What Do African BIG Cats & Species Think About CATNIP | Cheetah Leopard Serval Caracal Meerkat Wolf

[@Nocturnal194]

Not going to lie chief, I would not want to be around a stoned murder kitten 😂 You are a brave man

[@pepito69]

Lol I second that

[@WhiteChipmunks]

@@pepito69 yeah I will DEF> third that'

[@IrenESorius]

Yupp,, 😬😂

[@ConsciousOne369]

I would love to be there with them

[@CheetahWhisperer]

:)

[@h0n0lulu83]

No matter how often I see it, it still amazes me how extremely similar behaviours big cats and house cats display... I guess our little house tigers are really still very much wild beasts who havedump simply learned to also appreciate the luxuries of an indoor life!

[@gbubemioburoh8716]

Same here

[@hallio111]

yeah well house cats are in a symbiotic relationship with humans, and learned this since many generations. best life is when they are outdoor cats that can come in. many kittens walk up to humans when they need help and I think that this is also instinct. house cats also have a digestive system that is optimized to eat bread crumbles and such, so their bodies changed because of living with humans because they were living with humans for thousands of years. while wild cats still are pure carnivores I think. but in general I think that house cats just know that living with humans as part of their family is normal, while they still can live by their own if they want..

[@DownhillAllTheWay]

I have read this before - from a serious ethologist - that the reason why house cats hunt birds and mice is because they are wild animals. However, they are not stupid animals, and living with somebody who looks after them and feeds them and gives them a warm heater to lie in front of, is something they can get used to really easily.

[@newsystem420]

When Gabriel goes up to groom and greet right away it's so cute. Kitty kisses are the best big or small❤

[@romariomejia5396]

Yeah, the only reason they are somewhat safe is because of their size. Even small cats can be dangerous

[@The_Keeper]

Fun(?) fact; Catnip is extremely closely related to Mint, and cats who react to the 'Nip also tend to react to Mint. I found that out the hard way when my 3 cats stole, violently I might add, my teabags containing Mint Tea. But, at least it helped their breath...

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Cool!

[@eternallife9786]

🤣🤣🤣

[@dragonhunter8807]

funnily enough its called cat-mint in german

[@paddington1670]

my cat goes to the nip after a hard day of napping

[@hiroshell7973]

in german, Howitzer is called haubitzen

[@ats-3693]

My friends had a catnip plant growing in their garden, their cat as well as various other local neighbourhood cats would constantly roll around on it, rub themselves on it, sniff it, lick it, nibble on it, and generally just act like lunatics around it, I think the fresh plant has way more effect than when it's dried.

[@NicholasGilliam-nj9ks]

Correct! All cats prefer freshly picked, and rolled to release the oils, catnip.

[@phthartic]

I’d be suspicious whether the stuff in the box really IS catnip. Get some real identifiable live plants and try the test again. Dried porcini mushrooms are notorious for being other, less prized species. Maybe it’s really the alfalfa it smelled like.

[@ats-3693]

@@phthartic I don't know about the stuff that comes in packets or boxes but the plant my friends had in their garden was definitely real catnip, originally it still had a stick with a label on it from the garden shop they bought it from, the plant ended up dying from getting beaten up too much by the cats rolling around on it every day and night.

[@phthartic]

@@ats-3693 we had the same problem. We ended up planting it in a hanging planter and just picking a leaf ourselves when we wanted to treat the cats.

[@rustybungle]

@@phthartic It does smell kind of like alfalfa(basically the same scent as most dried non fragrant plants) when dried out but fresh smells like cannabis with a slight pepperiness.

[@avanguline]

In my experience, cats with catnip like to lick it, roll in it, and then the playfulness kinda sets in a little after that. I wonder if you'd have gotten different reactions if you'd sprinkled some for them to taste?

[@CrisNunya]

RIGHT! He needs to take it out of the plastic and put it on the ground and see how they react!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Cool~! Thx!

[@pterribilis80]

Exactly. That’s exactly what I would have done. My Bengal has a very strong reaction to Catnip in or outside a toy but my Birman and Devon Rex only reacts when it is raw and on the floor

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@pterribilis80 Great to know!

[@jessicascoullar3737]

My cats react very strongly to catnip but ignore it in a plastic bag if the bag is sealed. Wonder if it would be different if you opened the bag.

[@smay9100]

The cheetahs purring made me smile so much that my cheeks hurt! My heart is melting they are so cute!!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Cool!

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

That's a very friendly cheetah. Wish i could spend time with such a magnificent kitty

[@Theanomaly369]

@@CheetahWhisperer you have to try this again, but make sure there's no scent from other cats on the box. Take some of the catnip out of the box/bag and rub it with your fingers, and then let them smell it. That one serval seems to be interested, but he was disgusted by the smell of other cats and tried to pee on the box lol

[@ArmadaOne]

Yes they are adorable. Very pretty too.

[@WASTED__POTENTIAL]

I hear they thrive in domestication. You should get one!

[@DamonNomad82]

The purring of the cheetahs was so heart-warming!

[@motherpandayourconfusedmom]

This is true 🙏

[@SomeBuddy777]

Like a very deep throat gurgling sound.

[@cosmicmooncreations9898]

@japulus … yeah……………………… OH THAT . 😂😂😂😂😅😅😅😅

[@auto_5]

They seem to act more like canines than felines

[@teep3049]

"I know what you're thinking. And you're right. It's weed"

[@pulvenberg1709]

Phoenix wanting to play is so adorable. Didn't expect such a big animal making that begging movement I only know from dogs and cats.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I thought that was a amazing and revealing too! Big tough Teddy Leopard. Begging for a toy. They enrich his life quite a bit with box toys. Thx for watching!

[@robadams5799]

I like the way it said "PHOENIX!" in flaming red letters when he forgot the name.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@robadams5799 Thx! It was a good recovery!

[@fractalisomega9517]

Gabriel is so polite when you offer it to him, even the third time he's like "ok sure let me smell it for you again"

[@Void_Creature4]

Bro rly said "Light work no reaction"

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I know!

