backs and then they get possessive of their pile and will attack anyone who comes near their stash. When they have sniffed it and ate it all up they get all crazy with anything around to play with - a cord, your toes, the dog and then each other - making noises and rolling around like in a cat fight (but they are not - it is just play). Then after some time all is quiet. You then take a look to make sure no one is hanging from the curtain string and nope - they are all passed out on the floor sleeping deeply. I have to say it is sooo funny to watch and if you have not dealt your cats Catnip - you gotta give it a try.

Catnip Tub Tips:
Stuff your own toy: Sometimes I would take the kids socks - you know the ones that do not have a match cause the other one was eaten - and I stuff the whole foot party with catnip - I then tie it with a ribbon real tight - rub it in my hands to activate and then throw it to the lions - they love it. Make sure you sock has no holes or is not too worn - Do note: sometimes they rip it.

Another thing I do is - Recycle the kids tiny stuffed animals. I will open the back of one and pull out all the stuffing and then refill it with catnip - sew it back up and WALA - cute cat toy.

Sprinkle some on your Cat Scratcher - sometimes the cardboard Scratchers needs to be refreshed.

If you have a toy that you want to perk up: Put some catnip in a baggie - a nice amount and then stick your toys in there - leave it for a few days so it gets good and stinky - now your toy will be a new love for your kitty.

Catnip Tub Don'ts
Do not put the tub down open. Your cat will jump right in and you will have a huge mess.
Do not leave your tub of catnip out in the open - my cats have chewed the container open.

So you wanna grow your own Catnip huh?

Ok it is not Rocket Science people. It is growing a plant that's all. Now if you cannot grow plants then do not attempt to grow Catnip - it will die.

So now decide if you want to grow yours from seeds or one of the many other ways like: A Starter Plant (you can find these in your local pet stores, home stores and even online - see below) - so you have easy choices to get you started. For me I grow from a starter plant. I put mine in a planter pot, but next year I will put it in a garden to grow free - I have 6 cats to deal to ya know.
Catnip can be grown both indoors and outdoors just like any plant. I suggest if you are growing Catnip inside - beware it will not get very big if you have it where the cat can get it.
Here is a site with a quick overview on growing your own stash: How to grow your own Catnip

This is so cool - a cat made from Clay pots - you can make this yourself or buy it from the Gone to Pot People Website for only $35.00
Now that is cool and they have all kinds - People and Dogs too. What a great conversational piece in your garden.

Chillax - We will not get the same high - yeah I know stinks, but we can get some good use from it in other ways.

Catnip is a perennial herb. It is a member of the Mint family Labiatae.

Catnip tends to have a sedative effect on humans. It is most often drunk as a tea.

It is also useful for settling an upset stomach. It has also been used to treat headaches, scarlet fever, coughing, insomnia & smallpox.

Catnip can also be used for cuts, studies show it has a natural healing quality. Crush fresh catnip leaves, damp them & apply to your cut.

Some other medicinal uses for catnip are: Anaesthetic, antibiotic, anti rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, chills, cold in the joints, haemorrhoids, toothache.

It can also be used as an aromatic herb in cooking & salads.

NOTE: Now I have not tried any of these myself and before using Catnip for any medical injuries or cures - I would check with your doctor first.

See links below to some Human uses for Catnip in recipes

Ok so there is Grass also, which you may have seen around. Well what is Cat Grass? And a good question at that.
Cat Grass? Yes, grass...Almost all cats instinctively seek out grass and eat it. You can provide them with a delicious and safe source of grass. When I say "safe", I need to say that you should never give your cat, outdoor grass, because is full of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Cats love houseplants, but this is not safe, it can even be fatal, because many houseplants may be poisonous. Grass contains nutrients, such as vitamins, enzymes and carbohydrates for a healthy cat. You can offer your feline a safe source of grass by purchasing a cat grass kit, sold in many pet shops. These grass kits come with easy instructions to grow the grass. It's fun to watch the grass grow within a week.

Now they will not get crazy with grass like they do with Catnip, but they will love you for a good Grass treat.

And again this is available in most pet stores and online - see below to grow your own grass.

Kitty Hoots by Fat Cat are Comical, Fun, Brightly colored cat toys that are available in so many great styles to make you laugh. Of course they are stuffed with catnip to make your cats laugh too. Just find one that suits you like - the dog, the president, the mailman, birds, mice, house guests etc...