Description

Cats get high off catnip by inhaling the nepetalactone — whether from a live plant, dried plant material, or an oil extract. The chemical binds to receptors inside a cat's nose, which stimulate sensory neurons leading into the brain. This appears to alter activity in several areas of the brain, including the olfactory bulb, the amygdala, and the hypothalamus. This last area, among other things, is involved in regulating the animal's emotions. Regardless of the underlying reason, nepetalactone triggers an intense, intoxicated reaction in most cats. "They seem to have a sense of euphoria when they're doing all this, and then afterward, calmness. Once they're finished reacting, and they just sit there, it's like they're basically just a little bit buzzed." For about 30 minutes afterward, they sit there in a stupor, seemingly immune to being further affected by more catnip.