[@VestedUTuber]

You might want to try larger doses. Big Cat Rescue tested this as well and even some of their big cats (panthera genus) reacted to it, but they were giving them big brown paper bags full of catnip, not just kitty-sized bags.

[@xxdrzombiexx]

FRESH catnip is always better than store-bought, which does smell like alfalfa.

[@EricHaugen]

Also sometimes cats want to lick or chew on it rather than just sniff it.

[@MsNoPixel]

Yeah sniffing the bag of catnip that’s most likely sat on a store shelf forever isn’t gonna do it. Also catnip with silver vine tends to be stronger.

[@Project_AAA]

Yes also he was just holding the bag. You have rub in your hands or shake the bag quite a bit to active the catnip. It will still work without rubbing it in your hand or shaking it, but won’t work nearly as well

[@TWN-nw4jd]

dude waved a dimebag in front of stoners with claws

[@Martin.Wilson]

This was not the best way to introduce catnip. My cats never really reacted to a plastic bag of dried herb, but when I took out a handful, rubbed it together to release the essential oils and sprinkled it on them, they went mental for it. Your way is like waving a frozen TV dinner in front of them and getting the same non-reaction. Presentation is everything.

[@-HighTide]

Exactly 💯% correct!

[@isaachowell2142]

No . Some cats go wild in box sealed . Don't assume your cats are every cat.

[@kenta3148]

Fresh picked is much better than old dried. Rub the leaves and snap some twigs to really make it strong.

[@MsMtheory]

Right? Like he didn't even take it out of the box ...I assume there may even be instructions on said box 📦 🤔 😅 😆

[@ripstrowie3608]

@@isaachowell2142 notice how he said it's not the BEST way. meaning yes some cats would react to bagged catnip but obviously it's better to unbag it so the cat can actually smell the herb strongly

[@jadlad9666]

Love that it is a universal cat experience to prefer the box over any kind of toy you offer them

[@CheetahWhisperer]

:)

[@dolamyte]

I think we'd all like to see a part two using the most common suggestions. - use fresh or higher quality catnip - rub with you hands to increase scent - put it where they can eat and roll in it

[@judithdenton6631]

Your right, you have to put on the ground so they can roll in it.

[@VestedUTuber]

Also give larger quantities. It's possible they just weren't able to get enough of the compounds in their system for it to have a noticeable effect.

[@johnday1480]

also, open the bag so they can smell it lol

[@frankkolton1780]

I would imagine smoking it would get the best reactions.

[@dolamyte]

@@frankkolton1780 if only they had thumbs…

[@ErikWolowitz]

Interesting, but having two cats myself, a couple things I noticed. First, is that there is a definite difference in quality and effect between fresh and stale catnip. I also tend to grind or roll the catnip to get the oils out and that has a pretty definite effect as well. Perhaps make sure that catnip works on housecats then try it on the big cats?

[@melodiefrances3898]

Yeah, sometimes mine will react to closed bag, but I always put it on the ground. And the best is fresh which drives them crazy.

[@Jbasile1992]

I get meowjuiana now and my cats see the bottle and know what's up. They will scream for it one eats it then plops on it the other just rolls around and gets super playful. About the only time brother and sister put up with each other lol

[@theohmeyegods]

I was gonna say, maybe try a different brand and different methods. Gf had a cat that went crazy over some and didn't care about others. The ones it liked it had to have out of the bag, in a pile on the floor, and would eat and roll in it until it was gone. Also maybe try a larger amount, since they're bigger kitties.

[@wod5203]

Freshness is a definite factor.

[@jamesbook9028]

I usually just put some in my hand then rub it in between my hands above or just in front of them they love that

[@Ahmedkhan8802]

I was expecting the leopards to have the most positive reaction, based on some other videos I've viewed. Even without the catnip it's pleasant as always to see these beautiful animals. Good to see James is doing well.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thx! I love James! I wish I could bring him to my project. He is at another now but doing well.

[@heatherlowe7330]

James was happier to groom than mess with catnip 🤣

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@heatherlowe7330 James is the nicest male cheetah I've met so far. Loves people, not just me.

[@Odo-so8pj]

They did but he wouldn't hand over the packet.

[@DukeTheRulerr]

If they get the muchies it's all over

[@ManubibiWalsh]

You’re living my dream. I’ve been wanting to meet a cheetah since I was like 6, and am now 32. They’ve always been my favorite animal, and the more I learn about them the more that feeling grows.

[@Afriqueleblanq]

Don't jump the queue. I am twice your age and also still waiting.

[@divinedragon17]

@@Afriqueleblanq xD

[@samlawrence4670]

I met a couple in Namibia and they were really very friendly. So we’re the young lions I took for a walk in Zimbabwe, all round an amazing experience.

[@jennyrules2694]

Yes they are the most beautiful big cat

[@Emzzz78]

The purrs are insane!! I’m in love 🥰

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Me too. Luv purrs.

[@Theanomaly369]

@@CheetahWhisperer you have to try this again, but make sure there's no scent from other cats on the box. Take some of the catnip out of the box/bag and rub it with your fingers, and then let them smell it. That one serval seems to be interested, but he was disgusted by the smell of other cats and tried to pee on the box lol

[@juliusfucik4011]

I am always amazed at how docile the cheetahs are. Their purring is amazing!

[@kayracan3663]

Hey, I think you're a nice looking clown. But first, let me ask you this: Why do I feel stuck? What makes you feel right? Are you ok? Are you fed? And have a nice christ... I think it's weird that Jesus is God's son and God himself at the same time. I feel stuck about this issue I hope you won't.

[@pencilRC1]

@@kayracan3663 I don’t have to worry about this because I don’t believe they exist lmao

[@kayracan3663]

@@pencilRC1 this is rude

[@CheetahWhisperer]

:)

[@pencilRC1]

@@kayracan3663 you expect people to be all kind and “yeah alright cool” when you’re preaching on random KZbin videos?

