Information about catnip and its effects

The catnip that we currently use to make our toys is imported from the United States and Canada. We think that the American catnip is more potent compared to the type we have seen in the UK and our cats (and their friends) tend to agree with us but if you disagree please let us know! We are going to experiment with our own nip soon so hopefully it will be as good as the imported plant.

Our blend of nip is organic and contains a mixture of both the catnip leaves and the flowers.

We keep our catnip stored in a cool dark area and we suggest you do the same if you want to extend the life of the plant and you can also keep your catnip in the fridge or freezer and take out small amounts when needed. If you are going to do this, make sure that you keep it in a sealed airtight and watertight bag or container to keep it dry.

Some catnip facts

• Catnip or Nepeta cataria is a perennial herb and is a member of the mint family of plants. It grows wild in many countries throughout Europe and in North America, where it was first introduced in the 1700's.
• The plants can grow to approximately one metre (or three feets) tall before they are ready to be used/harvested.
• Cat nip relaxes approx 50% of cats. It is therefore a brilliant thing to use in stressful situations like travelling to the vets! Put some in the carrier to help them cope with the journey.
• Apply some to your scratching post to encourage them to use it instead of scratching your favourite sofa!
• The act of sniffing the nip creates the high.
• Eating the nip has a sedative effect.
• The high lasts for approx 5-10 minutes, then after approximately 2 hours they reset and react exactly the same again, therefore providing hours and hours of nip fun!
• Most common nip is Nepeta cataria, which a member of the mint family. As a plant it grows to 3feet tall with white flowers, it is then dried out for use.
• It is not harmful to your cat, and they wont overdose on it.
• Effects:- Sniffing, licking, rubbing, rolling, drooling, jumping, general googlyness!
• Cat nip is drunk by humans as tea for its sedative effect.