How do feral cats react to catnip?

Although not all cats are affected by catnip (statistics vary, but the estimate is about 80% are receptive), a feral cat's response would be much the same as that of a domestic cat. read more

Although not all cats are affected by catnip (statistics vary, but the estimate is about 80% are receptive), a feral cat's response would be much the same as that of a domestic cat. Even big cats (tigers, panthers, etc.) can show a definitive response to catnip. read more

Researchers suspect that catnip targets feline "happy" receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, catnip tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time. read more

That is, the cat essentially reacts to an artificial cat pheromone. Human brains are physiologically different from cat brains and people do not react to catnip by getting "high." Native Americans, however, once used catnip for the uncontrollable cries of infant colic. It also serves as a mild sedative in some herbal teas. read more

How Cats React to Catnip The typical behavior of a cat reacting to catnip includes sniffing, licking, head shaking, eating the herb, body rolling and head and cheek rubbing. The effects usually last about 5-15 minutes. read more