Paddy discovered catnip today. Catnip is from the mint family and about 80% of cats react to this plant in strange ways although kittens and elderly cats don’t seem to be affected by it.

Sojos Certified Organic Catnip

Paddy gave it a good sniff…

Cats that are affected will usually become playful and in paddy’s case the results were typical..

Paddy’s started rubbing the spot on the light where the catnip was…

and he started seeing things…

Catnip has been used for thousands of years as a medicine and catnip tea is said to be very good for digestion. The herb has a fairly strong but pleasant smell and looks good in any garden.

White Box Gardens – WB – 0028

Seems like Paddy would like some more…

Paddy thought the ceramic bottle looked friendly

They say the effects are non toxic..

…and non addictive.

If you’re looking for a kit, Amazon sell a catnip kit that is ideal for growing your cat a good supply of catnip inside your home. These kits are also great for beginners or brown-thumbs and virtually guarantee that you’ll get good results.

DuneCraft Sprout ‘n Grow Greenhouses – Catnip

The effects of catnip only tend to last about 30 minutes.

Pretty soon paddy started to settle down for some pondering.

then some urgent licking..!

If you can’t get your hands on some real Catnip then why not check out Video Catnip. This is a video for cats to watch on TV.

Video Catnip: Entertainment for Cats [VHS]

Time for a game..

…and a kick!

Here’s another video designed for cats to amuse themselves. In our experience most cats don’t tend to watch much television but it turns out it’s just because the programming is so bad! Paddy does seem to like documentaries but has also been known to attack the odd mouse cursor.

DVD For Cats: While You Are Gone

Road testing the catnip turned out to be a pretty tiring event…

Catnip can be grown very easily from seeds and makes a great herb on your kitchen window sill. The seeds will germinate in most climates but you can use cotton wool and a plastic cover to keep them warm in cold climates.

If you can’t grow fresh catnip, you can buy catnip from Amazon and they will deliver it to your door.

Catnip Leaf Powder – Nepeta cataria, 1 lb,(Starwest Botanicals)

Many cat toys include catnip inside hidden pouches to encourage cats to play – You could probably even plant some catnip inside your cat’s favorite toy for fun!

CATNIP SOCK

Paddy says he will personally see to the growing of the catnip and has already advised that he will be present at the next watering tomorrow morning.

Tote Bag : IF YOU DON’T TALK TO YOUR CAT ABOUT CATNIP, WHO WILL?