Photographer Captures the Blissed-Out Expressions of Cats High on Catnip

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

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Washington D.C.-based photographer Andrew Marttila quite possibly has the best job ever. Known as “The Cat Photographer,” he dedicates himself to capturing the playful, adorable, and often hilarious personalities of our feline friends. And for his latest project, Marttila reveals what happens to cats when they’re “high” on catnip.

Compiled into a book, titled CATS ON CATNIP, the funny photo series sees a variety of kitties react to their catnip trip and turn into free-loving, saucer-eyed pussycats. Marttila reveals, “Whether it’s eating it, playing with it, or rolling around in it, catnip turns our domestic feline friends into hilarious balls of activity. Carefree and unconstrained, they are free to be silly, exceptionally playful, and downright gnarly.”

The perennial herb is completely safe for cats, lasts just a few minutes, and affects each feline differently. Marttila’s photos capture sleepy tomcats in a euphoric daze; shy tabbies transforming into “hell-bent renegade[s]”; and curious kittens becoming even more hyperactive than before. Marttila recalls, “In the blink of an eye, a cat’s expression transforms from bored to inquisitive to playful to curious to bizarre…to utterly unhinged.”

You can buy the CATS ON CATNIP book on Amazon and check out more of Marttila’s pet portraits on his website.

Ever wonder “what does catnip do to cats?” Pet photographer Andrew Marttila reveals the answer in his CATS ON CATNIP series.

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

The funny photo collection sees a variety of domestic moggies react to their catnip trip and turn into free-loving, saucer-eyed pussycats.

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

The photographer reveals, “In the blink of an eye, a cat’s expression transforms from bored to inquisitive to playful to curious to bizarre…to utterly unhinged.”

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Cats on Catnip by Andrew Marttila

Andrew Marttila: Website | Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by Andrew Marttila.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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