While not all cats like catnip, many cats lose their minds around it to the extent that catnip acts like drugs affecting humans. While people have long assumed cats like catnip for the euphoric feeling it gives them, there could be another reason why catnip is so desirable for cats.

Researchers believe that catnip may actually act as a deterrent to mosquitoes. Compounds in catnip can help ward off mosquitoes like an insecticide.

So the next time you see your cat gettin high around catnip, it could have a higher purpose that you don’t know about. Either that or your cat just enjoys getting high at your expense.

To learn more about catnip and cats, click here.