Cats love catnip. When they smell it, eat it, or roll around in it, they often enter a state of euphoric bliss. But what about humans? Do we have an equivalent substance that affects us in the same way catnip affects cats? This article will explore the human equivalent of catnip – substances that induce a euphoric, blissed out state in people.
What is catnip and how does it affect cats?
Catnip is a plant from the mint family called Nepeta cataria. It contains a chemical called nepetalactone which is thought to be responsible for its effects on cats. When cats smell catnip, nepetalactone binds to receptors in their nose and stimulates a response in their brain that makes them euphoric and excited.
Common behaviors cats display when exposed to catnip include:
– Rolling around and rubbing on catnip
– Licking or chewing catnip
– Head shaking
– Head rubbing
– Facial rubbing
– Drooling
– Vocalizing
– Playful jumping and pouncing
In other words, catnip makes cats feel really good! The effects of catnip on cats are believed to last about 5-15 minutes before wearing off. Then cats need to be exposed to more catnip in order to experience the euphoric effects again.
What causes catnip’s effects on cats?
As mentioned, the nepetalactone in catnip is the chemical responsible for the herb’s effects on cats. Nepetalactone is an organic compound that acts as a cat attractant and stimulant. When cats inhale it, it binds to receptors located in the olfactory epithelium on nasal tissues.
This binding triggers neural responses in the brain that induce the previously mentioned euphoric effects. Nepetalactone causes the brain to release neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin which promote feelings of pleasure, excitement, and relaxation.
So in essence, nepetalactone gives cats a temporary “high” by stimulating their brains and altering their moods. Not all cats are affected by catnip though – it’s estimated that around 50-70% of cats respond to it. The reason for this is likely genetic.
What substances induce catnip-like effects in humans?
Now that we understand how catnip works on cats, what substances might produce similar euphoric, feel-good effects in people? Here are some candidates:
THC
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Like catnip’s nepetalactone in cats, THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the human brain leading to changes in mood, sensory perception, pleasure, and cognition. Common effects felt after ingesting THC include euphoria, relaxation, altered senses of sight, smell, and taste, sensory enhancement, pain relief, and changed perception of time.
For many people, THC can induce a blissful, catnip-like “high”. Of course, cannabis also contains CBD and other cannabinoids that balance out the psychoactive effects of THC.
Runner’s High
Vigorous exercise can produce euphoric effects due to the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and endocannabinoids. This is commonly referred to as a “runner’s high”. Similar to catnip, it creates pleasant sensations of euphoria, analgesia, sedation, and reduced anxiety. Activities like running, weightlifting, cycling, and aerobics are most likely to induce these effects after sustained, moderate-to-high intensity efforts.
MDMA
Also known as ecstasy or molly, MDMA is a synthetic psychoactive drug that elevates mood, increases empathy and feelings of closeness, and enhances sensory perception. By increasing serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the brain, MDMA can produce prolonged feelings of euphoria, mental stimulation, and psychological well-being. However, it also carries significant side effects and health risks.
Morphine
Morphine is a potent analgesic opioid drug used for pain relief. By binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, it can also produce feelings of euphoria and contentment. In fact, the rewarding, pleasurable effects of morphine are thought to be largely responsible for its addictive potential. The euphoric sensations induced by morphine are similar to a catnip high in cats.
Chocolate
The cacao in chocolate contains compounds like theobromine, phenethylamine, and anandamide which affect the human brain similarly to how catnip affects cats. Anandamide in particular indirectly stimulates cannabinoid receptors and cause feelings of bliss. This may explain why many people experience boosted moods after eating chocolate! Dark chocolate with higher cacao content tends to have more noticeable euphoric effects.
Spicy Foods
Spicy foods like chili peppers contain capsaicin which releases endorphins when eaten. These natural opioids bring on positive feelings of well-being and pleasure. Additionally, the physical heat and rush caused by spicy foods can be exciting and invigorating. The mood boosting effects of spicy foods mimic how catnip makes cats feel “high.”
Video Games
The thrill of gaming releases dopamine which triggers feelings of reward and pleasure. In the right doses, dopamine provides us with those familiar euphoric sensations. Video games feature audio, visual, and interactive elements designed to engage our senses and provide an immersive, stimulating experience that keeps us coming back for more. In that way, video games can feel like “digital catnip.”
Music
Listening to music we enjoy literally gives our brains a dopamine “hit” and makes us feel good! In addition to dopamine, music releases oxytocin – the “love hormone” associated with social bonding. Combine those neurological effects with the nostalgia of listening to a meaningful song, and you have an experience that can certainly feel like a catnip high. No wonder people can get “addicted” to their favorite tunes.
Laughter
Laughing triggers the brain’s reward system to release dopamine and endorphins. It also decreases stress hormones like cortisol. The positive, uplifted mood we feel after a bout of laughter mimics how catnip makes cats feel relaxed and content. Laughter truly is good medicine for the human mind and body.
Falling in Love
The initial stage of falling in love causes a dopamine high along with elevated serotonin and noradrenaline production. This leads to feelings of exhilaration, passion, and euphoria when with the object of affection. “Love is a drug” might sound like a cliche, but the analogy holds true in terms of the catnip-like blissful neurochemical state it puts us in.
Massage
Getting a massage promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system while lowering blood pressure and cortisol. It also boosts serotonin and dopamine release. The combined effect eases stress and anxiety while producing euphoric sensations – much like catnip’s calming yet blissful effect on cats.
Saunas
Sitting in a hot sauna increases production of endorphins and other feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine. The heat also boosts circulation and provides a soothing sensation throughout the mind and body. Afterwards, people report feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and euphoric – not unlike a cat rolling around happily in catnip!
| Substance/Activity | Effects on Humans |
|---|---|
| THC | Euphoria, relaxation, altered senses, sensory enhancement, pain relief |
| Runner’s High | Euphoria, analgesia, sedation, reduced anxiety |
| MDMA | Euphoria, increased empathy/closeness, enhanced sensory perception |
| Morphine | Euphoria, contentment |
| Chocolate | Boosted mood, bliss |
| Spicy Foods | Endorphin release, invigoration, mood boost |
| Video Games | Dopamine release, reward, pleasure |
| Music | Dopamine and oxytocin release, nostalgia, “addiction” |
| Laughter | Dopamine and endorphin release, stress relief |
| Falling in Love | Dopamine high, exhilaration, euphoria |
| Massage | Serotonin and dopamine release, relaxation |
| Saunas | Endorphin release, soothing sensation, euphoria |
Conclusion
While humans don’t have an exact equivalent to catnip, we do have a range of substances, activities, and experiences that can induce similarly pleasant, euphoric states as catnip does in cats. By increasing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin, these catnip substitutes trigger positive sensations, altered perceptions, exhilaration, relaxation, and bliss. Of course, some options like drugs and chocolate provide only a temporary high while healthier alternatives like exercise, laughter, music, and love can produce more sustained feelings of well-being. Ultimately, our complex human brains allow us to experience catnip-like euphoria through a variety of stimulating and rewarding means. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go eat some chocolate, listen to uplifting music, and soak in a hot sauna while laughing at funny cat videos!