[@uncletiggermclaren7592]

That is so nice, the Cheetah cuddling into your arm and being so content. I used to have a Ginger-cat as my best mate, . He would almost instantly go to sleep the moment he curled up in my lap, so I used to keep a book by my chair. I miss him so much.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

So nice when a cat trusts you enough to sleep with you. Eden, her name, was like that. She would sleep with you and spoon to keep everyone warm.

[@oscarthagrouch]

8:15 i didn’t know leopards did that too! my cat is the only one out of the 10 i’ve had in my entire life, that does that with her paws. it’s adorable and it’s so cool that its not only cats

[@RastaSaiyaman]

There is a video out there called "Do big cats like Catnip?" which was shot in a sanctuary for abandoned circus animals and confiscated illegal pets. There, they presented the catnip spread out, and the cats reacted to it like a house cat would, by rolling around in it. Perhaps you would have gotten a different reaction if you had taken the catnip out of the bag it was in.

[@blindbrad4719]

I gave my cheater catnip in her dinner, she acted exactly as I planned, threw up all over her spaghetti Bolognese and then I kicked her out the house and told her to go live with her boss.

[@Raexai]

@@blindbrad4719 i thought u meant cheetah i went on a trip LOL

[@blindbrad4719]

@@Raexai unfortunately I haven’t got the space to let one of those run around LOL.

[@Raexai]

@@blindbrad4719 they would be a lot more polite than ur ex none the less ^7^ hehe

[@stormevans6897]

@@Raexai Still taken on a trip either way, like what is this anecdote. It almost would be less weird if it said cheetah.

[@ShaioteKlata]

I love all creatures, but I have a soft spot for cats (big & small), and I am thankful that you are dedicating yourself to them. I've raised/cared for dozens of house cats (5, currently), and am moved by your goodness. I've never used this "Super Thanks" function, but felt compelled to give (as small as it may be). This video was very fun; thank you, for sharing! Cheers, my friend! All good things to you, & yours!🥰

[@-opus]

If you truly loved cats, you wouldnt be congratulating this channel

[@Gho5tRunner]

@@-opus and why is that?

[@ShaioteKlata]

@@-opus Would you care to elaborate?

[@SuperFrankie90]

Probably because they are all in cages, but i guess if its for the purpose of breeding and releasing them in the wild.. its not that bad. I hope thats the idea of this channel. :)

[@maxheim3802]

if you love all creatures i hope you are vegan because everything else is hypocritical, farm animals grow up in horrible conditions and die horrible deaths for no reason.

[@KatrinaYancey780]

The African Wildcat reaction is pretty on par with my cat's reaction. If you open the tub of dried catnip - or if he's allowed on the deck to his fresh plant - he goes at it immediately. He rubs himself on it, grabs it, rolls around in it, eats it (it is safe for them to eat), and then relaxes in the pile. My cat looks like them too, a brownish-grayish tabby.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thx for commenting! And Watching!

[@Glasher1]

Our Savannah cat doesn't think anything of catnip, but reacts to oregano as a domestic would catnip. Give oregano a try.

[@tibo6749]

The cheetah is adorable! I love the way it purrs and grooms you. What a cute baby

[@CheetahWhisperer]

They sure are cute. Cheetahs can be very cat like.

[@girlcheck]

One issue is the catnip is dry. The oil in the herb has to be activated. You kinda have to rub it and let them taste it. Sprinkle it on ground or on coat and let them rub in it.

[@Ice_Karma]

The percentage of housecats that respond to catnip varies wildly by place. For example, in New Zealand, thanks to genetic founder effects, more than 90% of housecats are uninterested in it, and pet stores in New Zealand don't even stock catnip (or valerian) products as a result

[@tokyohands]

Thats because kiwi cats prefer citnip

[@Ice_Karma]

@@tokyohands Wat.

[@stewart1986]

@@Ice_Karma fush and chups bru

[@gypsychick6824]

@Tokyohands 🤣

[@HighlanderNorth1]

☑️🤔 You're right, but I think the history is important, so we MUST tell the story from the beginning.... As we know, cats love water. Millions of years ago, the earliest housecats began making regular 500 mile swims from Egypt to New Zealand and back. But suddenly, tectonic plate movement inexplicably sped up, and the NZ islands were carried thousands of miles clear across the ocean in a period of just a few hundred years! From then on, cats became unwilling to swim that distance, and they began substituting Madagascar as their new destination. So the cats stranded in NZ evolved WITHOUT catnip, making them unresponsive to it.

[@tylociraptor8131]

It's so weird to see the african wildcats... they look just like some of my cats. Dogs are so far removed from their wild ancestors, but cats for the most part.... they're just like, indoor murder mittens

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I think they are hybrids of wild and house cats and not full blood. I've seen true blood ones and they are much more wild looking. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@tylociraptor8131]

@@CheetahWhisperer Oh wow! I never thought of that, even knowing of wolfdogs. I'm glad theyre in a sanctuary that gives them the specialized care they need then, how wonderful! :D

[@henningventer2917]

I life in South Africa and the African wild cat will interbreed with domestic cats and that is a problem for conservation.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@henningventer2917 Yes. true. Waters down pure genes of the Wild African cat.

[@sleepingcity85]

@@CheetahWhisperer But when I look at the biological books and descriptions, they are roughly the same as our housecats. I cant spot much differences between the depiction of african wildcats and my housecats tbh except for the longer legs. Sure, indiviuals wary, but overall they appear very similar. The history of domestication is very different for dogs and cats, its interesting how long they have been domesticated, where they have been domesticated and especially for what purpose. Since we dont really altered the behavior of cats in their progress of domestication i would agree with Tylociraptor and they are just like indoor murder mittens. And as I know there are virtually no 100% pure african wildcats anymore in the world.

[@sir_slimestone3797]

I love how much those Cheetahs purr, they come across like really big house cats in your videos. I didn't expect them to lick so much though, like a dog, I almost never see a housecat wanting to groom a human.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Not sure why house cats aren't so licky. I did a video on my youtube channel as to why cheetahs groom so much. Take a look. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWLch3aEZ5WUn7Mfeature=shared

[@seitenryu6844]

Mine licks me a lot! Sometimes he'll groom whatever part is near, and you have no choice.

