How Does Catnip Work? Why It Makes Them Crazy

• The Magic Ingredient: The secret is an oil called Nepetalactone. It binds to receptors in the nose and mimics feline sex pheromones, triggering a euphoric reaction.
• The Dual Effect: How they consume it matters. Sniffing usually acts as a stimulant (hyperactivity), while Eating often acts as a sedative (sleepiness).
• It is Genetic: Not all cats get high. Sensitivity is hereditary, and about 40% of cats lack the gene to enjoy it. Kittens under 3 months are also immune.
• Safety First: Catnip is non-toxic and impossible to overdose on. However, eating too much can cause a mild upset stomach (vomiting/diarrhea).

To understand the magic, we first have to look at what this plant actually is.

While it might seem like some exotic substance, the plant—scientifically known as Nepeta cataria is actually a perennial herb in the mint family. If you look closely at a fresh plant, you will see it shares family traits with the mint you might put in your tea: light-green foliage, small lavender flowers, and a distinct, slightly lemony scent.

Originally from Europe and Asia, it eventually made its way across the ocean and now grows widely as a common weed throughout North America. It is incredibly hardy and easy to grow.

Here is a fun fact to impress your friends: it’s not just your little house tiger that loves this stuff. It affects big cats too. Lions, leopards, and tigers have all been observed reacting to catnip in the wild similarly to how your tabby does in the living room.

The secret lies in the leaves and stems of the plant, which contain a volatile oil (a type of terpene) called nepetalactone When your cat investigates the plant, the fragile oil glands on the leaves break, releasing this chemical into the air.

The pathway to the brain is fascinating. The cat must smell the oil for the reaction to kick in. The nepetalactone binds to protein receptors inside the cat’s nose, specifically stimulating the olfactory bulb and the vomeronasal gland—an extra scent organ located in the roof of the mouth. This sends signals to the amygdala (the part of the brain responsible for emotions) and the hypothalamus.

Interestingly, human brains are physiologically different. We don’t have the same olfactory receptors, so we don’t get the high To us, it just smells like faint mint tea.

Scientists believe the reaction is evolutionary. The most prevailing theory is that catnip mimics feline sex pheromones. Essentially, the nepetalactone tricks the cat’s brain into thinking they are picking up on specific social signals, causing them to act like a female in heat—though it affects both male and female cats (even neutered ones).

The resulting feeling is often described as a state of pure euphoria, extreme happiness, or deep relaxation.

You will typically see a specific set of behaviors:

• Cheek rubbing and head shaking
• Rolling around on the floor
• Vocalizing (chirping or meowing)
• Bunny-kicking toys
• Zoning out or staring into space

There is also a funny paradox regarding how they consume it. Sniffing the herb usually acts as a stimulant (causing hyperactivity), while eating it often has the opposite effect, causing sedation and mellowing the cat out.

Common Forms:

• Fresh plants Great for potting on a windowsill.
• Dried herbs The classic form, easy to sprinkle anywhere.
• Sprays A concentrated liquid form. This is excellent for cats with sensitive stomachs who might get sick if they eat the dried leaves.
• Bubbles and Toys Fun ways to encourage exercise.

Training and Wellness You can use this herb as a powerful training tool. If your cat is destroying your sofa, rub some fresh catnip or spray the oil onto their scratching post to redirect their attention. It makes the post the most interesting thing in the room.

It is also great for anxiety. Sprinkling a little in the carrier before a vet visit or travel can help take the edge off. For indoor cats, it serves as a fantastic boredom buster.

Pro-Tip on Storage Over time, the essential oils in dried catnip will evaporate, and the stuff becomes useless. To keep it potent, store your dried herbs in an airtight container in the freezer.

The short answer is no. Sensitivity to nepetalactone is actually an inherited trait. It is estimated that only about 60% of cats carry the gene that allows them to react to it. If your cat doesn’t have the gene, they simply won’t respond.

Age Matters Too Even if your cat has the gene, age plays a big role. Very young kittens (usually under 3–6 months old) typically do not respond to the scent. In fact, some kittens are even repulsed by it. Likewise, many senior cats lose interest as they age.

If your cat is part of the 40% that doesn’t care, don’t worry. You can try alternatives like silvervine or valerian root, which often work on cats that are immune to catnip.

It is a short-lived experience. The active phase—the rolling, drooling, and zooming—typically lasts only about 10–15 minutes Once the chemicals in the nose are saturated, the brain stops responding.

After the fun is over, there is a refractory period This is a reset phase that lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours During this time, the cat is temporarily immune to the scent and will likely walk away from the toy. You have to wait for their system to reset before they can enjoy it again.

Rest assured, the answer is no. Catnip is non-toxic and non-addictive. It is technically impossible for a cat to suffer a fatal overdose from sniffing or eating the plant. It is completely safe for them to enjoy.

Cats are also surprisingly good at self-regulation. Once they have had enough, or when their nose receptors are saturated, they will simply lose interest and walk away. They won’t keep consuming it until they get sick in the same way a dog might overeat food.

While the smell is harmless, ingesting huge amounts of the fibrous plant material can cause digestive issues. If a cat eats too much, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or temporary dizziness and trouble walking. It’s not dangerous, but it isn’t pleasant for your rug.

Recommended Dosage To avoid tummy troubles, start small. A pinch or approximately 1 tablespoon of dried herb is plenty for a play session.

Potency Warning Remember that fresh catnip and concentrated oils/sprays are much more potent than the dried stuff. If you are using high-quality fresh leaves or sprays, use a little less to prevent overstimulation or digestive upset.