Cats on catnip are clearly having a wonderful time – but does it get them high? Our vet explains more… ...

“Some cats may roll around, rub their face against the catnip, vocalize, or ‘zone out’ and lie in a relaxed state.” Like weed, the effects are different depending on how it’s consumed.

Nepetalactone, one of catnip's volatile oils, enters the cat's nasal tissue, where it is believed to bind to protein receptors that stimulate sensory neurons.

There's a very scientific reason cats go wild for catnip, and it's all about smell.

Not all cats are affected by the drug, but for some it can have a five- to 15-minute marijuana- kind of effect.

According to new research, when cats lick and chew catnip it leads to the release of certain compounds that might protect them from pesky mosquitoes.

Its effect is similar to sex pheromones, which explains the writhing, rolling around and general silliness that cats exhibit under its influence. Sadly, not every cat enjoys catnip.

In others, it can cause the opposite effect and make a cat mellow and sleepy. However, catnip has no effect on about 20-30% of cats. Interestingly enough, the response is hereditary.