[@simeonellinger2064]

My cat licks me until it hurts and I have to go away lol

[@faile73]

My cats never had much of a reaction to catnip, valerian root on the other hand....instant insanity. Would be interesting if you could try it again with valerian root, but you might want to do it from a distance just in case it works (not joking here, if they react as my housecats do it could get dangerous) !

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Cool~! I will try that too!

[@shardinhand1243]

oh interesting i had no idea there was another cat effecting drug.

[@dalemcnamee2427]

And Honeysuckle wood has catnip type effects on cats, especially big cats like lynxes, etc.

[@FlareSnare]

@@CheetahWhisperer Yeah, my cats prefer Valerian Root aswell. I do know some perfumes will have a catnip reaction with big cats.

[@Nomans_Nomen]

I wanta see more antelopes. Had no idea they were so cute up close.

[@locohobo1925]

For catnip testing, I would like to offer a suggestion… try taking the catnip out of the bag and sprinkle it around on the ground. The couple dozen cats that I’ve owned over the years (DSHs and DLHs, mind you 🙂) have always had a more intense reaction to catnip that way. I’ve always theorized that it was similar to drinking wine out of a proper glass versus drinking it straight out of the bottle… the aeration is part of the flavour. One of my baby boys, Henry (DSH who is 9 years old, but, quite literally, still has the personality of a 9 week old kitten), will mostly ignore an opened box of catnip, but if I sprinkle it on the bed, he becomes a different cat. I maul my pets with affection when they’re little, so there are never any ‘personal space issues’ as adults. Henry will leap into the pile of catnip, flip over on his back, wiggle around in it, and flare his teeth as though he were a vicious predator. 😄 I can still rub his belly while he’s wiggling around, I just have to be careful, since his eyes are rolled back in his head… he’s really not paying much attention to where his claws are. Giving him fresh grown catnip (picked that day, May through August) is like giving a child cocaine. 😄 Anyway, I just thought I’d mention it in case you wanted to try it. 🙂

[@Radhaun]

Adding to this, try crushing the catnip just a little to start the release of oils, just like you might to release the scent oils for peppermint or a cooking herb.

[@spamuel98]

You've given children cocaine?

[@jacquelinearmitage650]

That's what I said too. Not a good test

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thx!

[@locohobo1925]

@@spamuel98 You haven’t?

[@dcantrell5584]

I love how they all purr around you!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I know! Love cheetah purrs.

[@johnrickard8512]

That tells me one thing - these Cheetahs trust him greatly and feel comfortable around him. He must be taking very good care of them. 🙂

[@edinagaspar722]

Omg that purring of Gabriel!!! So cute!!! I love love LOVE cheetahs!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Love cheetah purrs.

[@gajspalt]

Amazing! Its surreal to see you have the respect and affection of these big cats. Even having a housecat's respect and affection is a pretty amazing feat in itself haha

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thank you very much!

[@Brando56894]

I love how cheetahs are essentially huge, fast house cats. The leopards and jaguars are such beautiful cats, too bad they can essentially kill you with one bite.

[@openorwap5412]

Wow, the trust those animals have in you must feel like a huge privilege. It's heartwarming to watch. One thing I've learned is if a big cat wants to love on you before they entertain any of your shenanigans, you must sit and accept the love in all its glory 🐆🥰🤭 Great video 😊

[@JanusHoW]

You still need to avoid turning your back to a big cat unless you know they can't get to you. They're still wild animals, and as soon as they see something with their back turned, their hunting instincts kick in. In rural areas of India where wild tigers still roam, many peoples that have to go into the forest will wear masks with a face, except the mask is on the back of their head. This fools the tigers into thinking that they have already been seen, and will not attack. After all, what prey is more difficult to sneak up on than one with eyes on the back of its head?

[@Afriqueleblanq]

A cheetah is a lesser cat, not a big cat.

[@mrcat5508]

@@Afriqueleblanqcheetahs are BIG cats is what they mean, not that they are within panthera

[@yambo59]

the most amazing response ive ever seen to catnip was not from store bought varieties but rather from "wild" catnip a freind of mine got hold of years ago, his cat went absolutely bonkers after a couple whifs-!! The was a fun evening watching his cat do all kinds of crazy reactions-!! Behaved like he was drunk and acting all kinds of weird running around the room.

[@sealyoness]

We've had wild catnip growing in different places over the years. I've noticed that catnip from under an evergreen has a distinctly stronger scent than that growing elsewhere. My various kitties respond differently to both. Some prefer the ranker evergreen catnip. Some don't like either type. Some just get crazy silly over either. I guess it's a combination of genetics, when/if neutered, and environment?

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thanks for sharing!

[@primesspct2]

I also have catnip growing wild and none of my cats has ever seemed interested in it in the least. Beyond the occasional roll they do to any of my mints, I suspect to keep insects away. Perhaps if cats have access to it all the time, its just not a big deal to them? idk Other peoples housecats seem to love it though.

[@Aliyah_666]

If you have a cat that doesn't respond to catnip silvervine is something else they like. My cat loses her shit over silvervine and catnip mixture.

[@TheMixCurator]

@@CheetahWhisperer You should try Silver Vine! They're sticks made from the plant. My cats go bananas over it, chewing it whilst holding in their paws whilst purring manically. Neither of my cats are interested in cat nip at all, so maybe this could be the best thing they've never tried ✌

[@noWatchdogs]

Like shrooms

[@shays7815]

I'd do another test using fresh catnip. I think you'll get a different reaction. Some catnip that you buy at the store might be old or stale depending on how long it's been sitting on the shelf at the store. When you said that it smelled like hay, I knew that it was old. Catnip should have a minty kind of smell.

