It is understood that catnip has really played a positive role in avoiding the loneliness and depression of cats and relieving the stress of cats. So there are many cat toys filled with catnip on the market at present. Catnip is also good for cats to spit out indigestible hairballs accumulated in their stomachs, but its real use is to repel insects.
In catnip, a volatile metabolite called nepetalactone, which looks like white powder crystals, is the main ingredient that excites cats.
The process of catnip affecting cats is roughly as follows:
In the olfactory epithelium of cats, nepetalactone binds to one or more olfactory receptors, so the amygdala in the brain is activated and transformed into behavioral signals, which will also regulate the neuroendocrine response of cats through hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Extended data
Edible value of catnip
Schizonepeta tenuifolia has a strong aroma, and fresh stems and leaves are mainly used as vegetables. Schizonepeta tenuifolia is rich in aromatic oil, with the highest leaf content and delicious taste. It can repel insects and sterilize, and can be eaten raw or cooked. The tender tip is usually used as a seasoning in summer, which is a pollution-free and healthy spicy vegetable with high economic benefits and great development prospects.
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Stir-fried Schizonepeta, Schizonepeta mixed with cucumber, Schizonepeta juice, Schizonepeta yuba, Schizonepeta onion (commonly known as tiger food) and so on.
Baidu encyclopedia-Schizonepeta tenuifolia
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