Updated: March 18, 2021 by Kristen Chapple
Until recently, I believed that all cats go completely crazy over catnip. But the fact is, one out of two cats won’t experience any reaction and will act their usual self.
This finding prompted me to test it out on my cat…
Here’s what happened:
Simply put, my feline had a blast and immediately started to euphorically roll and drool all over the catnip-stuffed mouse I got him.
While this was hilarious to watch, it made me wonder what exactly is it about this herb that makes cats act this way?
Let’s find out…
What Is Catnip?
Scientifically called Nepeta cataria, catnip is a perennial fragrant plant from the mint family. But you probably know it as catmint or catswort.
Originally from Asia, Africa, and Europe, catnip is now found all over the world and it grows as a weed through North America. It is two to three feet tall, has stems with heart-shaped leaves and small blue, pink, white, or lavender flowers.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
Basically, it has a mood-altering effect, causing cats to act silly or to just be happy. Its appeal comes from its volatile oil, specifically one chemical compound in it – nepetalactone. This chemical is found in the seeds, stems, and leaves of the catnip plant.
When nepetalactone enters a cat’s nose, it binds to receptors, which in turn, stimulate sensory neurons leading into the brain. This appears to change the activity of several areas in a cat’s brain, resulting in a sense of overwhelming euphoria and happiness.
So, why do cats like catnip so much? Its scent stimulates brain receptors linked to “feel-good” pheromones and makes a cat extremely happy.
And who doesn’t like to be happy?
The effect of catnip is often described as being similar to that of LSD and marijuana on humans. But not all cats are affected in the same way.
The most common reactions to catnip are:
- Some cats become hyperactive and start rolling around, vocalizing, flipping over, and acting crazy.
- It’s not uncommon for some cats to show signs of aggressive behavior.
- A cat can also appear intoxicated and may drool or roll around the floor like a drunk person.
- There is a chance that a cat will become calm like it is in a sedated state.
- Some cats don’t react at all and behave as usual.
In general, a cat would be in a haze for five to 10 minutes. After the effect wears off, it will take about two hours for a cat to become sensitive to catnip again.
Here’s a great informational video from PetMD:
Do All Cats React to Catnip?
Despite common beliefs, not all cats go bonkers when exposed to it. Approximately 50 percent of cats aren’t affected by it. Scientists believe that the catnip response might be a hereditary trait.
Less likely to react to catnip are:
- Kittens: All kittens younger than six months won’t be affected by catnip. So, you will have to wait to see if your kitty is sensitive to the herb or not.
- Older Cats: For some reason, senior cats don’t react to it and may even avoid it.
How to Use Catnip
If you never used catnip before, you may want to try it just for fun! It can be interesting to see if and how your cat is going to react to it.
However, since so much cats do react to it, it can be a powerful training aid. Here is how you can use catnip to train your kitty:
- Place it in toys to encourage overweight cats to exercise and feed weight loss food to support healthy weight.
- If your cat likes to scratch your furniture, use it to discourage this behavior. Simply rub or sprinkle catnip on a scratch post to encourage your cat to use it instead.
- If your kitty doesn’t want to sleep in her new bed, sprinkle a little catnip to make it more appealing.
- You can use it in a carrier to lower anxiety and keep your cat calm during car trips.
- Make a shy new cat more comfortable by sprinkling it around your home. This way she will feel more relaxed in the new environment.
You should know that if a cat is exposed to catnip frequently, she may no longer react to it. So, it is best if you use it once every two to three weeks to ensure that it really works.
There is no specific dose you should give to your cat. If dried, just sprinkle it so your cat can roll into it, but avoid mixing it into cat food.
Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Luckily for your cat, catnip is completely safe to eat and non-addictive. Also, you don’t have to worry about an overdose – cats will simply refuse it once they have had enough.
The only thing you should keep an eye out for is feeding too much catnip to your cat. A lot of eaten catnip can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but your cat will be back to normal in no time. To avoid cleaning messes, make sure that your stash is well hidden from your cat and her greedy paws.
Final Thoughts
Most owners like to offer catnip to their felines to help them let loose and bring out that inner kitten. However, some argue that giving their cats substances that will on purpose change their behavior is unethical.
Ultimately, the choice of giving your kitty catnip is completely up to you. But rest assured that it is non-addictive and safe, and your cat is in no danger of overdosing. If you decide to give your cat catnip, be prepared for some hilarious behavior and a lot of fun!
