The Truth About Catnip: Why Some Cats Go Crazy For It

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Have you ever wondered why some cats seem to go completely mad for catnip whilst others simply walk away uninterested? This plant reaction has been observed for centuries, but recent scientific discoveries have revealed the chemistry behind this behaviour. In this article, we'll explore what happens in your cat's brain when they encounter catnip, why some cats respond while others don't, and what this tells us about our feline companions' unique sensory world.

The Chemistry of Catnip: What Makes Cats Go Wild?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is responsible for triggering that characteristic rolling, rubbing, and seemingly euphoric response in cats. This compound belongs to a class of chemicals called iridoids, which are natural plant compounds that evolved as a defence against insects.

When cats sniff catnip, nepetalactone enters their nasal tissue and binds to protein receptors that stimulate sensory neurones. This triggers a response in the olfactory bulb, which projects to several regions in the brain, including the amygdala and hypothalamus—areas involved in emotion, behaviour, and the "reward" system.

What is happening neurologically is noteworthy. Research has shown that when cats encounter nepetalactone, their bodies release β-endorphins—natural "feel-good" chemicals that are associated with pleasure. This explains why cats appear to enter a state of bliss when exposed to catnip.

Interestingly, the catnip response isn't just limited to domestic cats. Many wild cats including lions, tigers, and lynxes also respond to catnip and other plants containing similar compounds, suggesting this response evolved long before cats were domesticated.

Why Do Some Cats Respond While Others Don't?

An intruiging aspect of catnip is that not all cats respond to it. Research suggests that sensitivity to catnip is hereditary, with 50-70% of cats showing a response. This sensitivity is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, meaning a cat only needs to inherit the gene from one parent to display the behaviour.

Kittens under three months old typically don't respond to catnip and may even avoid it. The catnip response only develops as cats sexually mature, around 3-6 months of age, suggesting a possible link to the same neural pathways involved in feline reproductive behaviours.

The intensity of a cat's reaction to catnip also varies considerably. Some cats may become wildly playful, rolling and rubbing enthusiastically, while others might simply become mildly relaxed. The behaviour typically lasts between 5-15 minutes, after which cats become temporarily immune to catnip's effects for about 1-2 hours.

Notably, recent research has discovered that cats who don't respond to catnip may instead react to other plants with similar compounds. Silver vine (Actinidia polygama), which contains nepetalactol rather than nepetalactone, affects about 80% of cats, including many who don't respond to catnip. This suggests that cats may have slightly different chemical receptor configurations, each sensitive to different molecular structures.

Beyond Recreation: The Adaptive Function of the Catnip Response

While it's amusing to watch our cats enjoy catnip, this response may serve a practical purpose. Recent research has revealed that the compounds in catnip and silver vine that cats spread on their fur through rubbing act as powerful mosquito repellents. When cats rub against these plants and roll around, they effectively coat themselves with a natural insect repellent.

This discovery suggests that the catnip response may have evolved as a form of self-medication or "zoopharmacognosy"—the process by which animals self-medicate using plants. Wild felids that respond to these plants may gain protection against biting insects that can transmit diseases or cause irritation.

Additionally, there's a growing understanding of how catnip can benefit domestic cats' wellbeing. The stimulation provided by catnip can be an excellent form of enrichment for indoor cats, encouraging exercise and play. For anxious cats, catnip can sometimes have a calming effect, helping them relax in stressful situations.

It's important to note that catnip is non-addictive and completely safe for cats.

Unlike recreational drugs that affect humans, cats don't develop a dependency on catnip, and there are no negative health effects associated with its use. This is likely because the pleasure response is triggered through olfaction (smell) rather than through direct chemical interaction with the brain.

Key Takeaways

• Catnip contains nepetalactone, an iridoid compound that triggers the release of feel-good endorphins in cats' brains.

• Only 50-70% of cats respond to catnip due to genetic factors; kittens under 3 months generally don't respond.

• Cats who don't respond to catnip may react to alternative plants like silver vine, which contains a similar compound called nepetalactol.

• The catnip response likely evolved as a natural way for cats to coat themselves with insect-repelling chemicals.

• Catnip is safe, non-addictive, and can provide behavioural enrichment for indoor cats.

The Bigger Picture

The catnip response reveals how different our feline companions' sensory world is from our own. While humans can smell catnip, we don't experience the same neurological reaction that triggers such dramatic behaviour in cats. This offers a glimpse into the unique way cats perceive their environment and reminds us that our pets experience the world in ways we can hardly imagine. The next time you see your cat rolling blissfully in catnip, remember—you're witnessing an ancient response that connects your domestic companion to their wild ancestors and offers a window into their extraordinary sensory capabilities.

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Research Sources:

• Uenoyama R, Miyazaki T, Hurst JL, et al. "The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes." Science Advances, 2021.

• Lichman BR, Godden GT, Hamilton JP, et al. "The evolutionary origins of the cat attractant nepetalactone in catnip." Science Advances, 2020.

• Bol S, Caspers J, Buckingham L, et al. "Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip." BMC Veterinary Research, 2017.