[@teleportingpotatoe]

There are other herbs that are more powerful than catnip also. Such as Silvervine or Valerian. Valerian I think gives humans very vivid dreams.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thx!

[@X-RAGE]

thats why i mostly buy the catnips in liquid form my cat react more with it, it has a strong minty scent i might try to grow it myself someday

[@halfbakedblake]

@@X-RAGE liquid nip is amazing

[@TheB2graphx]

I’ve got wild catnip that grows around my house. I’ll take some and give it to my mom’s cat. She’s normally an assy cat. Once when gets some catnip she’s almost pleasant. 😂

[@cowlesdentalcare3073]

Our home cats have had varied interest in catnip. Two cats (mother and daughter) sniffed out catnip wrapped in Christmas paper, and chewed/ clawed open the paper and commercial bag it was in, while we slept, the night before Christmas. They were just plain 'silly' with catnip. Our current kitty could care less about "catnip", BUT, she has a clear affection for our 'minty' mouthwash in the bathroom. She'll sit for many minutes at a time, rubbing her head and neck all over the bottle covering, presumably because peppermint is a relative of 'catnip.'

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@cathyspiller7154]

So's pot. Try keeping your kitty's out of your stash! (Where I live it's legal.)

[@justinreillyhyers5686]

I love how the African leopard sniffed the bag as soon as he took it out of the box and then immediately walked away like get away from me drug dealer I don’t want no cat nip no kitty crack for me lol😂😂😂😅😅😅

[@_Shadoh_]

Love how the wildcats were actually accurate on the 70%, two were interested and one was not :D

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Accurate!

[@berelinde]

With my cats over the years, I've found that reaction to catnip has been polarized. Those who don't like it really don't like it. They will actively avoid it, and attempt to get it out of their space. Those who do like it, well, their enthusiasm for it is unbridled.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Yep!

[@einienj3281]

My Cat doesn't like catnip..

[@ashleynine4512]

You need to give them all small pile of catnip THEN see the reaction. When i worked at my local zoo, the mt lions, cheetahs, and EVERY cat LOVED it. They also show interest in mint. Since catnip is actually in the mint family. Catmint. Has opposite effect on humans, commonly found in Tea like 'sllepy time' tea.

[@x64600]

Beware mint, its oils are toxic, horses, cats, and dogs should not eat mint.

[@kath5201]

It is wonderful for headaches &/or anxiety. Its a tiny bit seditive. Safe for fussy children. (Not babies. They get Chamomile)

[@x64600]

@@kath5201 - Chamomile has good anti inflammation properties, I drink it, I cook with it, But I don't let my Cat touch it. It has Tannic/Anthemic Acid, Chamazulene, Bisabolol, & oils in it that can be toxic to Cats, Dogs, & Horses. - If you give it to your cat over a period of time, or in a large quantity Chamomile can cause Bleeding (It's anti inflammation properties,) Skin sensitivity (Dermatitis,) Diarrhea, Anorexia, & Vomiting. --- A better option for cats is Turmeric, Though I'm on the fence with it for cats. It needs more testing. --- - *Turmeric* (The pure powder, nothing extra added.) - It has anti inflammatory properties. - Similar to Ginger it has antimicrobial properties to. - It's the Curcumin you want, It also has beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, & zinc in it. - I gave Turmeric to my elderly cat to slow down her Cancer. - It's been clinically proven to help with Ulcers, & Arthritis, & other Inflammation issues like swelling, & Bone health such as dealing with Osteoporosis. - I've heard folks say it can be helpful with; Gallbladder issues, Aches, Headaches, Ringworm, Infections, Rashes, fibromyalgia, & such. --- Again, I'd only use Turmeric in small dosages. & I would avoid Chamomile.

[@jonathangold2087]

Amazing the rapport you have with all the animals you introduced to catnip. Your connection with the cats big and small , is quite remarkable!!! Just to see the way they interact with you is fascinating. You must be a very special human being to have such unusual bonds with these beautiful, wild creatures! The most amusing response was from the African Wild Cats, quite entertaining! Equally amusing was the nonchalant reaction of most of the big cats to the catnip. The canines reaction was as expected, but nonetheless amusing. The springbok also was entertaining to watch. The fascination that the wild animals had with you, was quite heartwarming. You have an unusually close connection with your wild animal friends. Great fun to watch the interactions of all of them with you! Thanks for sharing the footage with all of us!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Man... your a great YT watcher, actually watch it all and have insightful comments👍

[@bettyh3747]

Note: not all catnip is the same. If it smells like hay it isn't a good grade.

[@qntcats5974]

It should smell like mint, being from the mint family.

[@feeberizer]

It's funny the little wild cats reacted the most just like housecats. Reminds me of my Chester who would go wild for about 5 minutes and then lay there stoned for another 20! I felt like a remorseful drug dealer. 😹

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Cool!

[@MomCatMeows]

Phoenix is absolutely beautiful. I’ve never seen a leopard with a head that big.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I know! He is semi tamed too but super big and powerful.

[@AmandaPaige71]

I re-watched him with the paws in the air several times!! He is a beauty!!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@AmandaPaige71 Phoenix is like a deadly child...

[@finneganfly]

I was fortunate enough to have a cuddle with a cheetah many years ago. His purring was so soothing.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Wow... incredible. Rare.

[@jonrettich4579]

Watching these creatures, happy with you and trying to understand your wishes and respond just says so much. No muss, no fuss just a memorable insight into all the personalities involved. I wish you, them and everyone else all the best. Thank you

[@CheetahWhisperer]

So glad you enjoyed the video! Thx for the compliment!

[@Redbuller100]

this man is literally living my dream. i wish i could sit down with 3 cheetahs and just cuddle with them

[@tonigallegos1325]

On my bucket list! (Is it still my bucket list if I survived breast cancer?...) Who cares,lol! Gonna try to do this regardless...

