Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: fluffybunny on December 29, 2007, 16:59:41 PM

Title: Catnip - an acceptable drug?
Post by: fluffybunny on December 29, 2007, 16:59:41 PM
I'm obviously having a philosophical afternoon  :evillaugh:

I just wondered what people's views are on catnip.  It just strikes me as odd that we all jump up and down about cats in houses with drug users and them potentially becoming addicted to those drugs, yet we talk quite openly and with amusement about cats being 'stoned' on catnip.  Why is it different?  Why is that acceptable but other forms of drug abuse not? (apart from the obvious legal connurtations of that use).  Should I find it amusing that my cat is clearly affected by catnip or as a responsible owner should I ensure that this doesn't happen?

I'm pondering out loud...but just wondered what you think? 
Title: Re: Catnip - an acceptable drug?
Post by: blackcat on December 29, 2007, 17:01:44 PM
my view is that if the activity is not causing harm to your pet, and is apparently causing pleasure, then go for it (but then I apply the same logic to recreational drugs). If there was proof that catnip use caused long-term emotional or physical damage then I would worry. Otherwise - let em enjoy themselves ...
Title: Re: Catnip - an acceptable drug?
Post by: Gillian Harvey on December 29, 2007, 17:31:25 PM
Why is it different?  Why is that acceptable but other forms of drug abuse not?

Not addictive I guess  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Catnip - an acceptable drug?
Post by: Christine (Blip) on December 29, 2007, 17:31:48 PM
It isnt a drug in that sense.  People talk about cats being "stoned" but this is just a figure of speech - check out http://www.myhealthycat.com/catnip-addiction.html
Title: Re: Catnip - an acceptable drug?
Post by: fluffybunny on December 29, 2007, 17:40:58 PM
That's a really interesting link, thanks for that!
Title: Re: Catnip - an acceptable drug?
Post by: unseeliechylde on December 29, 2007, 17:47:58 PM
I suppose the key difference is that cats don't actually respond to ingestion or imbibing of catnip - the smell is the stimulant, and other plants like honeysuckle and valerian have similar effects. I suppose it's more comparable to aromatherapy than drug use - lavender is known to have a soothing effect on humans, while citrus smells are reviving and stimulating, as is ginger. We can of course eat some of these plants, but they are not drugs in terms of their aroma or digestion, they are simply substances that produce a (non-narcotic, non-psychoactive) emotional or behavioural response, though that response varies with each individual.