Is Catnip OK for cats? Need books for references
Question:
> We have hopes for our two kitties. We want to retire and have > them support us. They have interests, but not much initiative. > Hoagy Catmichael, the older, is now 5 years old. It’s about time > for him to enter Kittygarden. An indoor cat since adoption, he > watches the children walk by with interest on their way to a > neighborhood school. My wife tries to raise him to be a > devout Cat-tholic, but she doesn’t want him to swallow some > of the church’s dogma.
My cleaning lady, who is a cat rescuer, and takes care of all the strays in her neighborhood (gets ‘em neutered, etc.) told me that one of her charges goes down to the local elementary school every weekday! Peanut is well-known there, plays with all the kids and is their mascot. Now there is a cat who is making something of her life, in spite of an underprivileged kittenhood. I predict a good future for that young go-getter cat. No catnip addiction there, clearly. > Ella Kitzgerald has a deep bass growl (used frequently!) > like her namesake. I play lots of Ella Fitzgerald CDs > (my favorite singer) hoping that she takes after her. > She is working on "scat" singing.
I’m fond of that old jazz myself. Love your cats’ names. Marca (with addicts Mini, Denali, and Elliott).
Response:
LOL Denial. Not _MY cats. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their > families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, > turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and > eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and > freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much > unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my > cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here. > Ha. You’re in denial. It’s pretty clear that you have a houseful of > catnip addicts there. 
> Marca
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > : strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > : so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > : Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > : We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > : issues. Here’s one. > : Is catnip OK for cats? > : I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > : My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > : she does not approve of catnip. > : Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > : or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > : is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > : before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > : Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > : and my furry friends agree. > : My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > : good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > : She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > : either for cats or for people. > : I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > : "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > : better. Computer references and web pages are > : no good, since she never uses browsers or > : the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > : arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Steve: > "There’s no evidence of catnip being harmful, so if your cat does respond > to it, there’s no reason not to indulge him from time to time." > That’s from page 228 of the _ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats_ by James R. > Richards, D.V.M., published in 1999 by Chronicle Books, San Francisco. > They’re selling this at Quality Paperback Books at www.qpb.com. > Good luck with the Puritan! ;-) > Priscilla (just because I’m sober doesn’t mean my cats have to be!)
Hey Priscilla, Thanks a lot! This is just what I need. As I said, she is an intelligent and capable woman with her own mind. I respect her opinions and beliefs, but we don’t agree on some things, such as religion, morals, and most important, cat behavior. Steve
Response:
Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here. — "Habit is a great deadener". Samuel Beckett-Waiting for Godot
Response:
> Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their > families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, > turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and > eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and > freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much > unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my > cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here.
Ha. You’re in denial. It’s pretty clear that you have a houseful of catnip addicts there. Marca
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi group, > My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > issues. Here’s one. > Is catnip OK for cats? > I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > she does not approve of catnip. > Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > and my furry friends agree. > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > better. Computer references and web pages are > no good, since she never uses browsers or > the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Thanks, > Steve
Go to a horticultural book. Look up catnip / catmint. Catnip is a member of the Mint family of plants. If she wants to ban catnip for the cats, she really should stop using herself any of the following: Spearmint Doublemint Peppermint Mint Jelly ( for use with roasted lamb ) Mint Tea Mint in any form of desert. Whatever else may be out there that uses mint as a spice. I think she is just seeing the cats behavior and assuming that catnip is a drug in some way. It really doesn’t qualify as a drug, as cats seem to be able to choose when and if they will be affected by it or not. If you watch the cats, they get frisky from the scent first then they start chewing on it. It is also only effective, if at all, on any cat for up to about twenty minutes after which they simply can walk away completely sober after the wildest twenty minutes. Sorry to say this though, but I don’t think any rational explanation or proof will sway her as her mind was made up without any information on the matter to begin with. Good luck though. Larry Osborne
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats? > two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > three-a-snip > I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, > they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs > and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except > when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat > food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). > I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they > could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the > mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on > the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the > morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? > A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. >
We have hopes for our two kitties. We want to retire and have them support us. They have interests, but not much initiative. Hoagy Catmichael, the older, is now 5 years old. It’s about time for him to enter Kittygarden. An indoor cat since adoption, he watches the children walk by with interest on their way to a neighborhood school. My wife tries to raise him to be a devout Cat-tholic, but she doesn’t want him to swallow some of the church’s dogma. Ella Kitzgerald has a deep bass growl (used frequently!) like her namesake. I play lots of Ella Fitzgerald CDs (my favorite singer) hoping that she takes after her. She is working on "scat" singing. > Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or > operate heavy machinery after indulging, though.