[@rebeccawilson6489]

I remember in second grade we had to write about our favorite animal. I knew right away I was gonna do a jaguar. #always been a cat lover!!! 😊

[@lucinda2329]

PUT THE CATNIP ON THE GROUND!!! Especially the two larger cats that scent marked right after smelling it.They were all much more interested in understanding what you were doing and getting attention from you. Placing it out on the ground takes you out of the mix! ❤️ ✿❧🌿❧✿ ❤️

[@jazlynotero855]

They’ll roll in it too if it’s on the ground

[@ShaioteKlata]

Great advice, Lucinda! 🌿 😺 🐾

[@lucinda2329]

@@ShaioteKlata ty! love those paw prints

[@lucinda2329]

@@jazlynotero855 Yes! Wouldn't that be a great photo/vid

[@lucinda2329]

@@jazlynotero855 Yes! Wouldn't that be a great photo/vid

[@Ch4roon]

they are all more beautiful than each other ! Shrek is so gorgeous ! And fiona so cute when he pulls x')

[@suzettekath9860]

I'm surprised that you didn't place some of the stuff on a board or sheet of cardboard for them to see if they would lick it up. Best way to see if they would respond. Not just from smelling. But also from tasting it.

[@absintheminded8466]

All I have to do is show my cats the open bag and they stuff their little heads in it for a better sniff XD When I run out of catnip I cut the bag open because the oils are on it and they still go crazy

[@lourila]

@@absintheminded8466 i was in care of my friend cat for 2 week and she LOVE to runaway even if she’s suppose to be a house cat. When she does this, since we’re in a forest the only way to get her back is to make noise with Cat pie bag 😂😂😂 She run toward us like her life depend on it and hopefully she came 😂

[@skatinwhenican]

If I've Learned Anything From Your Videos, It's That Your Cheetahs Truly LOVE You. It's Beautiful.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I'm so glad!

[@Zaire82]

My cat's the type that doesn't have many of these humorous cat reactions. She's indifferent to cucumbers, catnip, toys too generally, but when it comes to a brand of treats called "Dreamies", she behaves just like the cats in their advert.

[@Lovicide]

Temptations for US viewers

[@lesliehardeman6212]

there are some called shake'em up's I think thats a variation of the name but its got either a purple or turquoise lid and clear container. Normally after the cat has had them, when they hear you shake'em up, the cat comes. I've tamed a number of feral cats with them. BTW, if you sniff them, don't inhale too hard, they're stinky...

[@Lovicide]

@@lesliehardeman6212 brands sometimes use different names in different countries, hence "Dreamies" (for I'm guessing the UK) and "temptations" (in the US)

[@lesliehardeman6212]

@@Lovicide YES, TEMPTATIONS. So they call them Dreamies where you are...

[@Lovicide]

@@lesliehardeman6212 not me exactly, but the person that commented originally has a different name called "Dreamies". I don't know where that person is from

[@bbv9745]

i love that they go for his beard to groom it like it’s his “fur”

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Yup. And mend beards are not soft at all... they love it. Cheetahs 🐆.

[@redfeatheredreptile]

Seemed to me the leopards did react, often a wanting to play response is the effect of catnip. Some get affectionate, some get playful.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Very cool leopards...

[@Miss_Loving]

Cheetahs are my absolute favorite wild animal. I love them so much. Their beauty and how they're designed specifically for speed is amazing. ❤️

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I totally agree!

[@lagerhausjonny]

So many stunningly beautiful animals but that Antilope was by far the prettiest one of them all. What beautiful colors it had - and so curious. Thanks for sharing!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

SO glad you enjoyed the Springbuk! I enjoyed meeting her. She is alone and very cute. She SPRINGS and BUKS next to the cars that enter the reserve there.

[@catpoke9557]

Herbivores are almost always beautiful. And carnivores are almost always adorable. Omnivores are usually very dopey and cute.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@catpoke9557 So true... love them all.

[@RommyTVx]

That meerkat was breaking FPS at the highest rate when digging in that catnip... holywow man♥

[@CheetahWhisperer]

If human, would have voted casual THC use prohibited.

[@DjHazardous]

*I'm a huge cheetah lover and seeing you interact so close with them is something i can only dream of.* ❤️

[@machshfive]

Ikr I wish I could do that 😩

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Volunteer in South Africa sometime. www.runningwildconservation.org

[@dyspnoe586]

I mean Cheetahs are probably one of the least dangerous cats out there ( not even counting as big cats )

[@madelyntielking6483]

If someone where to show me a picture of the african wild cats and ask me what it was, I'd just think it's a regular house cat! It's cool to see that our house cats vary very little compared to their wild cousins. My sister's cat (very much house cat, as she and her brother, my cat, come from a farmhouse) looks nearly identical to the wild cats.

[@frenchbreadstupidity7054]

I live in their natural habitat and someone I know accidentally adopted an African Wild Cat.

[@TNaizel]

@@frenchbreadstupidity7054 does it behave like a normal domestic cat?

[@ShelbylunaMorgan]

They look so similar to our domestic cats.

[@ms.doomer5623]

Vary very

[@Roosmarijn035]

For European wild cats the only difference is that the stripe on their back end right before the tail whilst with normal tabby cats the stripe goes all the way through. Otherwise there's almost no way to tell the difference between the Felis silvestris catus and the Felis silvestris silvestris.

[@Darvit_Nu]

I'd also try Silvervine. I found a catnip cut with silvervine and my cat used to go crazy over it. The one I got was rather potent and no matter where I tried to hide it, or how I tried to mask the scent of it, he always found it right away. Some cats don't seem interested in herbs, plants, catnip or silvervine but others can't seem to get enough of it. Just like people, I think it's largely a personal preference or maybe even an inherited trait gene? The animals are gorgeous... you're so lucky to get to be around them :)

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Cool!

[@willbedford8381]

My cats love it with silverline too!

[@catelynh1020]

My sib helps out on a farm that has some strong catnip. She once gave me a jar of it (dried) and I put it in a bag for transport. About a month later, I went to a friend's house who had 2 cats and they would not leave my bag alone despite never having cared about it previously. The jar was long gone, but they still were interested. When I brought catnip from my place for them, they were interested, but not nearly as much, and left me alone pretty much right away after they'd gotten some of the nip. It's amazing how different the responses were

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@catelynh1020 Wow~!

