What Is Catnip? Why Do Cats Go Crazy for It?
Published On: 9/23/2025
Last Updated On: 9/23/2025
By Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama and our Hooman Ashley!
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😻 Picture this: Yebba just rolled herself into the rug, Mama is drooling on a toy mouse, Callie is wide-eyed and zooming from couch to counter, and Seymour? He’s trying to eat the plant straight from the pot. All thanks to one little green herb: catnip.
So what’s the deal? Why do cats act like they’ve just won the feline lottery whenever catnip shows up? Let’s dig into the science — and silliness — behind this magical mint.
🌱 What Exactly Is Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is part of the mint family. To us cats, it’s not just a plant — it’s like our version of your morning latte, a happy-hour cocktail, and a spa day all rolled into one.
The secret ingredient? Nepetalactone, a natural oil found in the leaves and stems. When we sniff it, it binds to receptors in our noses and triggers a burst of feel-good vibes in our brains. That’s why we roll, flip, zoom, and sometimes even melt into puddles of purrs.
🐾 Why Do Some Cats Love It — and Others Don’t?
Here’s the kicker: sensitivity to catnip is genetic. About 30–40% of cats don’t react at all. So if your kitty just stares at you like, “meh,” when you sprinkle catnip, don’t take it personally. They’re just not wired for the magic.
Kittens under 6 months usually don’t respond either. But give it time — by adulthood, they might join the catnip party.
🤪 What Happens When Cats Have Catnip?
Not every cat reacts the same way, but here are the greatest hits:
Zoomies galore – Prepare for laps around the house.
Rolling & rubbing – Rugs, toys, and even your leg become catnip massage stations.
Drooling – Yes, some of us look like we just saw a cheeseburger.
Nap time – After 10–15 minutes of mayhem, expect a cozy crash.
Yebba swears it’s “the best power nap setup ever.”
👍 Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Absolutely. Catnip is non-addictive and safe. At worst, too much can cause a little tummy upset (like us sneaking one too many treats). Use it as a fun reward, to encourage play, or to help a shy kitty explore new spaces.
Ways to use catnip:
Stuffed in toys 🧸
Sprinkled on scratchers 🐾
Fresh or dried in small doses 🌱
As a spray for bedding or carriers ✈️
💡 Catnip for Hoomans Too?
Fun fact: humans can drink catnip tea. It’s said to calm nerves and even ease headaches. But sorry, hoomans — you won’t be rolling around on the floor with us afterward. (At least we hope not.)
😻 Final Purrs: Why Catnip Matters
Catnip isn’t just a funny cat quirk. It helps us play, reduce stress, and bond with you. In a world where too many cats face tough lives outdoors, something as small as catnip can bring joy into our days.
Want to learn more cat secrets? Grab our free guide, “3 Cat Hair Hacks That Saved Our Couch” and join the Stray Cat News Insider list today.
👉 Read more cat care tips and rescue stories here.
PS: Wanna grow catnip? Our hoomans did this year and now we have enough catnip to last us the year! Check out our favorite starter seeds here!
🐾 Coming tomorrow on Stray Cat News
Mayoral campaign signs for Orange Cat and the incumbent, Berry, along the Somerville Community Path, curtosity of NBC 10 Bostom
Move over Garfield — there’s a new heavyweight whisker champion in town! 😹 Tomorrow we’re dishing on a Crave Café worker Brandi in Reading, PA who just might have the world’s fattest cat. From coffee cups to cat naps, this story is serving up equal parts adorable and unbelievable.
👉 Stay tuned on Stray Cat News for the full scoop (and maybe a few extra scoops of kibble).
