According to science, cats react to catnip as soon as a volatile oil called nepetalactone interacts with nasal tissue. Once they begin to interact, the catnip begins to replicate the pheromones which, in turn, "light up" the cat's receptors and activate several neurons in the cat's brain. In other words, catnip produces a similar reaction to LSD or marijuana.

Its essential oil appears to be most powerful when the plant is fresh and mashed or dried, and the oil is directly exposed to air. Sensitivity to nepetalactone develops during childhood. When a kitten is three to six months old, if he is genetically predisposed, the attraction to catnip will begin to show. Generally speaking, between 50% and 75% cats are sensitive to catnip and react to its properties. The effects of catnip depend on how cats are exposed to it and whether they are susceptible to its allure. Smell, touch, and ingestion elicit different reactions from cats that lean toward catnip.

Cats that react to catnip may squirm, drool, and become more aggressive or hyperactive for a short period of time. These reactions tend to be more visible 10 to 15 minutes after the strongest olfactory exposure.

If your kitty likes to gobble up catnip, there's a strong chance he'll fall into a seductive state of bliss. Yes, from that moment on your cat is in a hallucinatory state, dreaming of endless cardboard boxes.

On the other hand, if your feline is the sophisticated type who only smells like weed, this is where she really freaks out. I'm sure you've seen this before: it's when he frantically rolls onto his back, as if he's no longer in control of his own body.

If you've ever wondered why your cat rubs on the weed instead of smelling or eating it, here's why: Your cat is trying to break the leaves so that more nepetalactone is released. But don't worry: the herb is all-natural and safe for cats. If your cat overdoes the catnip, the most that will happen is a little vomiting or diarrhea. After that, it will be back to normal. Almost when we humans overindulge in weekend drinks.