5 Shades of Catnip Crazy

by Nicole Kay September 01, 2017

I had the inspiration for this blog post from a current read by Tracey Stewart (the wife of TV personality, Jon Stewart), “Do Unto Animals”. There is a section in there that features some writings on the feline.

In one of the many cat-related chapters she has, she talks about signs you know your cat goes bonkers for catnip.

The science behind catnip is very straight forward. Enter Latin Name, a cousin of the mint plant, contains a chemical that when the plant (primarily the leaves and flower buds) are agitated, it releases a scent that can cause a variety of reactions for your cat.

Does your cat go crazy for catnip or does it turn into a real meanie? Here is a list of 5 shades of catnip crazy:

Crazy #1: The Roll Around, Happy-go-lucky Kitty

If your cat immediately throws themselves to the floor and starts rolling around back and forth, your cat is definitely crazy for catnip. The oil from the plant helps produce pheromones that reports back to the brain and puts them into a happy mood. The excitement, all around good feeling is expressed through their body language.

Crazy #2: The Very Vocal Kitty

If your cat is typically quiet, but then turns into a chatty Kathy when you whip out that catnip, this is a good sign that your kitty is really into catnip. Cats vocalize by meowing when they want to communicate with their humans so if kitty meows, they are probably telling you how much they love and want it.

Crazy #3: The Cross-Eyed, Drooling Kitty

Cats go cuckoo for catnip toys. Some of them will react to it by drooling all over the toy and/or with one crossed eye. I had a kitty that would literally drool all over the catnip toy until it was soaking wet and the color green. He would just go nuts for the catnip. Some cats will not be able to see straight while enjoying this tasty treat.

Crazy #4: The Dazed and Confused Kitty

The majority of cats fall under this category of catnip reactions. The quintessential “I am soooo high right now and nothing else matters in this world, but this moment” reaction. I love seeing this because the cat is mellow, they are happy and I’m happy that I provided them with this awesome treat. Many say that catnip to cats is like marijuana to humans. In this situation, some kitties exactly the same way the typical human acts with marijuana. Chilled out mannnn….

Crazy #5: The “I Will Bite Off Your Face” Kitty

Last, but not least, the last of the 5 shades/phases that your cat goes bonkers for catnip is the “I Will Bite Off Your Face” Kitty. Most cats exhibit the first 4 shades of crazy for catnip phase, but there are a few kitties out there that will want to tear that bag of catnip straight out of your hands. The aggressive for catnip kitty acts all sorts of crazy when they see or smell catnip. They will try every way possible to get that catnip on to their little faces and will proceed to roll around, meow, howl, and bite and scratch for whomever gets in their way!

Which group does your cat fall into? Is your kitty…..