Some people also describe the effect of catnip as a “high”, because many cats become very relaxed, calm and happy after interacting with the catnip. However, scientific studies have shown that catnip doesn't affect the brain in the same way as drugs like marijuana or cocaine do.
Superficially, a cat's response to catnip looks similar to a narcotic drug response in people. "They become playful and get agitated, they get excited, and then they go to sleep. But there's no information to show that catnip is operating the same way that medical cannabis, marijuana or cocaine does," Simon said.
Catnip isn't just for cats! It's been grown in medicinal gardens for centuries for its sedative effect on humans. Made into a tea, it has calming properties similar to chamomile. Concentrated nepetalactone also makes for a powerful mosquito repellent.
The active ingredient in catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the essential oil nepetalactone, which is a terpene composed of two isoprene units with a total of 10 carbons.
The short answer is no, catnip is not a drug in the traditional sense. To have an effect on your cat, it does not have to be ingested or be metabolized as something like THC needs to be. This is because catnip actually works entirely off scent.
Cupful amounts of catnip tea have been consumed without serious side effects. However, catnip is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when smoked or taken by mouth in high doses (many cups of catnip tea, for example). It can cause headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and silver vine (Actinidia polygama) both contain chemical compounds called iridoids that protect the plants against aphids and are known to be the key to the euphoria produced in cats.
The calming effects of catnip give it many benefits for relieving chronic stress and anxiety. It is often recommended by herbalists in supporting over all mental wellness and is a common ingredient in herbal relaxation teas.
Nepetalactone, an essential oil found in the catnip plant, stimulates cats in ways that are similar to how cannabis affects humans, according to MyPetNaturally.com. When cats ingest or rub themselves with catnip, nepetalactone triggers a euphoric reaction, which makes cats feel good, according to Purina.
Meowijuana Purrple Passion Catnip Buds are 100 organic and safe for your cat, made from the finest and most fragrant Catnip Blossoms. These all natural catnip buds are harvested at the peak of the plant's essential oil production, giving your cats the best high they deserve.
Cats act high when they're given catnip because, well, they are. Researchers say that catnip and another plant, silver vine, produce a chemical that activates their opioid reward systems. MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: Even if you don't own a cat, you've probably seen one flip out over catnip.
"PETA is all for treating cat companions to reasonable amounts of high-quality catnip – and for keeping them indoors, where they'll be safe from cars, contagious diseases, predators, and cruel humans and able to enjoy toys (including those filled with catnip) for years to come."
Is It Safe? Cats can ingest catnip, and it may even be helpful for their digestive tract. The catnip plant has actually been used in people for its antidiarrheal properties. With this said, it is important to prevent your cat from ingesting large amounts of catnip, as this can cause digestive upset.
Historically, catnip was used for diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps. It's said to relieve muscle spasms in the intestinal tract. Drinking catnip tea may soothe the digestive system. Many groups of people have traditionally used catnip tea to relieve infants' colic and help babies to sleep at night.
Human brains are physiologically different from cat brains and people do not react to catnip by getting "high." Native Americans, however, once used catnip for the uncontrollable cries of infant colic. It also serves as a mild sedative in some herbal teas.
Nepeta cataria (catnip) is a plant used in pet toys and to treat human diseases. Catnip has also been used in the treatment of some depressive disorders.
In small quantities, catnip tea is safe for adults. However, larger amounts may cause headaches, vomiting, and digestive discomfort. Catnip is a diuretic, which means it can cause frequent urination. Drinking too much catnip tea could lead to dehydration.
The main ingredient in catnip stimulates your cat's brain and can affect their mood and happiness. While your cat might “go crazy” for a short period of time, catnip is ultimately calming for them, and many cats enjoy it.
However, scientific studies have shown that catnip doesn't affect the brain in the same way as drugs like marijuana or cocaine do. Cats are completely aware of their surroundings when under the effects of catnip, they're just much “happier”.
While cats may feel effects from marijuana—no word on whether Sir Harry Paus actually likes the experience—”kitty pot” does not have a reciprocal effect on humans. In the late 1960s, some researchers reported catnip gave people a marijuana-like high, but it turned out they had simply mixed up the two plants.
The main ingredient in catnip is called nepetalactone, that stimulates certain brain chemicals related to mood and happiness.
It's not possible for a cat to fatally overdose on catnip. Although ingesting a large volume of the plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea, these symptoms are rare and resolve with time.
Since humans don't possess the same receptors for nepetalactone that cats do, catnip will not affect them.
Although catnip is not a true toxin and is not addictive, consuming the plant in large amounts can cause a poison-like reaction.
“When cats are exposed to catnip, it causes them to become more active and playful and leads them to a feeling of pure bliss and euphoria. For dogs, however, it's totally different in that it offers a sense of relaxation and calm.” In general, you can expect to see these results in 30 to 60 minutes.