Hoagy wants to get a Catallac. Ella, who loves tuna, is interested in a Catamiran. As a responsible father figure. I’ll be sure they don’t drive when under the influence of catnip. > Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
I saw that movie back in college. I’d like to see it again. I have tried eating dried catnip in my tofu & vegetable stir-fry. Not a very good spice. One correspondent suggests brewing tea. I enjoy several of the non-caffinated herbal teas, so I’ll try that. Thanks for the really humorous post, Steve
Response:
and does your doc look at you like you probably shouldnt be allowed back home without controlled supervision – thinking you and the cat are living both like cats or both like humans, sharing bowls and medicines??? Mine did…until he retired, time to break in a new doctor! Luckily the vet doesnt give a stuff about me and my needs – just the cats! Sue PS: I dont share Floyds bowl or medicine by the way, I just compare and contrast theories! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi Steve, >And here I thought my doctor was the only one who opposed catnip for cats. >Not the vet, but my own personal MD (you can see what we talk about when I >go in for a checkup). Anyway, sometime ago I found material from the >Cornell University website about catnip. >http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/Hlthinfo.html As you may know, they >specialize in Feline medicine. As I remember, they gave a thumbs up for >catnip, but I don’t remember the details. So I printed it out for him. >Can’t say it convinced him but at least he accepted my gifts of "home grown >organic catnip" for his kitty. You might check their "Cornell Book of >Cats". I have an older edition and it doesn’t say much. >Judithen >"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be >acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" >(Psalm 19:14 KJV)
Response:
now this IS funny – really helped a hot slow afternoon pass a bit quicker at work – wait till my Significant Other reads this… rock on you guys! Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats? >two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. >three-a-snip >I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, >they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs >and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except >when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat >food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). >I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they >could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the >mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on >the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the >morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? >A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. >;-) >Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or >operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. >Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
Response:
OH sure, another instance of a a person sitting at a computer blaming the cats for their "unproductive ways". If that isn’t just the height of hypocrisy:-)) Like you’re refrig is nothing but carrot sticks… They pick up these habits from their people who are supposed to be fine upstanding citizens, but nooooo they turn on them and badmouth them alllllllllllll over usenet. What a way to repay their devotion! 
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, > they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs > and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except > when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat > food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). > I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they > could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the > mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on > the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the > morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? > A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. > > Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or > operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. > Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
Response:
one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats?
two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people.
three-a-snip I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
Response:
Yes its perfectly fine. Ultimately, with the next regularly scheduled vet visit, make sure the wife goes along, and have the vet tell her so:-) At that point, someone disagreeing is a sign of a different kind of problem — within them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi group, > My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > issues. Here’s one. > Is catnip OK for cats? > I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > she does not approve of catnip. > Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > and my furry friends agree. > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > better. Computer references and web pages are > no good, since she never uses browsers or > the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
Hi Steve, And here I thought my doctor was the only one who opposed catnip for cats. Not the vet, but my own personal MD (you can see what we talk about when I go in for a checkup). Anyway, sometime ago I found material from the Cornell University website about catnip. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/Hlthinfo.html As you may know, they specialize in Feline medicine. As I remember, they gave a thumbs up for catnip, but I don’t remember the details. So I printed it out for him. Can’t say it convinced him but at least he accepted my gifts of "home grown organic catnip" for his kitty. You might check their "Cornell Book of Cats". I have an older edition and it doesn’t say much. Judithen "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14 KJV)
Response:
: My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two : strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, : so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, : Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. : We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several : issues. Here’s one. : Is catnip OK for cats? : I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. : My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, : she does not approve of catnip. : Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip : or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she : is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away : before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for : Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, : and my furry friends agree. : My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many : good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. : She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, : either for cats or for people. : I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, : "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even : better. Computer references and web pages are : no good, since she never uses browsers or : the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her : arguments would be weakened by these authorities. Steve: "There’s no evidence of catnip being harmful, so if your cat does respond to it, there’s no reason not to indulge him from time to time." That’s from page 228 of the _ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats_ by James R. Richards, D.V.M., published in 1999 by Chronicle Books, San Francisco. They’re selling this at Quality Paperback Books at www.qpb.com. Good luck with the Puritan! ;-) Priscilla (just because I’m sober doesn’t mean my cats have to be!) — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away." – Philip K. Dick
Response:
Hi group, My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several issues. Here’s one. Is catnip OK for cats? I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, she does not approve of catnip. Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, and my furry friends agree. My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, either for cats or for people. I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even better. Computer references and web pages are no good, since she never uses browsers or the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her arguments would be weakened by these authorities. Thanks, Steve
Response:
> We have hopes for our two kitties. We want to retire and have > them support us. They have interests, but not much initiative. > Hoagy Catmichael, the older, is now 5 years old. It’s about time > for him to enter Kittygarden. An indoor cat since adoption, he > watches the children walk by with interest on their way to a > neighborhood school. My wife tries to raise him to be a > devout Cat-tholic, but she doesn’t want him to swallow some > of the church’s dogma.
