Catnip is a natural herb, similar to mint, that used to be used as a relaxing tea, but these days it is mainly used for cats. There are many ways to give your pet catnip, whether it be in toys, in a ...

Cats on catnip are clearly having a wonderful time – but does it get them high? Our vet explains more… ...

“Some cats may roll around, rub their face against the catnip, vocalize, or ‘zone out’ and lie in a relaxed state.” Like weed, the effects are different depending on how it’s consumed.

Nepetalactone, one of catnip's volatile oils, enters the cat's nasal tissue, where it is believed to bind to protein receptors that stimulate sensory neurons.

There's a very scientific reason cats go wild for catnip, and it's all about smell.

Not all cats are affected by the drug, but for some it can have a five- to 15-minute marijuana- kind of effect.

In others, it can cause the opposite effect and make a cat mellow and sleepy. However, catnip has no effect on about 20-30% of cats. Interestingly enough, the response is hereditary.

Cats will then be resistant to its effects for at least an hour, and if they're given catnip more than once a week or so, they can develop a kind of tolerance.