7. CATNIP

Nepeta cataria

(mint family)

TOXICITY RATING: Low

ANIMALS AFFECTED: Cats.

DANGEROUS PARTS OF PLANT: Stems, leaves.

CLASS OF SIGNS: Behavioral changes.

PLANT DESCRIPTION: Catnip (fig. 7) has all the characteristic earmarks of a member of the mint family: stems square in cross-section, leaves opposite and fragrant, and small flowers in tight clusters at the ends of branches. This perennial herb may grow up to 3 feet tall and be highly branched. The gray-green to green leaves are heart-shaped with scalloped edges and are often crowded toward the top of the plant. The flowers are white, dotted with purple, two-lipped, and produce four tiny, dark nutlets per flower.

SIGNS: Only cats are affected, and some cats are affected more than others. Aromatic oils and the monoterpene, nepetalactone, cause the signs. Cats will rub and sometime ingest the plant, and then act "drunk" or "wild" for up to an hour or more. No lasting toxicity is reported. If excessive amounts are ingested, vomiting and diarrhea can result, but the signs are self-limiting. Catnip can be considered as a legal recreational drug for cats!

FIRST AID: None is required.

SAFETY IN PREPARED FEEDS: Not applicable.

PREVENTION: Catnip is safe, however avoid excessive ingestion since vomiting or diarrhea may occur.