[@TheRausing1]

Amazing how much more powerful and intimidating those leopards are than the cheetahs. Just massive animals

[@kelleymaxwell3875]

The one big beautiful cat that went after the box first had me rolling! I kept saying, "You're not gonna fit in that box sweetie!" Such beautiful babies

[@CheetahWhisperer]

😁

[@peachjubilee]

Omg I'm so jealous!!! I love big cats, and small cats, and every cat in between. You are a very special person to have the love, and affection of these wild cats.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I volly to do this. Try www.runningwildconservation.org

[@kyleecats2255]

I love how you know your animals enough to know which ones will see you as their equal, and those that might consider you prey. Added: My cats eat the catnip when I put it on the floor for them. Just not the plastic.

[@StevenBara]

The rumbling sound he makes, that sounds like the Balrog fighting Gandalf while falling through the center of the planet...he's happy.

[@jamiebaker5265]

Mr. Volker: "What do you like, buddy, the box or the catnip?" Every cat in the world: "Yes."

[@CheetahWhisperer]

:)

[@maximusaurelius610]

Lol it’s like he’s walking around w/ a bag of weed - “yooo y’all wanna light up. Fire stuff smell this brah dank asf”

[@MoistCubicle]

that begging thing around 8:40 is something my poodle did, I shit you not, she started it on her own as a puppy, nobody taught her. It was some weird thing she just naturally did when begging for food, it was adorable.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Very cool!

[@jasonbose3507]

I love 💕 how you are with the big kitties 😻!!! They are always misunderstood in society. These big kitties have great personalities, they've been very loved, you can tell!!! You are a hero to cat 🐈 kind, keep up the good work!!!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

So true! They all want peace and fun.

[@The4thaggie]

Thank you for giving these beautiful cats love and attention. Never knew cheetahs could be so friendly and cuddly towards humans.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Yes... It is a reward loving them.

[@skyeblue6834]

All these cats in this film, are absolutely fabulous this was an interesting experiment and just loved how you interacted with them think your body language tells them you're a gentle soul and would do no harm, they are just amazing as are, all animals on this earth

[@irishsakura1]

I have been waiting for a video like this for so long!!!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

SOO000 glad you showed up! Thx!

[@MsNoPixel]

Catnip with silver vine tends to be stronger, also big cats need a lot more than a sniff, it needs to be in bigger quantities & in a way so they can chew it, lick it or roll in it if they please, a little sniff from a plastic bag that’s sat on a store shelf for months isn’t gonna do it. Silver vine catnip tends to be more popular which sells it faster & therefore tends to make it fresher. You can also try silver vine sticks or toys too!!

[@bleach8888]

I think the cats that marked, were doing it more from the smell of the other cats then the catnip itself. Also, I'm super jealous that you get to play with cheetahs, my favorite animal.

[@8844602]

Thank you Dolph for taking the time to share these beautiful creatures with us. I'm grateful for people that work with nature and animal life.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Welcome and Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thanks for watching! Some points about the video and questions answered. 1. I added CHAPTERS in the description to help fast-forward the clip of your interest! 2. "You didn't open the bag!" - Didn't have too, Neo the Cheetah opened the bag from the Outside for me! 03:38 She slices open the bag for me and so I just squeezed the scent out from cut bag for the other animals. Other times I unzipped the zip-lock bag for them to sniff. But, I could have taken some out like I did for the African Wild Cats and the Springbok. 3. "You Didn't Pour Any Out!" Yep I did for the African Wild Cats 13:48. I didn't pour any out for the other cats because they did not have the 'wild' interest like the African Wild Cats did." 4. "They need to taste it to get a reaction!" - It's an oil that creates the reaction (for some cats...) The olfactory organ and nerve gets stimulated by smelling catnip. Eating it gives an opposite reaction. Every article I have read mentions the smell rather than taste of catnip is what generates the crazy response and eating it is like a sedative. Here is one of many articles mentioning this fact. www.humanesociety.org/resources/crazy-catnip. 5. "Rub some between your fingers first to release the oils, grow some in a greenhouse and use fresh leaves." Good suggestions! 6. Try some other simulating scents like valerian root, Silverine, other species of CATNIP, fresh bag (though one I used was new), try fresh leaves or chop it up 1st for best response." Good suggestions! Ok, looks like I could have done better and If I do this again... I will include ALL the great suggestions from CatNip experienced viewers and commenters like YOURSELF! Thanks!

[@hansbrackhaus8017]

For the more dangerous "Flat palm for sure" cats, maybe fix the catnip to your palm with something the cats can safely lick off. (But I don't know what, thin solution of honey, or just water, perhaps, maybe?) So you can press your hand against the enclosure without it all falling down.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

@@hansbrackhaus8017 Thanks for the tips!

[@DownhillAllTheWay]

At 0:14 - "I know what you're thinking" - no you don't, Mate! I was thinking how privileged you are to have a close relationship with this gorgeous cat. I'm envious!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Ha... I wish I could go in with leopards. These 2 are fairly tame but are not mine and only staff and those who raised them can go in. I did a year earlier when they were younger but don't know them all that well. One day I will take in a rescue leopard and teach folks about the up close nature of the spotted African leopard. I have to have them as a cub to-do that. Forming a post cub relationship is the most dangerous. But i am not the kind that takes cubs from mom... it would have to truly be some rescue where a mom was killed and a leopard cub needs a home.

[@ravenquinzel8526]

Have you thought of trying silver vine with the bigger cats? If domestic cats don't respond to catnip they usually respond to silver vine. Would be interesting to see.

[@janbadinski7126]

I had forgotten about silver vine. I think it's native to China. It would be interesting to see what it would be like to grow it in the yard.

