Comical ‘Cats on Catnip’ Book Is Exactly What Your Coffee Table Needs

By Jaclyn Anglis Updated: June 27, 2018

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pets

We all love cats on catnip, but we’ve never seen them photographed in such a striking way before. Cat photographer Andrew Marttila has created a visually stunning picture book titled Cats on Catnip ($14.40, Amazon) — and both the beauty and hilarity of his photos are equally impressive.

If you own a kitty at home, you might be familiar with the wonderful source of entertainment that comes with catnip. Also known as Nepeta cataria, catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family. Cats are attracted to the compounds in this perennial herb — and this attraction often drastically alters their behavior. While this is always enjoyable to watch, it’s even funnier when a cat’s facial expressions are captured on camera — ideally at the exact moment when the catnip effect takes hold.

catnip effect on cats

(Photo Credit: Andrew Marttila)

Different cats have different responses to catnip. While some shake their heads and rub their cheeks, others widen their eyes into an adorably stunned expression. Other felines don’t respond to catnip at all — it’s all determined by the specific cat’s genetics.

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Marttila, who has worked as a professional pet photographer for the past five years, has seen quite a variety of catnip reactions. Armed with the best camera equipment, loads of cat-friendly herbs, and a talent for capturing snapshots, Marttila has made quite a name for himself with his cat portraits on his Instagram page @iamthecatphotographer and on his website. But we think his new book might just be his best work yet — and the perfect addition to any coffee table in need of a funny picture book.

Considering that cats have a reputation for being aloof and graceful most of the time, catnip is certainly comedy gold subject material.

“Catnip releases something primordial in cats,” Marttila explains in his book. “Carefree and unconstrained, they are free to be silly, exceptionally playful, and downright gnarly… In the blink of an eye, a cat’s expression transforms from bored to inquisitive to playful to curious to bizarre… to utterly unhinged.”

See some of the most adorable cats reacting to catnip in Marttila’s collection below:

Cats On Catnip

Andrew Marttila
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Some cats like to simply sniff catnip, but others like to take it a step further and actually eat the plant (don't worry, catnip is safe for cats). You never know how a feline will react to the herb unless you try it on them, but it's totally worth it if you end up with a photo of your cat with his or her tongue out — as evidenced by this hilarious snapshot.
Catnip Cats

Andrew Marttila
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We simply can't get enough of this kitty's devious facial expression in this picture. There's nothing quite like a cat who thoroughly enjoys every last bit of catnip that he or she can get those adorable paws on.
Kittens On Catnip

Andrew Marttila
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The image of the cat on the left is a perfect preview of what might happen to the cat on the right after sniffing that catnip. We wonder how the other little darling reacted after taking a big whiff of the good stuff.
Catnip For Cats

Andrew Marttila
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It's not too often that you get to see your cat looking so adorably shocked. This cat clearly did not see the catnip coming — and thanks to this funny picture, that effect will be remembered forever.
Cats Catnip

Andrew Marttila
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The first time you try catnip on your cat is sure to be an unforgettable one — no matter what his or her reaction may be. Marttila suggests not being stingy with the harmless herb in his book: "Give your cat a pile of catnip and let the party begin."
What Is Catnip

Andrew Marttila
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If we're not mistaken, this cat's facial expression just might be the perfect climactic moment of any catnip reaction. Imagine seeing your furry feline's face looking like this — absolutely priceless!
Catnip Reaction

Andrew Marttila
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Don't be surprised if your feline suddenly has the urge to roll around on the floor where the catnip is scattered. It's not uncommon for kitties to end up with the foliage all over their bodies after smelling it. Just be prepared for a cleanup afterward.
Catnip Reactions

Andrew Marttila
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As perfectly illustrated by this hysterical image, different cats can have a wide variety of responses to catnip. But even though the kitty on the right appears to be much more aloof than the one on the left, we'd love to see what happens when that feline gets a bit closer!
Funny Catnip

Andrew Marttila
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Something pretty distinctive about many catnip reactions is how wide the cats' eyes can get. Say goodbye to the days of your kitty not properly opening his or her peepers for the camera!
Catnip Kitties

Andrew Marttila
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Phew! All right, that's enough catnip... for today, that is.