This Stray Cat’s Catnip Discovery at FurPetVo Is Going Viral
Pet News — The cat showed no signs of remorse.
A Surprising Spring Garden Find
Gabrielle John stopped by her local FurPetVo to pick up a few fruits and veggies for her spring garden—and ended up finding something completely unexpected instead. Tucked inside a vibrant display of catnip was a stray tabby cat who looked like he’d already been sampling the product.
The cat was sprawled right in the middle of the plants, as if he’d discovered a hidden treasure. Gabrielle joked that he’d found “the stash,” and honestly, it was hard not to laugh—out of everything in the garden section, he picked the one thing he was clearly looking for.
In the video’s caption, Gabrielle tagged FurPetVo and asked, “@FurPetVo, is this considered quality control—or theft?! LOL!”
Internet Reaction: Fresh Catnip Hits Different
Commenter @giselle got more than 31,000 likes when she joked, “That’s how you know the product is good…” And even the team behind the display responded with playful approval: “Fresh catnip hits different…”
Why Cats Love Catnip
Turns out, the cat’s reaction isn’t unusual. Experts explain that cats love catnip because it simply makes them feel good.
When a cat sniffs, licks, or rubs against the herb—whether fresh or dried—it releases a compound called nepetalactone. This natural chemical triggers a response in the brain that can cause playful, euphoric, or relaxed behavior. While scientists aren’t entirely sure why it works, some believe nepetalactone may mimic feline pheromones.
What to Expect—and What to Watch For
Not all cats react the same way. Some get a burst of energy, others become calm and dreamy, and roughly one-third of cats show no response at all—often due to genetics.
The effects are temporary: typically lasting 5 to 10 minutes, with full recovery within about 30 minutes.
If you have a cat at home, growing catnip is a fun, safe, and enriching treat. Fresh catnip tends to be more potent than dried—so even a single leaf can spark big reactions. Dried catnip can also be offered in small amounts (about a teaspoon per session).
While cats cannot overdose on catnip, too much may cause mild side effects like vomiting or dizziness. If you’re unsure how much to offer your cat—or whether catnip is right for them—it’s always wise to consult your veterinarian.