[@Crusader1815]

This was an interesting experiment. Since, as some say, only a certain percentage of housecats (and I presume, their very close relatives, African wild cats) respond to catnip, it might be interesting to survey other members of closely related species (maybe concentrate on servals and caracals) to see if perhaps 10-20% of them react to it, since the ones you tried here didn't. It's always remarkable to see how all these different cat species seem pretty friendly when raised by and socialized with people... even the leopards.

[@MomCatMeows]

My daughter is a cat lover. She tells everyone “I’m 25% cat”. I showed her this video and she is mesmerized. She loves giving cat nip toys to our kitty. We’re going to look into how we can help support these lovely creatures. Keep up the great work!!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

That is awesome!

[@ThePurrplePuff]

That's so cute! Keep us posted on what she thinks of her first sushi if/when she tries it! (If she doesn't like it, that's okay and it doesn't mean she's any less cat. Might just be more of a poultry or red meat kinda gal!) 🐱❤🍣

[@ryancrist9565]

Catnip is an opiate. I learned that recently. No wonder they go crazy for it lol. It has no effect when eaten, only when they get some of the catnip dust up their nose. It stimulates the β-endorphins in their blood and that binds to that oh so sweet µ-opioid receptor. Don't worry though. It's fine. They aren't going to get addicted unless you give it to them daily, obviously. And also they get a massive tolerance to it after just one use, this is why catnip never seems to work very well for them if at all multiple times a day.

[@H3XCALIBURR]

You are living the dream man I'd love to be able to do this much stuff with big cats, specially servals they're my all time favorites

[@CheetahWhisperer]

I volunteer at www.runningwildconservation.org and have two of my cheetahs cared for there.

[@DarthAbyss316]

AWWW! My nana (grandmother) absolutely LOVED big cats. This is such an incredible video. Thank you so much for what you do Dolph. These animals are so majestic and beautiful, you clearly love them and care deeply about their survival. God bless you sir. 😇🥹

[@jmnimahelr]

The smaller the cat, the better the response to catnip. But what a lovely group of different wild cats. The rumble of the leopard that can be felt through my bones was my favorite. But truth be told, I just love cats. This perfect predator that hasn't changed much since it came to exist. Stay well, thank you for sharing, and I'll see you next time. 🐈🐈🐈

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Yes!

[@bluebe4201]

Woah, Shrek is absolutely majestic and Terrifying at the same time! I can feel his power and physical strength through the screen. I would be quite nervous to be around him in person!!!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

He's super strong.

[@NilsBallmann]

From my experiences with house cats, they either respond to catnip or valerian, but never both. And it sure helps to spread it out a little bit and rub it somewhere (okay to be bitten).

[@Lemu_with_a_shirt]

I have a cat that loves both, two very different reactions.

[@DancingDeity]

I had no idea cats loved Valerian until I started taking it as a sleep aid. When I opened the bottle of pills my cat lunged onto the counter and shoved his nose into the bottle. I had to Google to see if it was okay to give him some. I open the capsule and sprinkle just a little bit onto the floor and watch him go wild. He likes Catnip but he has a more potent reaction to Valerian.

[@KristoffRand]

Your connection to all the animals is remarkable and undeniable. Respect.

[@markroberts715]

Their all so beautiful!! I was jealous the whole time ,wishing I was there with the cats too!! Thank you for being so kind to them

[@CheetahWhisperer]

You are so kind

[@gizzya4183]

I love how loving the cheetas are towards you!

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Me too! Thx for watching.

[@akulkis]

In my experience with housecats, they are generally indifferent to the smell before the first time they have ingested it. Once they've experienced it, and then have an association of an experience to the odor, THEN they react to the smell alone. My suggestion would be to get them to roll on their back, and then put a small handful into the mouth. Cat's being cats, they'll ingest it (especially since their "shark tooth" tongues make it difficult to spit out flakes and powders). Also, dried out catnip bagged up in plastic and shipped to retail stores doesn't have much scent until it's been mechanically disturbed (such as by crushing or rolling it between the fingers). I would be interested in seeing a repeat of this test starting with introducing some quantity into their mouths.

[@LeBongFairy]

Some cats react without ever having had any.. I had a litter of kittens adopted out, but my grandfather kept one. When he was about 4 months old, my grandpa gave him his first bit of catnip, and he reacted to the smell right away. I think it depends on the cat

[@ihateeverything3972]

Makes sense, one of my cats always eats it. One of my other cats didn't care until after a few times giving catnip to her, she probably ate some at some point. The same goes for those cat treats that they put catnip in, at first they don't care and after they eat a few they'll start running from across the house when you open the bag.

[@user-mb3dx5fl9f]

You sir are a certified cat drug dealer 😁

[@akulkis]

@@user-mb3dx5fl9f Shh! Don't tell anybody.

[@davidca96]

the african wild cat had the typical house cat reaction, it doesnt seem to be in large cat genetics they just viewed it as something new it didnt create a response. Ive had house cats that didnt care about it, my current two cats have strong reactions though.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Yep...

[@straingedays]

We had a catnip bush and neighbourhood cats rubbed all over it, however only one of our domestic cats reacted to dried catnip. Also saw a clip of BIG cats swooning over empty boxes. They tested various scents until learning it was the postman's cologne they swooned for :)

[@auroraborealis4673]

They are all so beautiful. I like how you let them come up to you and you know what they feel comfortable with. They seem content.

[@CheetahWhisperer]

Thanks! I like to let the animal decide if they want interaction. Leave them alone if they are angry about it.

[@auroraborealis4673]

@Dolph C. Volker it's beautiful to watch. So loving. I can see the respect you have for them.

[@emordnilap4747]

15:40 He's saying, 'I am a meerkat, not a mere cat!'

[@mau3879]

What beautiful "big" kitties! Love seeing your interactions with them and their love for you too! 💕💕🙂

[@jacksonlaframboise6257]

7:10 or something. It’s funny how giant cats can go from cute buddies to horrifying looking, back to cute buddies in split seconds. I’m like awe….hell naw….awe.

[@domkirk4408]

You had a nice interaction with Hunter. You watched him try it and how he reacts and he watched for your reaction in return.