Catnip Explained: How It Works and Why Cats Can’t Resist It
Bill, a languid orange tabby who spends his days investigating cardboard boxes, dozing in the clothes hamper, and occasionally teasing a young whippet, has a drug problem.
It’s really not his fault. His human grows catnip in her pet-and-pollinator garden, regularly harvesting the leaves and flower bells to dry and sell. Bill knows exactly where she hides her stash and is constantly scheming to get into it. He can smell catnip from across the house—and he can even detect the faint oils on his human’s hands after she’s been harvesting. Poor Bill can’t be blamed for his ‘nip habit. It’s simply irresistible.
So, what is it about catnip that drives some cats wild, turning them into squirming, flipping, euphoric furballs? The culprit is nepetalactone, an iridoid found only in various species of catnip or catmint (Nepeta spp.). Contrary to what you or your cat might think, its evolutionary purpose isn’t to make felines moan and roll around—it’s actually an insect repellent. Mosquitoes and stable flies avoid it entirely.
In 2021, researchers proposed that cats evolved their attraction to nepetalactone as a form of natural pest control, coating themselves in it to ward off biting insects1. Here’s how it works: when a cat smells catnip, the compound is detected by the vomeronasal organ—an organ located in the nasal septum of cats, snakes, lizards, dogs, cattle, pigs, and some primates. This sends a signal to the brain, triggering a rush of endorphins. The cat then rubs, rolls, and writhes to spread the scent over its fur, essentially giving itself a blissful herbal bath.
Yes—your cat really is acting like they’ve scored some potent stuff. But there’s no need to worry. Catnip isn’t addictive, and after an initial high, it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour before a cat can feel its effects again.
If your cat is among the one-third of felines who don’t react dramatically, there’s nothing wrong. Some may still experience a mild, calming effect. And remember—cats don’t need to eat catnip to enjoy it. The magic happens through smelling, not chewing.
Now that you know the science, maybe offer your cat a quick whiff of this feline snuff. He might love you for it—or, after coming down from his high, go right back to his true passion: napping in the hamper.
1https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7817105/