All About Catnip
Watch a normally lazy cat encounter catnip and you'll likely burst out laughing. She rubs her nose and cheeks in it, rolls around on the floor, leaps like a kitten, and then, about ten minutes later, curls up for a nap. Many cats also get more vocal than usual.
So what's actually happening when our cats act silly around this "magic" herb? And is it safe? Here's the science behind the fun.
What Catnip Actually Is
Catnip refers to several varieties of the plant Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species. They belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae, which also includes familiar kitchen herbs.
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Oregano
- Basil
Catnip contains tannins, volatile oils, acids, and sterols. Though not native to North America, the plants were imported from Europe, Asia, and Africa, and today they grow in herb gardens and as widespread weeds.
The Compound Behind the Reaction
The key ingredient is a volatile oil called nepetalactone, found in the stems and leaves. It's nonaddictive and completely harmless to cats. When a cat sniffs catnip, the odor binds to receptors in the nose, producing behavior that can look downright euphoric.
Nepetalactone isn't the only trigger. Other compounds with a similar molecular structure play a role too, though they're not as strong. According to Dr. Bruce Kornreich of the Feline Health Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, these compounds affect neurotransmitters, ally "resulting in inhibition of central nervous system activity."
Are Cats Really "High"?
Not in the way people assume. Jim Simon, a professor of plant biology at Rutgers University, explains that the behaviors cats show around catnip mirror those of females in heat. The response is hereditary rather than drug-induced.
A few facts help make the point clear:
- About 70 to 80 percent of cats, both male and female, react to catnip.
- Kittens under roughly 6 months of age, before they reach sexual maturity, do not respond.
- If catnip caused a true "high," a cat's age wouldn't matter.
The age factor is the giveaway that this is a natural, inherited response, not intoxication.
What About Cats That Don't Roll Around?
Some cats react passively instead of dramatically. A study published in Science Direct notes that virtually all cats respond to catnip in some way, with quieter cats showing a calm, sphinx-like posture rather than the classic rolling and leaping. Either way, it's pure pleasure for the cat.
Offering Catnip Safely
Because nepetalactone is nonaddictive and harmless, catnip is a safe treat for adult cats to enjoy in moderation. If you're introducing it for the first time or have questions about your cat's health, the ASPCA's general cat care guidance is a helpful resource for keeping playtime safe and fun.
Find Catnip Treats and More in Pensacola
At Petland Pensacola you'll find a variety of fun catnip toys and treats to keep your feline entertained. Stop by to stock up, and while you're here, meet our available puppies, explore the dog breeds we carry, or ask our team about flexible pet financing and payment options.