Most cat owners have witnessed the magic of catnip. One minute your cat is calmly watching the world go by and the next she’s rolling across the floor, rubbing against everything in sight or racing around the house.
While the behaviour looks amusing, there’s fascinating science behind it.
Here’s what every cat owner should know about catnip and why it affects some cats but not others.
What is catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family.
Its effects come from a natural compound called nepetalactone, which is found in the tiny oil glands on the plant’s leaves and stems.
When cats smell catnip, the nepetalactone binds to receptors inside their noses. This stimulates areas of the brain associated with emotion and play, including the amygdala and hypothalamus.
The result is a temporary feeling of excitement that mimics the effects of feline pheromones.
1. Not every cat reacts to catnip
Only about 60% of cats are sensitive to catnip.
Whether a cat responds is determined by genetics, with sensitivity being an inherited trait.
Young kittens under three to six months of age rarely react because their sensory receptors have not fully developed. Older cats may also become less responsive as their sense of smell declines.
2. The effects only last 10 to 15 minutes
The catnip “high” is surprisingly short.
After around 10 to 15 minutes, cats enter a temporary refractory period lasting about 30 minutes.
During this time, even fresh catnip will have little or no effect until their sensory system resets.
3. Smelling and eating catnip produce different effects
How your cat uses catnip changes its behaviour.
When smelled, catnip usually acts as a stimulant, triggering behaviours such as:
- Rolling.
- Zoomies.
- Cheek rubbing.
- Playfulness.
- Vocalisation.
When eaten in larger amounts, catnip tends to have the opposite effect, acting as a mild sedative and encouraging relaxation or sleep.
4. Catnip is not addictive
Despite its dramatic effects, catnip is completely non-addictive.
It is considered non-toxic and safe for cats when enjoyed in moderation, with no evidence of dependency or withdrawal.
Think of it as a temporary sensory experience rather than a drug.
5. Big cats enjoy catnip too
Domestic cats aren’t the only felines affected.
Lions, tigers, leopards and jaguars have all been observed responding to catnip by rolling, rubbing and playing with it in much the same way as household cats.
Many wildlife sanctuaries use catnip as a form of environmental enrichment.
6. Catnip naturally repels mosquitoes
Catnip isn’t only useful for cats.
Studies have shown that nepetalactone is highly effective at repelling mosquitoes and may also deter flies, cockroaches and termites.
The plant also attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, making it a useful addition to many gardens.
7. There are alternatives if your cat isn’t interested
If your cat ignores catnip, don’t worry.
Several other plants produce similar reactions, including:
- Silver vine (matatabi).
- Valerian root.
- Tatarian honeysuckle.
Silver vine is particularly effective, with studies suggesting it produces a response in up to 80% of cats, including many that do not react to catnip.
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