The active ingredient which causes cats to go crazy is
an essential oil called nepetalactone, which can be found in the
leaves & stem of the plant.
Nepetalactone causes a hallucinogenic effect. Some say the
effects are similar to LSD, others say similar to marijuana.
This makes cats go crazy!!
Your cat is reacting to similar "feel good" pheromones released
during sexual courtship/activity. However, non sexual behavior
including playing, chasing & hunting can also be observed. The
response to catnip is via the olfactory system (sense of smell).
Catnip is generally not harmful to cats. They can't overdose on
it.
Male cats tend to like catnip better because the same
chemical in the stuff can be found in female cat urine.
Yuck!!!
The catnip won't work on you, so don't try inhaling it
kids.Your cat will get high but you won't
sorry about that.
Some goof made a video of their cats going nutso on the
stuff, gotta love it! Go Cats Go!!