My cleaning lady, who is a cat rescuer, and takes care of all the strays in her neighborhood (gets ‘em neutered, etc.) told me that one of her charges goes down to the local elementary school every weekday! Peanut is well-known there, plays with all the kids and is their mascot. Now there is a cat who is making something of her life, in spite of an underprivileged kittenhood. I predict a good future for that young go-getter cat. No catnip addiction there, clearly. > Ella Kitzgerald has a deep bass growl (used frequently!) > like her namesake. I play lots of Ella Fitzgerald CDs > (my favorite singer) hoping that she takes after her. > She is working on "scat" singing.
I’m fond of that old jazz myself. Love your cats’ names. Marca (with addicts Mini, Denali, and Elliott).
Response:
LOL Denial. Not _MY cats. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their > families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, > turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and > eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and > freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much > unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my > cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here. > Ha. You’re in denial. It’s pretty clear that you have a houseful of > catnip addicts there. > Marca
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > : strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > : so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > : Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > : We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > : issues. Here’s one. > : Is catnip OK for cats? > : I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > : My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > : she does not approve of catnip. > : Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > : or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > : is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > : before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > : Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > : and my furry friends agree. > : My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > : good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > : She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > : either for cats or for people. > : I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > : "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > : better. Computer references and web pages are > : no good, since she never uses browsers or > : the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > : arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Steve: > "There’s no evidence of catnip being harmful, so if your cat does respond > to it, there’s no reason not to indulge him from time to time." > That’s from page 228 of the _ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats_ by James R. > Richards, D.V.M., published in 1999 by Chronicle Books, San Francisco. > They’re selling this at Quality Paperback Books at www.qpb.com. > Good luck with the Puritan! ;-) > Priscilla (just because I’m sober doesn’t mean my cats have to be!)
Hey Priscilla, Thanks a lot! This is just what I need. As I said, she is an intelligent and capable woman with her own mind. I respect her opinions and beliefs, but we don’t agree on some things, such as religion, morals, and most important, cat behavior. Steve
Response:
Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here. — "Habit is a great deadener". Samuel Beckett-Waiting for Godot
Response:
> Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their > families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, > turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and > eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and > freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much > unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my > cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here.
