Sarah Mitchell

Professional Pet Behaviorist

I'm Sarah Mitchell, your dedicated guide to understanding and improving your pet's behavior. As a Certified Pet Behavior Consultant (CPBC), I've spent years working closely...

For many pet owners who love catnip, catnipping is heaven. It’s an easy way to stimulate your pet’s brain and has a soothing effect on their nerves and bodies. For some people, catnips are so relaxing that they’ll get their dog to lay down next to them on the bed to snuggle up. For others, it’s a fantastic stress buster. But what’s all this catnipping fuss about, really?

When it comes to stimulating your pet’s mind, do you use catnip? The herb that is most commonly associated with this particular type of stimulation is, of course, catnips. The use of catnip in stimulating your pet’s mind is often, but not exclusively, associated with the therapeutic effects of a substance known as “bathtub tea”. Bathtub tea is a relaxing agent which, when used in the correct quantity, has a calming effect on both mind and body.

However, catnips also has a potentially negative side effect: as with many natural, herbal products, the catnip plant contains strong, poisonous tannins. If ingested, these toxins can cause vomiting, stomachache and, in extreme cases, death. And although the opposite effect may be desirable, this side effect is why it is difficult to find catnip products containing only completely natural ingredients – in order to avoid the possibility of any adverse reactions.

To avoid this dangerous route, always buy products that contain only natural ingredients and, wherever possible, always buy the products from a reputable source.

1. Another plant commonly used in the calming effect of catnip is the herb known as catnip.
2. The plant derives its name from “catnipe” – an archaic noun referring to cats.
3. It grows all over Europe and Asia and is a familiar presence in gardens both formal and informal.
4. Traditionally, catnips were used as an herb to treat a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, epilepsy, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, urinary problems, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.
5. Modern research has shown that catnip may also have a positive effect on cataracts and other vision conditions, in addition to easing tension and muscle tension.

However, one of the most popular uses for catnip in Britain – is in the manufacturing of a popular tea, particularly in the East Midlands. Catnip tea is made from anise seeds, also known as “stinging Nettles”. The anise seeds are dried and ground into a fine powder. The powder is then added to a number of other ingredients including lemon juice, tea bags, sugar and water. Many people believe that the addition of the anise seeds, together with the other ingredients, creates a relaxing and soothing drink that they can enjoy all day, every day.

Like catnips – catswort is extracted from the plants belonging to the mint family. This means that it too is extracted from the anise plant. Although not as widely-known, catmint has also been found to benefit animals, particularly horses.

Mint tea is often taken by equine sporting clubs to help keep the horses in good form before and during races.