Have you ever seen a feline play with a catnip-filled toy? If so, you most likely witnessed some amusing things!

What is catnip?

The mint family includes the pungent-smelling plant known as catnip. Although Nepeta cataria is its scientific name, it is also known as “catmint” or “catswort.” Originally from Africa, Europe, and Asia, it is now found in North America as well. Catnip comes in over 250 varieties worldwide.

Catnip has heart-shaped leaves and sturdy stems that reach a height of two to three feet. It can produce blue, white, pink, or purple flowers at the tips of the stems.

The majority of catnip toys use ground-up, dried catnip, but fresh catnip can also be effective.

The oil found in catnip is known as “nepetalactone.” The scent triggers the activation of receptors, which are specialized cells that detect “pheromones.”

Cats may paw at, rub, roll over, chew, and even lick a catnip toy when they smell it. Additionally, some may become extremely excited and behave foolishly for a few minutes, meowing, growling, purring, drooling, and getting frisky!

What makes catnip so appealing to cats? What specific effects does catnip have on cats?

When nepetalactone gets into a cat’s nose, it triggers a brain sensory reaction that is somewhat comparable to how drugs work on people.

According to Dr. Austin, “cats’ unique receptors that detect chemicals called pheromones are stimulated when they smell nepetalactone.” “The end effect is a sort of chemical reaction that makes the cat feel extremely happy or euphoric.”

Because catnip mimics cat pheromones, cats that smell it may act like cats in heat: they may roll around, rub objects, meow, lose consciousness, or even become agitated or hostile.

But when cats consume catnip, it acts as a sedative, which is the opposite of how it feels when they smell it.

Catnip’s effects last for about ten minutes, and it can take a cat anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours to recover from its effects (during which time catnip probably won’t affect him).

Your young kitten may not react to catnip if you try to give it to him because catnip sensitivity also develops between the ages of three and six months.

Don’t bring any wild cats to the zoo because some of them, like tigers and lions, are also sensitive to catnip!

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How to give cats catnip

• Catnip is best given in moderation, just like any other treat.
• If you want to teach your cat to come or even fetch, catnip is a great tool.
• To encourage your cat to use his toys, bed, scratching post, or litter box, you can place catnip on them.
• To keep your cat entertained, you can also give him catnip toys.
• The Dodo’s Paw of Approval was given to these toy catnip fish, which retail for $13 on Amazon.

(Keep in mind that dried catnip loses its effectiveness over time, so to keep it fresh, store it in the freezer.)

When catnip is too much for cats?

Catnip is nontoxic, so cats cannot consume too much of it. However, your cat may experience stomach distress if he consumes catnip in excess.

Your cat may experience diarrhea and vomiting if they consume too much catnip.

However, the majority of cats are able to detect when they have had enough catnip and will stop eating before becoming ill.

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Can cats get high from catnip?

In actuality, catnip is not the same as human drugs. Although the “high” that cats experience from catnip may seem to be comparable to the “high” that people experience from drugs, they are not.

Cats that are under the influence of catnip are not in a drug-induced reality or experiencing hallucinations; rather, they are conscious of their surroundings. Catnip makes cats feel the same way.

Additionally, every time cats smell or consume catnip, they react in the same way.

This differs from drugs used in humans in that while the brain reaction to the drug will be the same, the physical reaction can differ from person to person (and even within the same person at different times).

However, you can essentially anticipate the same reaction each time a cat interacts with catnip.

A person’s brain experiences a positive response when they take drugs, which typically makes them want more and can result in addiction. In contrast, since catnip is not addictive to cats, they typically do not develop that drive.

When a cat rolls in catnip or rubs his face, it’s a reaction that the catnip triggers, not an attempt to obtain more of it.

Another distinction between human drugs and catnip is that while drugs will always cause a reaction in a person’s brain, catnip does not affect all cats.

The genetic makeup of your cat actually determines whether or not he will enjoy catnip. Catnip affects only 50 to 80 percent of cats, and the preference for it is an inherited trait (Source).

Additionally, there are no known long-term effects of catnip on cats.

What to do if my cat dislikes catnip?

Catnip won’t work for every cat.

Don’t worry if your cat dislikes catnip; there are many other options you can try, such as these:

• The silver vine.
• Root of Valerian.
• Tatarian honeysuckle.
• Mint.
• Toys without scents (your cat may simply not be scent motivated).

Not all cats are fans of catnip, as sensitivity to its effects is genetic, and around 30-40% of cats show no interest in it.

If your cat dislikes catnip, consider alternatives like silvervine, valerian root, or honeysuckle, which can trigger similar playful or calming behaviors.

Engage your cat with interactive toys, scratching posts, or puzzle feeders to provide mental stimulation and exercise. Additionally, experimenting with fresh catnip instead of dried or ensuring your cat is in a relaxed environment can make a difference.

Always remember, every cat is unique, so finding what excites or soothes your feline friend may take some trial and error.

Conclusion:

The fascination cats have with catnip is a captivating blend of biology, behavior, and chemistry.

Studies have shown that the active compound in catnip, nepetalactone, interacts with sensory receptors in a cat’s nose, triggering a response in the brain’s amygdala and hypothalamus.

These areas are responsible for emotional reactions and behavior, leading to the euphoria, playfulness, or calm demeanor many cats exhibit when exposed to catnip.

A 2017 study published in Science Advances highlighted how nepetalactone binds to receptors in cats’ olfactory systems, explaining their unique and often dramatic reactions. (Source)

Interestingly, not all cats share this sensitivity.

Research from Ohio State University notes that the response to catnip is hereditary, with around 30-40% of cats being completely unaffected due to the lack of a specific gene. Kittens under three months and some older cats may also show no reaction, suggesting age and genetics play critical roles in their responsiveness.

This variability adds an intriguing layer to the understanding of feline behavior and catnip’s role in their lives.

Beyond the joy it brings to individual cats, catnip has practical uses, such as enriching a cat’s environment or encouraging exercise for indoor cats. Studies, like one conducted at Kyoto University, have even pointed to potential evolutionary advantages of this response.

The plant’s compounds may repel insects and parasites, providing a natural defense mechanism for cats in the wild.

Whether for entertainment, stress relief, or possible health benefits, catnip remains a fascinating example of the complex relationship between animals and plants.

This unique interaction continues to inspire further research, emphasizing the importance of understanding how natural compounds can affect animal behavior and well-being.

For cat lovers, catnip is more than a playful indulgence—it’s a doorway to better appreciating the science behind feline instincts.