Ha. You’re in denial. It’s pretty clear that you have a houseful of catnip addicts there. Marca
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi group, > My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > issues. Here’s one. > Is catnip OK for cats? > I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > she does not approve of catnip. > Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > and my furry friends agree. > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > better. Computer references and web pages are > no good, since she never uses browsers or > the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Thanks, > Steve
Go to a horticultural book. Look up catnip / catmint. Catnip is a member of the Mint family of plants. If she wants to ban catnip for the cats, she really should stop using herself any of the following: Spearmint Doublemint Peppermint Mint Jelly ( for use with roasted lamb ) Mint Tea Mint in any form of desert. Whatever else may be out there that uses mint as a spice. I think she is just seeing the cats behavior and assuming that catnip is a drug in some way. It really doesn’t qualify as a drug, as cats seem to be able to choose when and if they will be affected by it or not. If you watch the cats, they get frisky from the scent first then they start chewing on it. It is also only effective, if at all, on any cat for up to about twenty minutes after which they simply can walk away completely sober after the wildest twenty minutes. Sorry to say this though, but I don’t think any rational explanation or proof will sway her as her mind was made up without any information on the matter to begin with. Good luck though. Larry Osborne
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats? > two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > three-a-snip > I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, > they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs > and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except > when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat > food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). > I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they > could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the > mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on > the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the > morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? > A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. >
We have hopes for our two kitties. We want to retire and have them support us. They have interests, but not much initiative. Hoagy Catmichael, the older, is now 5 years old. It’s about time for him to enter Kittygarden. An indoor cat since adoption, he watches the children walk by with interest on their way to a neighborhood school. My wife tries to raise him to be a devout Cat-tholic, but she doesn’t want him to swallow some of the church’s dogma. Ella Kitzgerald has a deep bass growl (used frequently!) like her namesake. I play lots of Ella Fitzgerald CDs (my favorite singer) hoping that she takes after her. She is working on "scat" singing. > Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or > operate heavy machinery after indulging, though.
Hoagy wants to get a Catallac. Ella, who loves tuna, is interested in a Catamiran. As a responsible father figure. I’ll be sure they don’t drive when under the influence of catnip. > Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
I saw that movie back in college. I’d like to see it again. I have tried eating dried catnip in my tofu & vegetable stir-fry. Not a very good spice. One correspondent suggests brewing tea. I enjoy several of the non-caffinated herbal teas, so I’ll try that. Thanks for the really humorous post, Steve
Response:
and does your doc look at you like you probably shouldnt be allowed back home without controlled supervision – thinking you and the cat are living both like cats or both like humans, sharing bowls and medicines??? Mine did…until he retired, time to break in a new doctor! Luckily the vet doesnt give a stuff about me and my needs – just the cats! Sue PS: I dont share Floyds bowl or medicine by the way, I just compare and contrast theories! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi Steve, >And here I thought my doctor was the only one who opposed catnip for cats. >Not the vet, but my own personal MD (you can see what we talk about when I >go in for a checkup). Anyway, sometime ago I found material from the >Cornell University website about catnip. >http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/Hlthinfo.html As you may know, they >specialize in Feline medicine. As I remember, they gave a thumbs up for >catnip, but I don’t remember the details. So I printed it out for him. >Can’t say it convinced him but at least he accepted my gifts of "home grown >organic catnip" for his kitty. You might check their "Cornell Book of >Cats". I have an older edition and it doesn’t say much. >Judithen >"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be >acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" >(Psalm 19:14 KJV)
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now this IS funny – really helped a hot slow afternoon pass a bit quicker at work – wait till my Significant Other reads this… rock on you guys! Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats? >two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. >three-a-snip >I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, >they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs >and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except >when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat >food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). >I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they >could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the >mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on >the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the >morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? >A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. >;-) >Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or >operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. >Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
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OH sure, another instance of a a person sitting at a computer blaming the cats for their "unproductive ways". If that isn’t just the height of hypocrisy:-)) Like you’re refrig is nothing but carrot sticks… They pick up these habits from their people who are supposed to be fine upstanding citizens, but nooooo they turn on them and badmouth them alllllllllllll over usenet. What a way to repay their devotion! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, > they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs > and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except > when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat > food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). > I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they > could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the > mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on > the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the > morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? > A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. > > Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or > operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. > Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
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one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats?
two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people.
