Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a fascinating herb best known for its powerful effect on cats. Loved by cats and their owners, catnip is a popular way to enrich the lives of our feline friends. Learn more about this plant, including exactly what catnip is, why cats love it, how it affects them, as well as the best ways to use it for their happiness, enrichment and overall well-being.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family, originally native to Europe and Asia but now common in North America as well. The secret behind its magic lies in a compound called nepetalactone, found primarily in the plant's leaves, stems and seeds. It's an herb that's safe for cats—once encountered, it stimulates sensory receptors in their brains, triggering a temporary high that's both exciting and amusing to watch.1
How Do Cats React to Catnip?
The intensity of cats' reactions to catnip varies widely. Some become very active and excitable, while others roll, purr and even drool. And for some cats, catnip appears to have no effect at all. Interestingly, sensitivity to catnip is genetic. About 50% to 70% of cats experience the effects, while others may remain indifferent.2
Typically, reactions are more pronounced in adult cats. Kittens under 3 to 6 months may not be affected.3
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
When exposed to catnip, a cat's behavior can change rapidly. Affected cats often become hyperactive, rubbing their face against the catnip, rolling on the ground or even vocalizing. Others may stretch, leap or simply relax and become mellow. This “high" usually lasts for 10 to 15 minutes, after which the effects wear off. Cats often need a short break before they can respond to catnip again.1
Not all cats experience the same reactions. Some cats may become overstimulated and exhibit signs of aggression, while others seem to find calm and relaxation. The cycle of reaction is generally short, and repeated exposure requires a cooldown period for the cat to regain sensitivity.
Can Catnip Be Helpful?
Catnip has various benefits for cats, ranging from stress relief to encouraging physical activity. For high-energy cats, catnip provides a productive outlet for pent-up energy. For more sedentary or older cats, it can serve as a gentle stimulant, prompting movement, play and engagement. Furthermore, catnip can be a useful tool to reduce stress in cats, helping them relax or redirect their attention when they're feeling anxious.
Catnip may also have a role to play in keeping cats safe from mosquito bites, as it has been found to repel pests.4
While catnip is generally safe, moderation is essential. Overexposure can lead to overstimulation, resulting in aggressive or unwanted behaviors. Limiting catnip sessions and observing your cat's response can help ensure she benefits from it without experiencing any adverse effects.
Benefits of Catnip for Cats
Catnip offers several benefits that can improve a cat's quality of life:
- Playfulness and exercise: For indoor cats, play is crucial to help prevent obesity and promote mental stimulation. Catnip encourages play and exercise, giving cats a healthy way to release energy.
- Stress relief: The soothing effect of catnip can alleviate stress in cats, especially in situations like vet visits, travel or introducing new pets or people to the household.
- Environmental enrichment: For cats prone to boredom, catnip provides sensory enrichment that can reduce destructive behaviors, such as scratching or climbing on furniture. Offering a catnip toy or a sprinkle of dried catnip on a scratching post creates a positive association with designated play areas.5
Types of Catnip
Catnip comes in several forms, each offering unique benefits. Here's a breakdown of the main types available:
- Fresh catnip: Fresh catnip plants or potted varieties can be grown indoors or outdoors. Cats enjoy chewing the leaves or simply brushing against them.
- Dried catnip: This form is easy to store and can be sprinkled on toys, scratching posts or bedding. Dried catnip retains potency well when stored in a cool, dark place.
- Catnip sprays and infused products: Catnip sprays offer a mess-free option for adding scent to a favorite toy or scratching area. Many toys also come infused with catnip, providing a long-lasting option for engaging play.
How To Give Cats Catnip
Introduce catnip to your cat thoughtfully and gradually. For first-time introductions, start with a small amount, such as a pinch of dried catnip or a single catnip-filled toy. This allows you to observe your cat's reaction and adjust accordingly.
Here are some tips on using catnip effectively:
- Choose the right form. Whether you choose fresh, dried or spray catnip depends on your cat's preferences. Fresh catnip is often more potent, while dried catnip and sprays allow for easier storage and use.
- Moderate use. Limit exposure to avoid overstimulation. Using catnip once every few days will prevent your cat from becoming desensitized and ensure he continues to enjoy its effects.
- Observe your cat's response. Every cat reacts differently to catnip. Some love it and seek it out, while others have little to no response. If your cat becomes overstimulated or aggressive, it may be best to reduce the frequency or amount of catnip offered.
Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Yes, cats can eat catnip, and it's generally safe for them to do so in moderation. There is no risk of addiction to catnip.6
Some cats enjoy chewing fresh catnip leaves, which provides a different experience than simply smelling the plant. When ingested, catnip often acts as a mild sedative rather than a stimulant, producing a calming effect. However, too much catnip can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, so it's best to offer small amounts.7
Catnip for Kittens
If you are adopting a cat, you may be wondering how soon you can offer catnip. Kittens under 3 to 6 months old usually do not react to catnip. As they mature, they may start responding to it, though this is not guaranteed.3
For young cats, introducing other forms of play is more beneficial until they're old enough to respond to catnip. Once a kitten reaches adulthood, you can try small amounts of catnip to see if they enjoy it.
Pets Best Is Here To Help
Whether your cat needs more exercise, an outlet for stress relief or sensory stimulation, catnip can be an enriching addition to their routine. As always, moderation is key—using catnip responsibly helps maintain its positive effects without overstimulation.
Pets Best cat insurance may provide peace of mind, helping you cover health expenses and offering policyholders a 24/7 Pet Helpline for questions on topics like catnip and other behavioral needs.
Sources/ Citations
- “The Chemistry of Catnip," Michelle Willis (n.d.), Pet Poison Helpline, https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/the-chemistry-of-catnip/
- “Unveiling the Mysteries of Catnip for Cats: A Vet's Insight," Dr. Brad Hinsperger (1/2024), Kingsdale Animal Hospital, https://www.kingsdale.com/unveiling-the-mysteries-of-catnip-for-cats-a-vets-insight
- “Crazy for catnip," (n.d.), The Humane Society of the United States, https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crazy-catnip
- “Catnip, silver vine activate cat opioid systems, repel mosquitoes," (3/2021), American Veterinary Medical Association, https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2021-03-01/short
- “What Is Catnip and Is It Safe for Your Pet? Veterinarians Weigh In," Madeline Buiano (1/2024), Martha Stewart, https://www.marthastewart.com/2140307/what-is-catnip
- “Can Cats Eat Catnip?" Dr. Hannah Godfrey (3/2022), The Vets, https://thevets.com/blog/can-cat-eat-catnip/
- “What To Do If Your Cat Has Had Too Much Catnip," Maria Azzurra Volpe (10/2023), Newsweek, https://www.newsweek.com/what-do-if-your-cat-has-had-too-much-catnip-1711465