Catnip spray is a type of catnip toy that is commonly used to entice cats. It is made from catnip oil and water, and it usually also contains other ingredients like essential oils, glycerin, and emulsifiers. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients of catnip spray and what they do.
Catnip Oil: The key ingredient in any catnip spray is catnip oil. This oil is extracted from the Nepeta Cataria plant, and it contains a substance called nepetalactone. Nepetalactone is what gives catnip its characteristic smell, and it is also responsible for its effects on cats. When a cat inhales nepetalactone, it binds to certain receptors in the brain that are responsible for the ‘high’ that cats experience. This high is similar to the one experienced by humans when they use drugs like marijuana.
Water: Water is the second main ingredient in catnip spray. It is used to dilute the catnip oil so that it can be safely sprayed on toys or in areas where you want your cat to play.
Glycerin: Glycerin is a type of sugar alcohol that is often used as a food additive or skin-care ingredient. In catnip spray, it is used as an emulsifier to help mix the water and oil together. It also helps to keep the spray from drying out too quickly.
Essential Oils: Some brands of catnip spray also contain essential oils. These oils can help to mask the smell of the nepetalactone, making the spray more palatable for people who are not fond of the smell of pot. They can also help to make the spray last longer before it evaporates.
Catnip spray is a great way to keep your feline friend happy and entertained. Most store-bought catnip sprays are expensive, however, and some even contain harmful chemicals. The good news is that it’s easy to make your own catnip spray at home with just a few simple ingredients!
What You’ll Need:
– 1 cup water
– 1 teaspoon dried catnip leaves (or 1 tablespoon fresh catnip leaves)
– 1 teaspoon vodka (this helps the catnip essential oil stay suspended in the water)
– A clean spray bottle
– A funnel (optional)
– A cheesecloth or coffee filter (optional)
Conclusion:
The next time you’re shopping for catnip spray, take a closer look at the label to see what’s really in it. Chances are, you’ll recognize most of the ingredients as benign substances that are commonly found in other household products. The only truly unique ingredient in most catnip sprays is the catnip oil, which contains nepetalactone—the substance that gets cats high. So if you’re looking for a safe way to give your feline friend a little bit of fun, go ahead and pick up some catnip spray next time you’re at the pet store!