What do cats get high on? - briefly
Cats can experience euphoria from several substances, most commonly catnip and silver vine. These plants contain nepetalactone, which stimulates receptors in a cat's brain, leading to behavior such as rolling, rubbing, and increased activity.
What do cats get high on? - in detail
Cats, like humans and other animals, can experience altered states of consciousness or "get high" from various substances. These can be naturally occurring plants, specific chemicals, or even certain human-made drugs. It's essential to understand what these substances are and how they affect cats to ensure their safety and well-being.
One of the most common substances that cats get high on is catnip (Nepeta cataria). Catnip contains nepetalactone, an essential oil that acts as a feline attractant and mild hallucinogen. When a cat inhales or ingests catnip, it can exhibit various behaviors such as rolling around, purring, drooling, and becoming more playful or aggressive. These effects usually last for about 10-15 minutes before the cat returns to its normal state. It's crucial to note that not all cats respond to catnip; some may be immune to its effects due to a genetic predisposition.
Another natural substance that can affect cats is silver vine (Actinidia polygama). Silver vine contains actinidine, which has similar effects on cats as nepetalactone in catnip. Some studies suggest that more cats respond to silver vine than to catnip. The effects of silver vine typically last longer than those of catnip, sometimes up to an hour or more.
Cats can also get high on certain human-made drugs and chemicals. For example, some cats may exhibit unusual behaviors when exposed to valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), a plant used in herbal medicine for its sedative properties. Valerian contains actinidine, the same compound found in silver vine, which can cause cats to roll around, drool, and become more playful or aggressive.
In rare cases, cats may ingest or inhale human-made drugs such as marijuana (cannabis), cocaine, or other illicit substances. These drugs can have severe and potentially life-threatening effects on cats, including seizures, tremors, altered heart rate, and even death. If a cat is suspected of ingesting or inhaling any human-made drug, it's crucial to contact a veterinarian immediately for proper evaluation and treatment.
In conclusion, cats can get high on various substances, both natural and artificial. While some substances like catnip and silver vine are generally safe for cats, others such as valerian root and human-made drugs can be harmful or even deadly. It's essential to monitor a cat's behavior when exposed to any substance and seek veterinary care if any adverse effects occur. Understanding the potential effects of these substances on cats is crucial for maintaining their health and well-being.