three-a-snip I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
Response:
Yes its perfectly fine. Ultimately, with the next regularly scheduled vet visit, make sure the wife goes along, and have the vet tell her so:-) At that point, someone disagreeing is a sign of a different kind of problem — within them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi group, > My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > issues. Here’s one. > Is catnip OK for cats? > I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > she does not approve of catnip. > Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > and my furry friends agree. > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > better. Computer references and web pages are > no good, since she never uses browsers or > the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
Hi Steve, And here I thought my doctor was the only one who opposed catnip for cats. Not the vet, but my own personal MD (you can see what we talk about when I go in for a checkup). Anyway, sometime ago I found material from the Cornell University website about catnip. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/Hlthinfo.html As you may know, they specialize in Feline medicine. As I remember, they gave a thumbs up for catnip, but I don’t remember the details. So I printed it out for him. Can’t say it convinced him but at least he accepted my gifts of "home grown organic catnip" for his kitty. You might check their "Cornell Book of Cats". I have an older edition and it doesn’t say much. Judithen "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14 KJV)
Response:
: My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two : strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, : so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, : Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. : We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several : issues. Here’s one. : Is catnip OK for cats? : I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. : My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, : she does not approve of catnip. : Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip : or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she : is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away : before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for : Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, : and my furry friends agree. : My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many : good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. : She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, : either for cats or for people. : I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, : "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even : better. Computer references and web pages are : no good, since she never uses browsers or : the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her : arguments would be weakened by these authorities. Steve: "There’s no evidence of catnip being harmful, so if your cat does respond to it, there’s no reason not to indulge him from time to time." That’s from page 228 of the _ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats_ by James R. Richards, D.V.M., published in 1999 by Chronicle Books, San Francisco. They’re selling this at Quality Paperback Books at www.qpb.com. Good luck with the Puritan! ;-) Priscilla (just because I’m sober doesn’t mean my cats have to be!) — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away." – Philip K. Dick
Response:
Hi group, My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several issues. Here’s one. Is catnip OK for cats? I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, she does not approve of catnip. Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, and my furry friends agree. My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, either for cats or for people. I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even better. Computer references and web pages are no good, since she never uses browsers or the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her arguments would be weakened by these authorities. Thanks, Steve
Response:
> We have hopes for our two kitties. We want to retire and have > them support us. They have interests, but not much initiative. > Hoagy Catmichael, the older, is now 5 years old. It’s about time > for him to enter Kittygarden. An indoor cat since adoption, he > watches the children walk by with interest on their way to a > neighborhood school. My wife tries to raise him to be a > devout Cat-tholic, but she doesn’t want him to swallow some > of the church’s dogma.
My cleaning lady, who is a cat rescuer, and takes care of all the strays in her neighborhood (gets ‘em neutered, etc.) told me that one of her charges goes down to the local elementary school every weekday! Peanut is well-known there, plays with all the kids and is their mascot. Now there is a cat who is making something of her life, in spite of an underprivileged kittenhood. I predict a good future for that young go-getter cat. No catnip addiction there, clearly. > Ella Kitzgerald has a deep bass growl (used frequently!) > like her namesake. I play lots of Ella Fitzgerald CDs > (my favorite singer) hoping that she takes after her. > She is working on "scat" singing.
I’m fond of that old jazz myself. Love your cats’ names. Marca (with addicts Mini, Denali, and Elliott).
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LOL Denial. Not _MY cats. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their > families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, > turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and > eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and > freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much > unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my > cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here. > Ha. You’re in denial. It’s pretty clear that you have a houseful of > catnip addicts there. > Marca
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > : strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > : so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > : Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > : We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > : issues. Here’s one. > : Is catnip OK for cats? > : I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > : My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > : she does not approve of catnip. > : Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > : or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > : is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > : before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > : Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > : and my furry friends agree. > : My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > : good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > : She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > : either for cats or for people. > : I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > : "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > : better. Computer references and web pages are > : no good, since she never uses browsers or > : the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > : arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Steve: > "There’s no evidence of catnip being harmful, so if your cat does respond > to it, there’s no reason not to indulge him from time to time." > That’s from page 228 of the _ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats_ by James R. > Richards, D.V.M., published in 1999 by Chronicle Books, San Francisco. > They’re selling this at Quality Paperback Books at www.qpb.com. > Good luck with the Puritan! ;-) > Priscilla (just because I’m sober doesn’t mean my cats have to be!)
Hey Priscilla, Thanks a lot! This is just what I need. As I said, she is an intelligent and capable woman with her own mind. I respect her opinions and beliefs, but we don’t agree on some things, such as religion, morals, and most important, cat behavior. Steve
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Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here. — "Habit is a great deadener". Samuel Beckett-Waiting for Godot
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> Cats don’t drive cars. Cats are not the sole support of their > families. Cats have few responsibilities other than dusting the furniture, > turning their noses up at what we feed them (and then turning around and > eating a bug or licking their butts) sleeping most of their lives away, and > freaking out at trips to the vet’s. And many cats are pretty much > unaffected by catnip and show no interest in it (as is the case with my > cat). It catnip is not harmful to them, I can’t see a "moral" issue here.
