Catnip sensitivity is genetically linked. Very few cats in Australia have the gene for it (appx 30%), for example, because it didn’t grow wild there. No selective pressure for the gene.
Fun short list of things that can trigger the same reaction (and are perfectly safe) if they don’t respond to catnip:
That is so interesting, thank you for taking the time to explain!
My cat detests chlorine, husband has to use a special shower gel after going to the swimming pool otherwise he gets attacked. She hisses and swats if she smells chlorine on his skin.
Catnip sensitivity is genetically linked. Very few cats in Australia have the gene for it (appx 30%), for example, because it didn’t grow wild there. No selective pressure for the gene.
Fun short list of things that can trigger the same reaction (and are perfectly safe) if they don’t respond to catnip:
Also a laptop bag for our calico. No idea why she likes that laptop bag but she goes nuts over it, more even than catnip.
That is so interesting, thank you for taking the time to explain!
My cat detests chlorine, husband has to use a special shower gel after going to the swimming pool otherwise he gets attacked. She hisses and swats if she smells chlorine on his skin.
I’ll try the other 3 though.
I used to make valerian tea and my flatmate had a cat. He was crazy about it.