Disorder - Catnip response

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative Names
Catmint response

Presenting Signs

'Catnip responder' cats behave in a certain way in the presence of the plant catnip (Nepeta cataria) or extracts of this plant. The cats are responsive to a chemical in the plant, Nepetalactone. While non-responsive cats will behave normally in the presence of catnip, catnip responders carry out a range of abnormal behaviours when they smell catnip. These behaviours involve sniffing, licking and chewing with head shaking, chin and cheek rubbing, and rolling over and body rubbing. This behaviour is similar to that carried out by female cats during the mating season, however it is unrelated to mating and both males and females can be affected, whether desexed or not. Sometimes cats will hold the catnip and kick it with their back legs as if they were attacking prey. Typically, responding cats will return to normal behaviour around 15 minutes after exposure to catnip, and will not respond again until after a short period away from the catnip.

Cats at Risk

Widespread dominant trait affecting all breeds. No gender or age predispositions.

Treatment

None - condition does not cause problems for the cat, and does not warrant treatment.

PubMed References
Catnip response

Contributor
Heather Shortridge