Ha. You’re in denial. It’s pretty clear that you have a houseful of catnip addicts there. Marca
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi group, > My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > issues. Here’s one. > Is catnip OK for cats? > I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > she does not approve of catnip. > Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > and my furry friends agree. > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > better. Computer references and web pages are > no good, since she never uses browsers or > the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Thanks, > Steve
Go to a horticultural book. Look up catnip / catmint. Catnip is a member of the Mint family of plants. If she wants to ban catnip for the cats, she really should stop using herself any of the following: Spearmint Doublemint Peppermint Mint Jelly ( for use with roasted lamb ) Mint Tea Mint in any form of desert. Whatever else may be out there that uses mint as a spice. I think she is just seeing the cats behavior and assuming that catnip is a drug in some way. It really doesn’t qualify as a drug, as cats seem to be able to choose when and if they will be affected by it or not. If you watch the cats, they get frisky from the scent first then they start chewing on it. It is also only effective, if at all, on any cat for up to about twenty minutes after which they simply can walk away completely sober after the wildest twenty minutes. Sorry to say this though, but I don’t think any rational explanation or proof will sway her as her mind was made up without any information on the matter to begin with. Good luck though. Larry Osborne
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats? > two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > three-a-snip > I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, > they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs > and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except > when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat > food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). > I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they > could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the > mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on > the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the > morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? > A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. >
We have hopes for our two kitties. We want to retire and have them support us. They have interests, but not much initiative. Hoagy Catmichael, the older, is now 5 years old. It’s about time for him to enter Kittygarden. An indoor cat since adoption, he watches the children walk by with interest on their way to a neighborhood school. My wife tries to raise him to be a devout Cat-tholic, but she doesn’t want him to swallow some of the church’s dogma. Ella Kitzgerald has a deep bass growl (used frequently!) like her namesake. I play lots of Ella Fitzgerald CDs (my favorite singer) hoping that she takes after her. She is working on "scat" singing. > Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or > operate heavy machinery after indulging, though.
Hoagy wants to get a Catallac. Ella, who loves tuna, is interested in a Catamiran. As a responsible father figure. I’ll be sure they don’t drive when under the influence of catnip. > Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
I saw that movie back in college. I’d like to see it again. I have tried eating dried catnip in my tofu & vegetable stir-fry. Not a very good spice. One correspondent suggests brewing tea. I enjoy several of the non-caffinated herbal teas, so I’ll try that. Thanks for the really humorous post, Steve
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and does your doc look at you like you probably shouldnt be allowed back home without controlled supervision – thinking you and the cat are living both like cats or both like humans, sharing bowls and medicines??? Mine did…until he retired, time to break in a new doctor! Luckily the vet doesnt give a stuff about me and my needs – just the cats! Sue PS: I dont share Floyds bowl or medicine by the way, I just compare and contrast theories! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi Steve, >And here I thought my doctor was the only one who opposed catnip for cats. >Not the vet, but my own personal MD (you can see what we talk about when I >go in for a checkup). Anyway, sometime ago I found material from the >Cornell University website about catnip. >http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/Hlthinfo.html As you may know, they >specialize in Feline medicine. As I remember, they gave a thumbs up for >catnip, but I don’t remember the details. So I printed it out for him. >Can’t say it convinced him but at least he accepted my gifts of "home grown >organic catnip" for his kitty. You might check their "Cornell Book of >Cats". I have an older edition and it doesn’t say much. >Judithen >"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be >acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" >(Psalm 19:14 KJV)
Response:
now this IS funny – really helped a hot slow afternoon pass a bit quicker at work – wait till my Significant Other reads this… rock on you guys! Sue – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats? >two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. >three-a-snip >I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, >they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs >and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except >when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat >food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). >I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they >could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the >mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on >the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the >morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? >A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. >;-) >Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or >operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. >Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
Response:
OH sure, another instance of a a person sitting at a computer blaming the cats for their "unproductive ways". If that isn’t just the height of hypocrisy:-)) Like you’re refrig is nothing but carrot sticks… They pick up these habits from their people who are supposed to be fine upstanding citizens, but nooooo they turn on them and badmouth them alllllllllllll over usenet. What a way to repay their devotion! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, > they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs > and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except > when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat > food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). > I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they > could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the > mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on > the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the > morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? > A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. > > Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or > operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. > Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
Response:
one-a-snip > Is catnip OK for cats?
