Catnip For Cats
First, if you want to grow your own catnip, check out Grow Your Own Catnip
Catnip is absolutely irresistible to cats, and toys filled with dried leaves from this delicious and intoxicating plant are loved by many of our furry friends.
Although most cats appear to be in a drunken or drugged state when they sniff or chew on toys filled with catnip, it is not a drug. Catnip is a herb that belongs to the mint family. When the catnip leaves are broken, a certain chemical is released that most cats respond to in an irresistible way.
Of course, cats, being the individual free-spirits that they are, do not all respond or react to the effects of catnip in the same way. Some sniff it and just saunter away showing no interest at all. But, most cats get one whiff of catnip and fall madly in love with the intoxicating scent. Some will roll around on the toy, others chew and lick the fabric, and most often an entertaining show that often follows. The ingredient in catnip that causes cats to go berserk is called Nepetalactone. A cat’s five senses (touch, smell, sight, sound and taste) reacts to this chemical in an abundance of ways.
Fortunately, catnip is completely safe and not addictive to cats. The most amusing aspect of catnip is watching your cat’s behavior changes. But, as with most everything, too much of a good thing can produce a bout with diarrhea, however, this is rare.
Cats love homegrown catnip better than the processed catnip that is in most of the toys offered in pet stores. Cat toys filled with dried leaves from a wild catnip plant or from plants that grow your in your garden or patio plant pots will, undoubtedly, be the favorite gift in your felines Christmas stocking.
Start by cutting branches from the catnip plant, tie with a cord and hang upside down in a dry, ventilated place, such as a back porch or warm sunny room. When the leaves dry you will be able to crumble the leaves into bowl that will resemble crumbled, fallen leaves.
Several fabrics are suitable to hold the dried catnip securely, but personally, I prefer to use muslin or flannel. Cut two oval shapes (about 3-4 inches in length and 3 inches in width) from the fabric. You don’t need to have both ovals cut exactly the same size, as you need to allow for some slack to produce a rounded shape when filling it with catnip. Sew around the three sides of the oval, and fill the cavity with the dried catnip. Then finish sewing the opening closed.
A piece of yarn (about 2-3 inches in length) can be sewn on one end of the filled oval for a tail. Dental floss or heavy string can be used to create mouse whiskers at the opposite end of the oval. Thread the floss or cord through the opening of a darning needle. Pull the needle and cord through the end that you want to use for the mouse head, leaving about 2 inches of the cord on either side of the mouse. Tie a know at the sides of the mouse nose to hold the cord in place. Trim the cord to whatever length suits you to serve as the whiskers. Two or three cord whiskers is sufficient.
Sew on buttons, or make a satin stitch with embroidery floss to create the eyes. If you want, you can cut rounded three-sided shapes from felt and sew that to the top of the area that will be the head of the mouse. You can embroider a nose with a satin stitch.
The little catnip stuffed oval will resemble a mouse, and is sure to be the most valued toy of your cat or kitten. Don’t be surprised if in a short time, the mouse becomes flat. You cat will chew and lick the toy, and the catnip leaves will break down further and become powder-like inside the oval. However, even though the oval might be flat, chewed, or soiled, it will remain the favorite delight of your cat.
Of course, you don’t need to go to a lot of bother to please your cat. Your furry friend will enjoy simple small squares filled with catnip.
Homegrown catnip and homemade cat toys are more potent than pre-packaged catnip toys. Homemade toys will give off a stronger catnip scent that will be adored for many months to come.
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