Many cat owners have heard of catnip and its amusing effect on felines, but not everyone understands what kind of plant it is or the science behind its impact on cat behavior and mood.
If you’ve ever wondered what catnip actually is, how it works, or whether it’s safe for your furry friend, keep reading we’ll break down everything you need to know about this fascinating plant.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a safe and non-toxic herbaceous plant of the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to Europe and Asia but naturalized worldwide. It can reach heights of 3 feet, bearing jagged, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of white or lavender flowers. Humans have historically brewed Catnip teas for their calming properties and natural insect repellent. The most famous is nepetalactone, which has a euphoric effect on cats. Catnip grows best in full sunlight with well-drained soil, so it is simple to grow in home gardens.
What Is Catnip Made Of?
Some bioactive components of Catnip are:
- Nepetalactone: A volatile iridoid compound that attaches to cats’ olfactory receptors.
- Terpenes (citronellol, geraniol): For its minty scent and insect-repellent qualities.
- Antioxidants (rosmarinic acid, extract of flavonoids): Provide anti-inflammation benefits for humans. According to a study published in the journal Molecules in 2021, nepetalactone makes up to 90% of the essential oils contained in the plant, which means it’s the main component responsible for a cat’s reaction (NIH).
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
Catnip includes nepetalactone, an oil in its foliage that changes cat habits when smelled. Cats sense this compound through the vomeronasal organ, a small gland in the roof of their mouth. This organ sends signals to the brain, sometimes triggering sniffing, licking, hyperactivity, or stinky facial expressions. Lasts 10 minutes and is harmless, though not all cats respond genetically.
Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Yes, felines can safely consume Catnip, although they don’t need to receive its effects. The chemical ingredient in Catnip, known as nepetalactone, mainly takes effect when cats smell Catnip, stimulating playful or euphoric behaviors through their vomeronasal organ. Catnip may cause mild digestive upset (e.g., vomiting or diarrhea), but it’s not considered toxic if eaten in small amounts. Most cats instinctively sniff, lick, or roll in Catnip rather than consume it.
Why Do Cats Love Catnip?
Cats are drawn to Catnip because of nepetalactone, a chemical within the plant that elicits a euphoric reaction by stimulating brain areas associated with emotion and instinct. Around 50–70% of cats inherit this sensitivity, which results in behaviors such as rolling, rubbing, or hyperactivity for 5–15 minutes. Kittens younger than six months and older cats often do not respond. The ASPCA assures that Catnip isn’t toxic, but overeating can cause mild vomiting (rarely). Sniffing Catnip makes cats hyper, but chewing it settles them down. For safe, enriching play, check out Pawland’s catnip toy kit, a catnip cat-care product endorsed by the Cornell Feline Health Center as a feline resource. Always watch your cat’s reaction.
How Long Does Catnip Last?
How long Catnip lasts varies with its form and how it’s stored. If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, dried Catnip will maintain its potency for 6–12 months; fresh Catnip lasts up to 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator. Light, heat, or exposure to moisture speeds up degradation so that it loses its signature minty smell. An expired catnip will have a dull smell and will not react to your cat. For the best shelf life, freeze fresh leaves; dry them in batches and fill them with silica gel packets. In humid climates, regularly check stored Catnip for mould.
Catnip Benefits For Cats
Catnip serves as enrichment, stress relief, and training rewards:
Exercise: Promotes play and prevents boredom and obesity.
Alleviation of Anxiety: A short-term tranquilizer for vet appointments thunderstorms
Training Aid: Provide as a reward for good behavior, such as using scratching posts
Anti-inflammatory Properties: Crushed leaves can be rubbed on joints for pain relief. More about how Catnip works in this article. Always use cats in the same-friendly way cats without using catmint will become insensitive.
What Happens If You Give Catnip To A Pregnant Cat?
Do not give Catnip to pregnant cats. Because nepetalactone can also trigger uterine contractions, this poses a risk of preterm labor. Post-pregnancy, it’s safe for nursing cats but will not work on kittens younger than 3 months. Ask your vet for stress-relief alternatives that can be used during gestation, like pheromone diffusers or quiet spaces.
Why Do Cats Roll in Catnip?
Rolling produces more nepetalactone, amplifying the high. It is very much reminiscent of pheromone-seeking behaviors, such as those seen during sexual encounters. Cats might also rub their faces together to spread the smell, a scent that repulses other insects such as mosquitoes. The response is usually 10–15 minutes, followed by a 1–2-hour refractory period.
Does Catnip Calm Cats?
Responses vary: Some (60%) cats become hyperactive while others chill out. By being fast-acting but short-lived, this makes it unsuitable for chronic anxiety. Combine with environmental enrichment for stressed cats.
How Old Does a Cat Have to Be for Catnip?
Kittens younger than 3–6 months don’t respond because their olfactory systems are still immature. Sensitivity occurs with sexual maturity, and 30–50% of cats do not have the gene. After 6 months, test responsiveness with a sprinkling of dried Catnip.
Can Kittens Have Catnip?
Kittens can interact with Catnip safely but won’t respond until 3–6 months old. Recommended to use less to avoid overstimulation. Monitor for vomiting or diarrhea, which is rare. Choose cat toys without Catnip for young kittens to prevent accidental ingestion.
Does Catnip Work on Dogs?
Yes, but the effects are reversed from cats. Small doses work as a sedative and help with anxiety or travel stress. Sprinkle ⅛ tsp on food or into chew toys. There are no long-term studies to confirm health benefits, so use it intermittently.
Is Catnip Safe for Dogs?
Catnip is safe and non-toxic for dogs, but its effects vary for cats. When cats become hyper, dogs tend to get mellow, as nepetalactone is a relaxant. Small doses (⅛–½ tsp) sprinkled over food may calm anxiety or enhance sleep. Do not overconsume; too much of it can lead to temporary upset in the stomach. Always check with your vet before giving Catnip, especially if you have a dog on sedatives. The play is safe, but supervised play is essential to avoid choking hazards.
Can Humans Eat Catnip?
Yes, humans can eat catnip. It’s safe in small amounts, most often used as a calming herbal tea. Catnip may help with relaxation, sleep, and digestion. It does not cause the same playful effects in humans as it does in cats. Eating too much catnip can cause headaches or stomach upset. Pregnant women, children, and people with certain health conditions should avoid it. In summary: catnip is edible and safe for most adults in moderation.
Can Catnip Get Humans High?
No, Catnip won’t get humans high psychoactive. When made as a tea, it can be mildly relaxing or helpful for digestion. We do not recommend smoking catnip, as it is associated with respiratory risks and no proven benefits. Historically, it’s been used in herbal medicine; it’s safe in moderation, but you should avoid it during pregnancy.
Health Benefits of Catnip Tea
Catnip tea helps humans with the following:
Sleep Aid / Stimulator: Harnessing natural sedative properties to promote restful sleep
Irritate March: Reduces bloating, cramps
Anxiety Reduction: Mild tranquilizing effect. Infuse 1–2 tsp dried leaves in hot water for 5 minutes. Do not use if pregnant or allergic to mint.