two-a-snip > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people.
three-a-snip I have to agree with your wife. Since I gave my cats the Demon Catnip, they are no longer productive members of society. They don’t have jobs and they don’t go to school. They just don’t care about anything except when they are going to get their next fix or the next refill of the cat food bowl (it gives them the munchies, you know). I had high hopes for them once upon a time. I was thinking maybe they could become computer engineers, because they were so interested in the mouse. Now they just lie around the house, and they won’t even turn on the computer. Can you believe they don’t even get dressed in the morning? I have to support them financially, and what thanks do I get? A hairball on the stairs, and litter kicked out of the box, that’s what. Seriously, catnip is harmless fun. Don’t let your cats drive cars or operate heavy machinery after indulging, though. Marca (who saw ‘Reefer Madness’ too)
Response:
Yes its perfectly fine. Ultimately, with the next regularly scheduled vet visit, make sure the wife goes along, and have the vet tell her so:-) At that point, someone disagreeing is a sign of a different kind of problem — within them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi group, > My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two > strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, > so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, > Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. > We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several > issues. Here’s one. > Is catnip OK for cats? > I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. > My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, > she does not approve of catnip. > Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip > or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she > is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away > before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for > Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, > and my furry friends agree. > My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many > good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. > She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, > either for cats or for people. > I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, > "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even > better. Computer references and web pages are > no good, since she never uses browsers or > the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her > arguments would be weakened by these authorities. > Thanks, > Steve
Response:
Hi Steve, And here I thought my doctor was the only one who opposed catnip for cats. Not the vet, but my own personal MD (you can see what we talk about when I go in for a checkup). Anyway, sometime ago I found material from the Cornell University website about catnip. http://www.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/Hlthinfo.html As you may know, they specialize in Feline medicine. As I remember, they gave a thumbs up for catnip, but I don’t remember the details. So I printed it out for him. Can’t say it convinced him but at least he accepted my gifts of "home grown organic catnip" for his kitty. You might check their "Cornell Book of Cats". I have an older edition and it doesn’t say much. Judithen "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14 KJV)
Response:
: My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two : strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, : so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, : Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. : We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several : issues. Here’s one. : Is catnip OK for cats? : I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. : My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, : she does not approve of catnip. : Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip : or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she : is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away : before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for : Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, : and my furry friends agree. : My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many : good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. : She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, : either for cats or for people. : I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, : "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even : better. Computer references and web pages are : no good, since she never uses browsers or : the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her : arguments would be weakened by these authorities. Steve: "There’s no evidence of catnip being harmful, so if your cat does respond to it, there’s no reason not to indulge him from time to time." That’s from page 228 of the _ASPCA Complete Guide to Cats_ by James R. Richards, D.V.M., published in 1999 by Chronicle Books, San Francisco. They’re selling this at Quality Paperback Books at www.qpb.com. Good luck with the Puritan! ;-) Priscilla (just because I’m sober doesn’t mean my cats have to be!) — "Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away." – Philip K. Dick
Response:
Hi group, My wife and I are both cat lovers. We currently have two strays that we moderately spoil. We have no kids, so we lavish attention and affection on our adopted kitties, Hoagy Catmichael and Ella Kitzgerald. We both love cats. But we strongly disagree on several issues. Here’s one. Is catnip OK for cats? I think that catnip is fine, providing a natural "high" for cats. My wife is much more conservative in this aspect, she does not approve of catnip. Sometimes I sneak in little baggies of dried catnip or a catnip mouse toy for my little buddies when she is out. Then I carefully clean up and hide this away before she returns. I think a catnip mouse for Christmas or for a kitty birthday would be great, and my furry friends agree. My wife is a warm and intelligent woman with many good qualities. But she is far more straightlaced than I. She does not like recreational drugs of any kind, either for cats or for people. I’m looking for an authority in a book that says, "Catnip is fine for cats". Two books would be even better. Computer references and web pages are no good, since she never uses browsers or the internet. I doubt she’ll agree, but her arguments would be weakened by these authorities. Thanks, Steve
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