Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

The leaves and stems of the catnip plant contain an oil called "nepetalactone

." When cats smell nepetalactone, it stimulates special receptors that sense chemicals called "pheromones." The result is a kind of chemical reaction that gives the cat a sense of euphoria or overwhelming happiness.

Do cats get high on catnip?

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.

Is it cruel to give a cat catnip?

There's absolutely no ingredient in catnip that can harm your cat. The only danger of your cat eating too much catnip is that they might get an upset stomach. ... Catnip belongs to the mint family and if you crush the fresh leaves you can smell the scent. In fact, it's the scent that intoxicates cats when they smell it.