Catnip!
Curiosity
Bertelli, Jon
Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com
"The Buzz on Catnip" by Joi Sigers
 
Catnip, or the scitentific name Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family. The plant grows about 2 feet in height, has sturdy stems and heart-shaped, grayish-green leaves. The flowers range from white to a very pale lilac.
While it is believed to hold many benefits for humankind - from bringing down fevers to shortening a cold's duration, catnip has achieved it's fame for the harmless buzz it seems to bestow upon cats.
Since the plant is hardy and very easy to grow, many cat lovers have a special herb bed in their yard just for their cat(s) wherein they plant only one herb - catnip! Their feline friends can be found lounging contently for hours in their Garden of Eden.
While many felines do, in fact, eat the plant, the effect upon them is believed to actually come from the scent alone.
Many toys are even made containing catnip, but cats seem to look upon their stimulant-of-choice the way I do mine (coffee) - "the fresher the better!" So, if you can find toys containing fresh nip, the furry members of your family will be giddy with gratitude.
Almost all cats react to catnip. You may be surprised, and even amused, to know that the large cats (lions, tigers, pumas...) aren't immune to this powerfully intoxicating herb.
Maybe people go on Safaris arming themselves with the wrong ammunition!
 
8 in 1 Kookamunga Catnip
Paws to Ponder:
"A cat is there when you call her -
if she doesn't have something better to do."
- Bill Adler
If you have ANY questions or comments, please e-mail us at:
sigers@cat-pause.com
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