Let’s talk about that special thing that makes your kitty happier than happy: catnip!

You’ve seen it. Those suspicious looking sachets of what looks like parsley sitting on the cat shelf of the local Kriser’s. We swear it’s all on the up-and-up. It’s just catnip.

So what is this stuff that makes some cats go crazy?

Catnip is a plant related to mint. It’s dried and used in toys or by itself to varying effects with different felines. Technically, it stimulates the same part of the brain as the sex organs do on a cat, so really only adult cats – those 4-6 months and older – respond. So if you’ve ever wondered why your adorable kitty could care less, that’s why.

For different cats, it has different effects. Some it mellows out. Some it makes a little crazy and excited. But it’s all natural and can be a lot of fun.

So how do you give your cat catnip? Easy. You can give it to them loose to enjoy as a munchy treat. You can sprinkle it on food or even on slices of cantaloupe for a sweet and cool snack. Some prefer to roll in it, rather than eat it. For those we recommend putting it in toys, like our Abo Gear Fun Tunnel and P.L.A.Y. Leeloo Cat Scratcher, and they’ll scratch and dig at it for hours. Or you can grab one of the little catnip filled animals and characters from Chilly Dog.

Check out your local Kriser’s for the latest selection of catnip toys and accessories. And share videos of your cat’s adventures with us on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see it!