Why Does Catnip Make Cats High?

I recently watched a friend’s kitty while she was out of town on vacation. She dropped off the cat, her food and some toys to keep her occupied. I figured this would be a good way to warm up to having a cat again — I was considering adopting my own kitty — but little did I know a surprise was to come in the visit.

Later in the evening I opened the bag of toys and scattered them on the carpet. The cat came running over and starting sniffing the toys. Suddenly she started moving her head erratically and quickly in a variety of directions. I was taken aback; I didn’t know if she was having a seizure or jamming to the music I inadvertently left on the radio. I called a friend in a panic looking for advice.

After further review, I saw that one of the toys had a tag that read “includes catnip,” which my friend explained was the culprit for the one-kitty rock concert I had observed. My friend explained that the herb has a similar effect on cats as marijuana does for humans, but why does catnip make cats high?

Catnip is a mint-family herb native to Europe that can be purchased or grown in many countries. The chemical compound nepetalactone found in catnip triggers the neurological response in the cat when smelled through the nose. It is not restricted to sex; male and female cats can react to the herb even though some cats may not respond at all.

There’s a theory that catnip (Nepeta cataria) is more closely related to marijuana because of their similar biochemical qualities, but this is not proven. Catnip is a close relative to marijuana, which has roots in the same family as catnip

Top 10 Peeves Dogs Have With Human

Nestlé Purina Recalls Limited Number of Dry Cat Food

Nestlé Purina Recalls Limited Number of Dry Cat Food Bags Due to a Potential Health Risk (Shipped Only to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon)

Consumer Contact: Nestlé Purina PetCare Office of Consumer Affairs: 1-800-982-6559

Media Contact: Jill Winte 314-982-3032

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ST. LOUIS, MO, June 27, 2011—Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (NPPC) is voluntarily recalling approximately 870 bags of dry cat food shipped to Colorado, Idaho and Oregon. This is being done as a precautionary measure, as the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Only the following products with both the "Best By" date and production codes shown are included in this voluntary recall:

* "Best By" Date and Production Code is found on the back or bottom of the bag.

The bags of dry cat food in this recall were distributed in error in February, 2011 to a small number of customers in Colorado, Idaho and Oregon, which may have further distributed the product to other Western states. There have been no consumer complaints and no reports of illness. No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved. Only products which match the "Best By" date and production codes above are involved.

Consumers who have purchased any of these dry cat food products with these "Best By" Dates and Production Codes should discard it.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the product and there is a risk to humans from handling contaminated products. People handling contaminated dry pet food can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to this product. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may exhibit decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

At Nestlé Purina PetCare, the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority. We apologize for any inconvenience due to this voluntary recall. For further information or to obtain a product refund, please call NPPC toll-free at 1-800-982-6559 weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time, or visit www.purina.com.

Two of Our Favorite Toys

Now that pets have their own airline and social networks, shouldn’t our dogs enjoy more sophisticated entertainment than the simple bones gnawed on by their ancestors?  We think so!

Enter Kyjen, a California company devoted to designing toys that build the canine brain.

Their Puzzle Plush Dog Toys challenge and entertain dogs much the way developmental toys do for children. For example, the IQube is a plush cube with balls nestled inside to test dogs' intelligence and puzzle-solving skills as they try to get the balls out. The Hide-A-Squirrel toy includes three toy squirrels hiding in a plush log, challenging dogs to find and remove them. The IntelliBone is a plush bone toy surrounded by removable plush rings. See also their Eco Hemp line and Bottle Buddies toys, designed to hold recycled water bottles for extra crinkle noise and chewing satisfaction

Whatever you choose, you’ll turn maniac into brainiac, and canine into brainine.

Kyjen Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Toy for Dogs will have your pooch occupied for hours, working his brain to free the 3 plush squeaker squirrels hidden inside its plush tree trunk.

It’s great fun for all ages and breeds, durable enough to withstand tough play, and sure to become your dog’s favorite pastime when you’re away (and even when you’re not).

Dogs love the challenge of “outing” the squirrels hidden inside, and take great pride in their accomplishment when it’s done. It’s something like the thrill they get when they destroy something and leave it all over the house for you to find when you return…only that’s the whole point of this toy.

It keeps them active and occupied, teaches them problem solving skills, and prevents them from getting into other things they’re not supposed to be getting into. In short, a win-win all around.

Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. Recalls Pig Ears for Pet Treats Because Of Possible Salmonella Health Risk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 3, 2011 - Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Paris, IL is recalling Pig Ears for Pet Treats because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Pig Ears for Pet Treats was distributed via truck to distributors in the following states: Pennsylvania, Virginia, Missouri, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Arkansas, Indiana, Louisiana, Texas and Minnesota.

The product was distributed in 100 count cases packed in cardboard boxes shipped between Sept. 27-Oct. 6, 2010; Nov. 1-Nov. 29, 2010; and Jan. 3-Jan. 25, 2011.

One illness to a dog in Missouri has been reported to date.

The recall is a result of a reported illness by a dog in Missouri. Subsequently, the company has been working with the FDA to identify any products that might contain the bacteria and the company and the FDA is continuing the investigation to determine what caused the problem.

Consumers who have purchased Pig Ears for Pet Treats are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-217-465-4001.