If you’re a cat owner, chances are you’ve witnessed the amusing spectacle of your feline friend reacting to catnip. You might have even pondered, “Does Catnip Get Cats High?” after seeing them rub their faces in it, roll around ecstatically, and become unusually vocal. The dramatic change in behavior often leads to the common question: are cats experiencing a “high” similar to humans?
While the antics are certainly entertaining, understanding what’s truly happening when cats encounter catnip requires a closer look at the science behind this popular herb. This article delves into the fascinating world of catnip, exploring its effects on our feline companions and answering the key question: does catnip get cats high? We’ll uncover the reasons behind their quirky behaviors, how long the effects last, and whether there are any risks associated with this seemingly magical plant.
Unveiling the Catnip Reaction: It’s More Than Just Playtime
When a cat encounters catnip, the reaction is typically quite pronounced and easily observable. Most cats will display a range of behaviors that can include:
- Rubbing and Rolling: Cats will often rub their face, chin, and body on the catnip, sometimes rolling around in it with apparent delight.
- Vocalization: Increased meowing, purring, or even growling can occur.
- Hyperactivity: Many cats become more playful, running around, chasing imaginary prey, and exhibiting bursts of energy.
- Salivation and Licking: Some cats may drool or lick excessively.
However, it’s important to note that not all cats react to catnip in the same way. While the majority become energized, a subset of cats might exhibit a more mellow response, becoming relaxed or even retreating into a state of dreamy contemplation, sometimes described as a “sphinx-like posture“. Despite these variations, the common perception is that catnip induces a state of excitement akin to a “high.”
The Science of Catnip: Nepetalactone and the Opioid System
To understand if catnip truly gets cats “high,” we need to examine the science behind its effects. The key compound in catnip responsible for these reactions is called nepetalactone. This chemical belongs to a class of compounds known as iridoids and is found in the leaves and stems of the catnip plant.
When a cat smells catnip, nepetalactone enters their nasal passages and binds to protein receptors. This binding action stimulates sensory neurons, which in turn trigger a response in the brain. Crucially, research published in ScienceDirect indicates that nepetalactone activates the opioid system in cats. This system is responsible for regulating pain, reward, and pleasure.
Upon activation, the cat’s brain releases endorphins, which are natural opioids produced by the body. These endorphins are responsible for the altered behaviors observed in cats exposed to catnip. This theory is further supported by studies showing that naloxone, an opioid antagonist (which blocks opioid receptors), can prevent catnip from having its typical effects on cats. Interestingly, simply eating catnip seems to have a weaker effect, suggesting inhalation is the primary route of absorption for nepetalactone, although some cats may chew on the plant, potentially to release more of the compound, especially from dried leaves.
While some anecdotal reports suggest catnip might induce LSD-like hallucinations in cats, these claims are largely unsubstantiated and difficult to verify. However, the endorphin release clearly demonstrates that catnip is capable of producing a pleasurable and mood-altering experience for cats, albeit a temporary and safe one.
Duration of the Catnip Effect: A Fleeting Feline Euphoria
The effects of catnip are known for their rapid onset and relatively short duration. Most cats will begin to react to catnip within seconds of exposure. The peak of the “high,” if we can call it that, typically lasts for around 10 minutes, and rarely extends beyond 15 minutes.
Following this period of heightened activity or relaxation, cats enter a refractory period. During this time, they become temporarily immune to the effects of catnip. This refractory period usually lasts for 1 to 2 hours, after which they can once again respond to catnip. This built-in limit prevents cats from being in a constant state of catnip-induced excitement.
Catnip: Not Addictive, But Tolerance Can Develop
One common concern among cat owners is whether cats can become addicted to catnip. Fortunately, the answer is no. Because catnip works by triggering the release of naturally regulated endorphins, cats cannot experience opioid withdrawals from catnip, even with frequent exposure.
