Catnip and Your Ragdoll Cat
Apr 14th, 2006 by Rob
Catnip is a herbal stimulant that can send your Ragdoll into a fit of kitten like playfulness. Nepata Cataria by its proper name is part of the mint family of herb. It is perennial and can reach a height of three feet. Catnip has heart shaped leaves that secret aromatic oil; the oil seems to protect the plant from insects. It is this oil that has a near drug like affect on your Ragdoll cat.
The behavior your cat will exhibit while under the influence of catnip includes sniffing, licking, and chewing the catnip, a heavy dose of face rubbing, followed by a somersault and an all over catnip rub.
Catnip is commonly found in stuffed toys; however, you can purchase dried catnip leaves. Dried catnip can be applied to toys and scratching posts you would like to encourage your Ragdoll cat to use.
Some pet owners feel strongly against the use of catnip. It is simply a herbal stimulant with no harmful side-effects. Not all cats respond to catnip and young kittens seem to be immune to the effects until they reach the age of six months.