Why Your Cat’s Catnip Habit Is a Good Thing

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• A member of the mint family, catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound found in its essential oil that’s thought to affect cats’ behavior
• In many cats, exposure to catnip leads to hyper or playful behaviors, including rolling over, grooming, increased activity and vocalizations
• It’s often been assumed that cats who don’t get hyper from catnip aren’t affected, but it turns out catnip also causes passive behavioral effects
• One study found 80% of cats had passive responses to catnip, including “sphinx-like position” and decreased vocalizations and activity
• Catnip may work via your cat’s opioidergic system, with effects similar to opioid-like pain relievers and sedatives; the end result may be a more relaxed, happy kitty; rolling in catnip may also offer natural insect-repelling benefits