Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: neilep on 04/04/2011 11:50:27

Title: Catnip !..What Effect Does It Have On Deano And Other Questions ?
Post by: neilep on 04/04/2011 11:50:27



Dearest Peeps Of All Knowing Stuff And Those With Degrees In Catnipology !


As A sheepy I of course luff herbs and stuff. Herbs and stuff are my all time favourite greeny planty foody stuff that give me joy and taste yummy !   It's all I think about really..


Now take a look at Deano


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Deano The Cat That Ewe Are Taking A Look At !


He's intoxicated, euphoric, elevated ....high ?


Well, that's the question really........Deano is enjoying Catnip and the resultant behaviour is quite extraordinary......He licks it, rubs his head on it, rolls over upon it then after a few minutes he just lays there and I tell ewe.....he's out of it !!....ewe can see it in his eyes...they are like...well glazed !!!




I want to know a few things please.

What is happening to Deano ?..Is he a stoned cat ? (he recovers immediately !)...Is there a benefit to the plant (Nepeta cataria) for it to have this effect on cats in the wild ?  If this was available for human use would it be deemed an illegal narcotic ?

As far as I know I am not aware of such  a substance that the mere odour has such a (harmless ) effect on a human !.....Does it have the same effect on big cats too ?


So what's going on ?

whajafink ?


Cos I don't know !...and I reckon ewe do !...and if ewe do know then ewe can help me know too can't ewe ?...and then we'll both know together and I will be as klevur as ewe...which is nice !.....and ewe should let me know because if ewe forget...ewe can ask me and I let ewe know too !....a never ending circle of knowledge bliss !



Hugs and shmishes


mwah mwah mwah


Neil
If I try To Take His Catnip
I Get Nipped By A Cat
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Title: Catnip !..What Effect Does It Have On Deano And Other Questions ?
Post by: BenV on 04/04/2011 12:53:47
This is a mix of fact and (reasonable) speculation:

There are pesticide chemicals in catnip (fact), so if it's rubbed into fur it will help to get rid of fleas and other pests - as such (into speculation now), cats have evolved to enjoy rubbing themselves on this plant, and the evolved neurological reward mechanism is basically just a "high"!

As I understand it, many big cats enjoy it just as much as Deano, though I wouldn't want to be close enough to a stoned tiger test this out.

I suspect that by rolling in it, eating it etc, cats are a good seed dispersal mechanism for the plant - but that's pure speculation.
Title: Catnip !..What Effect Does It Have On Deano And Other Questions ?
Post by: Karen W. on 04/04/2011 17:13:19
LOL.. I never did understand the whole cat nip thing.. Great Question Kind Sir!
Nice answer Ben.
Title: Catnip !..What Effect Does It Have On Deano And Other Questions ?
Post by: neilep on 04/04/2011 19:07:56
This is a mix of fact and (reasonable) speculation:

There are pesticide chemicals in catnip (fact), so if it's rubbed into fur it will help to get rid of fleas and other pests - as such (into speculation now), cats have evolved to enjoy rubbing themselves on this plant, and the evolved neurological reward mechanism is basically just a "high"!

As I understand it, many big cats enjoy it just as much as Deano, though I wouldn't want to be close enough to a stoned tiger test this out.

I suspect that by rolling in it, eating it etc, cats are a good seed dispersal mechanism for the plant - but that's pure speculation.

Thank ewe Ben.

That's quite an evolutionary route taken .....that the cat has learned to enjoy rubbing on the plant....and I agree regarding the seed dispersal. I wish there was a reward for me when I rub on things !! :-)
Title: Catnip !..What Effect Does It Have On Deano And Other Questions ?
Post by: neilep on 04/04/2011 19:08:36
LOL.. I never did understand the whole cat nip thing.. Great Question Kind Sir!
Nice answer Ben.

Thanks mam !