If you’ve ever sprinkled catnip on a kitty, you’ll know that stuff is truly magical.
A catnip-sprinkled cat will roll around, purr, and act like an adorable fool. It’s the purest joy.
Sadly not all of us are lucky enough to have our own cats (damn you, unfeeling landlords), so we can’t just grab some catnip and a pal when we’re feeling low.
It’s handy, then, that photographer Andrew Marttila – also known as The Cat Photographer – has dedicated himself to capturing photos of cats in the euphoric moment they come into contact with catnip… and get super high off the stuff.
Andrew’s photos have been turned into a book, aptly titled Cats on Catnip, which will be released in the UK on 28 June.
Here’s a sneak preview.
Why does catnip get your cat high?
Catnip plants don’t actually make your cat ‘high’ the same way recreational drugs do for humans. Instead, they make cats exhibit behaviour similar to female cats in heat.
That means they feel very excited and may rub their heads and body on to the herb, roll around, meow, and drool.
This is thanks to the release of nepetalactone, one of the oils in catnip, which stimulates the cat’s sensory neurons, which then trigger the amygdala and the hypothalamus. These bits of the brain create the cat’s sexual response.
Not all cats will react to catnip in this way. A response to catnip is genetic, and some cats are just not naturally predisposed to experiencing catnip’s powers. Kittens also won’t react to catnip because they don’t yet have a sexual response.
Hmm. Interesting.
Can you feel it yet?
Wait, I think it’s starting to hit
Yep, starting to get something now
What is this stuff?
Oh.
OH.
This stuff is AMAZING.
Praise be to catnip
I can see all the colours
I feel so ALIVE
Everyone’s doing it
Wait, I’m suddenly very aware that I am a cat
This is strange
What an odd sensation
I *think* I like it
Yeah, I like it
Bury me in catnip, please
MORE : Theo the cat saved his owner’s life by keeping her awake when she had a blood clot
MORE : A new product hopes to tackle pet separation anxiety
MORE : Meet the feminist artist whose work you’ve probably shared on Instagram
Sign up to our guide to what’s on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. London’s best bits in your inbox
Share this with