However, it is possible for cats to develop a mild tolerance to catnip over time. This means that with repeated exposure, the intensity of their reaction might slightly decrease. To prevent tolerance from developing, it’s generally recommended to offer catnip in moderation, rather than constantly.
Catnip Overdose: A Non-Issue for Felines
Another reassuring aspect of catnip is its safety profile. It is virtually impossible for a cat to fatally overdose on catnip. While ingesting large quantities of the plant might cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, these symptoms are rare and typically resolve on their own without intervention. This makes catnip a safe and enjoyable treat for most cats.
Evolutionary Advantages of Catnip: Beyond the “High”
The appeal of catnip to cats goes beyond mere recreational enjoyment. Researchers believe there’s an evolutionary basis for the feline fascination with this plant. In their natural environments, wild feline species often inhabit areas with tall grasses and dense vegetation, which are also prime habitats for insects.
Mosquitoes, in particular, are known to target cats’ ears, where blood vessels are easily accessible and fur protection is minimal. Mosquito bites are not just irritating; they can also transmit diseases like heartworm and cause intensely itchy allergic reactions in cats.
Interestingly, catnip, along with other plants like silver vine and valerian, possesses insect-repellent properties. The act of rubbing against catnip plants could therefore serve as a natural way for cats to deter insects. The endorphin release triggered by nepetalactone might then act as an evolutionary reward, reinforcing this behavior that helps protect them from insect-borne diseases and discomfort, thus improving their survival chances in the wild. This behavior is observed across a range of feline species, including leopards, cougars, and lions, further supporting this theory.
Catnip “Highs” vs. Human Drug Experiences: A Different World
While we can observe the behavioral changes in cats after catnip exposure, it’s important to remember that we can only speculate about their subjective experience. Humans have experimented with catnip in the past, particularly in the 1960s when it was sometimes mixed with tobacco or marijuana and smoked. Reports from these human experiments suggest that catnip can produce mild psychoactive effects in humans, including visual and auditory hallucinations and feelings of relaxation and euphoria, somewhat similar to marijuana.
However, it’s crucial to avoid anthropomorphizing and assuming that cats experience a “high” in the same way humans do with psychoactive drugs. Cats are physiologically different from humans, and substances can affect them in vastly different ways. For instance, acetaminophen, a common pain reliever for humans, is highly toxic to cats. Therefore, while catnip clearly affects cats’ mood and behavior, it’s likely a unique feline experience, not directly comparable to human drug-induced highs.
Catnip Forms and Potency: Finding the Right Fit
Catnip is available in various forms, including dried leaves, sprays, and fresh plants. While the concentration of nepetalactone can vary slightly between these forms, the overall effect on cats is generally similar. The key factor is the presence of nepetalactone, not necessarily the quantity.
Since catnip’s effects are triggered by a relatively small amount of nepetalactone stimulating the endorphin response, giving more catnip or using a more concentrated form won’t necessarily lead to a stronger or longer-lasting effect. The cat’s body regulates the endorphin release, so the response is not directly proportional to the amount of nepetalactone inhaled. This is another reason why cats cannot overdose on catnip.
Ultimately, the best form of catnip depends on your cat’s preferences and how you intend to use it. Dried catnip is versatile and can be sprinkled on toys or scratching posts. Catnip sprays can refresh old toys or make new objects more appealing. Fresh catnip plants can provide enrichment for indoor cats, but be prepared for them to be enthusiastically loved!
In conclusion, while “does catnip get cats high” is a common question, the answer is nuanced. Catnip does induce a temporary state of altered mood and behavior in cats, driven by the release of endorphins in the brain. This can be interpreted as a form of “high,” but it’s not comparable to the effects of illicit drugs on humans. Instead, catnip provides a safe, short-lived, and enjoyable experience for cats, rooted in both pleasure and evolutionary benefits. So, go ahead and offer your feline friend some catnip – just be prepared for the entertaining antics that may ensue!
