Cats love catnip. And it's perfectly safe - there's nothing in it that can harm your cat. If by some chance your cat was to eat a large amount of catnip, it could cause a mild tummy upset, but that's not likely to happen.
What is Catnip?
Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. It originated in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean but now commonly grows wild throughout Europe and North America. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants.
Why do cats love it?
The active compound in catnip is nepetalactone. Cats detect this compound by smell. It's generally thought that the nepetalactone mimics the effect of a cat pheromone, possibly associated with mating.
Catnip acts as a natural mood enhancer. It might make your cat act quite unusually; she may become more kittenish or particularly affectionate. She may also roll, paw or rub her face in the source of the catnip. Or she may jump about and become frisky, running from room to room appearing to chase invisible prey.
Some cats will just become very relaxed and stare into space. All of this behaviour may be marked by a lot of mewing or growling. The effects of catnip are short, usually lasting between 5 to 15 minutes. After that it will be a couple of hours before a cat will demonstrate the effects of catnip again.
Why give catnip to my cat?
Because your cat will enjoy being given catnip, it makes a great treat to be used during training or to encourage a cat to use a scratching post or sleep in her own bed. It can also be a good way to encourage your cat to exercise, it may even help your cat relax. Whatever the reason, it's good fun!
Tasty Tips
How should I give catnip to my cat?
Catnip products come in a variety of forms. You can buy powdered catnip or catnip bulbs which you can sprinkle on the ground or on a toy. Some toys come pre-scented with catnip or have catnip inside them. You can also get catnip oil or oil spray, which can be used to scent a toy or bedding. Cats will react to even very small amounts of catnip so you don't need to use very much.
My cat doesn't seem to be responding to catnip.
About 30% of cats have no observable response to catnip. Being affected by catnip is apparently an inherited trait. Many cats simply don't have the receptors to be affected by catnip.
Despite their playful nature, kittens don't generally respond to catnip until after their first six months. You may also find that as your cat gets older, she loses interest in catnip.
Catnip seems to make my cat aggressive
Some cats, usually males, will become aggressive when you give them catnip, possibly because of catnip's connection to mating behaviour. If this is the case with your cat, then stop.
You might consider an alternative like honey-suckle or valerian. Talk with your vet, he or she will be able to tell you if they think catnip is right for your pet or recommend other alternatives.
Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. It originated in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean but now commonly grows wild throughout Europe and North America. The plant's nicknames, catnip, catmint or catwort are no doubt inspired by cat's well-known taste for the plants.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée cat food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet chicken in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Low calorie formula with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help promote an ideal body weight
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Related articles
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
Cat Life Stages: Providing the Best Care for Your Cat at Any Age
From the kitten stage to the geriatric cat stage, learn the six cat life stages and tips for providing the best care for your cat at any stage of her life.
Can Cats See TV?
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
Managing Clingy Cats: Do I Have a Velcro Kitty?
Learn reasons why some cats are excessively clingy, how you can help curtail this behavior, and considerations when potentially adopting a Velcro kitty.
Skin Problems to Watch For in Your Cat
Learn about 5 of the most common skin problems that can manifest in cats, as well as how to detect if your cat might have one of them.
Cat Heart Health and Feline Heart Disease
Learn more about the causes of feline heart disease and the signs you can watch out for to promote heart health in your cat.
How to Put On a Cat Harness
Discover which harness style is best for your feline friend and learn how to put on a cat harness. Take your kitty for a stroll knowing they're secure.
Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover the underlying causes, typical symptoms and possible treatments for both type 1 and type 2 of diabetes in cats.
Knowing Your Cat's Special Anatomy
To provide the best care for your cat, it is important to know as much about them as possible. Read about a cat's specialized anatomy to learn more.
Caring for a Senior Cat: The Basic Essentials
Senior cats certainly have unique needs compared to when they were younger but how do you know when your cat is senior and their needs have changed?
What Is a Cat's Primordial Pouch?
What is a cat's primordial pouch? You may be surprised to know that it's a natural part of your kitty's biological makeup! Read on to learn more.
Do Cats Like Music?
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
Can Cats Have Allergies? Signs, Common Types & Treatments
Learn about common cat allergies, including clinical signs, the most common types of allergies and treatment options for your cat.
7 Tips for Newborn Kitten Care
Learn helpful care tips for your kitten in their first four months, including essential topics like bedding, food, using the litter box, grooming & more.
Cat Ear Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Learn about common causes, signs & symptoms, and treatment of a cat ear infection, as well as tips for how to prevent them from happening.
Cat Dry Nose: When to Be Concerned
Learn the reasons why your cat's nose may be dry and whether it might be a sign of a larger concerning issue or a common symptom of something smaller.
Why Cats Groom Themselves
Cats are built to groom themselves from their tongue to their coat. Read more about their grooming habits so you can understand their needs.
Your Cat is Always Hungry: What Should You Do?
Learn why your cat might show signs of being overly hungry, if there could be an underlying medical concern, and options to help them control their hunger.
Pregnancy in Cats: Signs & Preparation for Delivery
If you have or think you have a pregnant cat, click to learn more about how to properly care for her needs including preparation and delivery tips.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Senior Cat
Senior cats over age 7 have different nutritional needs than younger cats. Learn what to look for when choosing a food for older and aging felines.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.