This plant that literally sends into raptures our cats but also has many benefits for humans, it’s called “Nepeta Cataria”. It’s also known as catnip, catmint, catswort, or even cat grass. And for our feline friends is a real “drug”, although beneficial, because it has no harmful effects and gives no addiction, but for us, it is a mild sedative with digestive action.
This cat loves catnip and his owner loves photographing him and his other cats. “We have two cats at the moment, who have one eye between them. Melchett had one eye removed last year due to a cataract, and Gertrude had both eyes removed this year also due to cataracts. All our cats have been named after characters and animals in the TV show Blackadder, including Edmund, Baldrick, Bubbles, Turnip, Percy, Meg, Mrs. Miggins, and Mildred. Some of our cats have come from rescue centers, but many have just appeared at the door, hoping to be fed and have stayed with us for years. I have been photographing cats since I got my first camera when I was ten years old, and I’m now in my 50s. They are fascinating to photograph as they always do their own thing and are impossible to predict, so they always provide a challenge to photograph successfully.”
Edmund
Baldrick
But cats aren’t the only felines that react to it almost the same as domestic ones, lynxes, leopards, servals, and cougars, and in rarer cases, tigers and lions, all enjoy the recreational effects of catnip. In general, two-thirds of cats have a natural attraction towards it. The effects of catnip on cats are rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, licking, and chewing. And when they overdose, they usually drool and get irritated or sleepy, meow, growl, and purr, or get really scratchy, but other than that, it’s a harmless, fun opportunity for them to relax.
More info: Instagram