Catnip is a plant well-known among cat lovers, often associated with playful and sometimes hilarious reactions in our feline friends. But beyond the amusement, many cat owners wonder, “What exactly is catnip?” and “Why does it make my cat act so… cat-like?”.
This guide dives into the world of catnip, exploring what it is, how it affects cats, and the best ways to use it to enrich your cat’s life. Whether you’re a seasoned cat parent or new to feline companionship, understanding catnip can unlock a new dimension of fun and bonding with your furry friend.
Key Takeaways
- Catnip is a natural herb from the mint family that elicits behavioral changes in about 60% of cats.
- The active compound in catnip, nepetalactone, triggers a sensory response when smelled by cats.
- Catnip’s effects are varied, ranging from playful hyperactivity and joyful rolling to mellow relaxation and contentment.
- Catnip is available in various forms, including fresh, dried, sprays, and infused toys, offering diverse ways to engage your cat.
Unpacking Catnip: More Than Just a Cat Toy
Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is an herb that belongs to the mint family, a group of plants recognized for their aromatic properties. Native to parts of Europe and Asia, catnip is now easily cultivated in North America and many other regions. This resilient plant is characterized by its light-green foliage and delicate lavender flowers, making it a visually appealing addition to gardens as well as a source of feline entertainment.
Beyond its appeal to cats, catnip has a history of human uses too. Its leaves have been brewed into teas, and the flowers are traditionally believed to soothe coughs. Interestingly, catnip also finds its way into some natural insect repellents, showcasing its versatile nature.
close-up of a catnip plant
The Science Behind the Sniff: How Catnip Affects Your Cat
The magic of catnip lies within an essential oil called nepetalactone, found in the plant’s leaves and stems. When a cat encounters catnip, it’s the scent of nepetalactone that triggers a response. This isn’t just a regular smell for cats; it’s processed through a unique olfactory pathway.
Cats possess a special scent organ known as the vomeronasal gland, or Jacobson’s organ, located in the roof of their mouth. This organ acts as a secondary olfactory system, specifically designed to detect pheromones and other chemical signals. When a cat sniffs catnip, the nepetalactone molecules travel through the nasal passages and are also drawn into the mouth, reaching the vomeronasal gland. This direct pathway sends signals to the brain, leading to the behavioral changes we observe. This unique sensory processing is also why you might see your cat making a funny, open-mouthed face, often referred to as the flehmen response, when they encounter intriguing scents.
Why Cats Go Crazy for Catnip: Mimicking Feline Fun
The reason catnip has such a profound effect on cats is linked to how nepetalactone interacts with their sensory system, mimicking the effects of feline sex pheromones. In essence, catnip can trick a cat’s brain into thinking it’s experiencing something akin to a mating signal. This neurological response explains why cats under the influence of catnip often exhibit behaviors similar to a female cat in heat. Intriguingly, both male and female cats are susceptible to catnip’s charm.
The range of these behaviors is quite broad. Some cats become incredibly affectionate, rubbing against objects and people, purring excessively, and displaying clear signs of relaxation and happiness. You might witness your cat rolling around playfully, stretching, and generally acting blissfully content. Conversely, other cats react with bursts of energy, becoming hyperactive, running around, playing more intensely, and sometimes even exhibiting playful aggression like mock hunting or pouncing. It’s this variety of potential reactions that makes observing a cat with catnip so entertaining and fascinating for owners.
Unleashing the Catnip Fun: Different Forms and How to Use Them
Catnip is readily available in a variety of forms, catering to different preferences and uses:
- Fresh Catnip: Growing your own catnip plant provides the freshest and most potent form. Many cats enjoy nibbling on fresh leaves directly from the plant.
- Dried Catnip: This is the most common form available commercially. Dried catnip is versatile and can be sprinkled on toys, scratching posts, or the floor. Reputable brands like Yeowww! Organic Catnip offer high-quality options.
- Catnip Sprays and Bubbles: These liquid forms are excellent for applying catnip to toys or areas where you don’t want to leave loose plant material. Sprays are particularly useful for cats who might ingest too much dried catnip and get an upset stomach.
- Catnip-Infused Toys: Toys pre-filled with dried catnip, such as those found at Chewy, are a convenient and mess-free way to offer catnip.
For cats prone to digestive issues from ingesting catnip, sprays are an ideal alternative. You can easily apply catnip spray to your cat’s favorite toy, cat tree (available at retailers like Chewy), or scratcher (also found at Chewy). Sprinkling dried catnip on furniture or rolling toys in it are also simple ways to engage your cat.
Veterinarians sometimes recommend catnip for specific situations, such as easing separation anxiety (learn more about cat separation anxiety). If your cat is going to be home alone for an extended period, providing catnip can offer a source of comfort and entertainment. For cats who respond positively to catnip, it can be a natural way to reduce anxiety and even provide mild pain relief.
Catnip Responsiveness: Is Your Cat in the 60%?
While catnip is popular, it’s important to know that not all cats react to it. Research indicates that approximately 60% of cats exhibit a behavioral response to catnip. This sensitivity is thought to be genetic, meaning a cat’s predisposition to react to catnip is largely inherited. If your cat doesn’t seem interested in catnip, it’s simply possible they are among the 40% who lack the gene for catnip sensitivity.
If your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, there are alternative plant-based options you can explore. Silvervine (learn about silvervine) and valerian are two plants that contain different compounds that can also trigger euphoric responses in cats, sometimes even in cats who are non-responsive to catnip.
Duration and Potency: What to Expect
The effects of catnip are typically short-lived, generally lasting around 10 minutes after a cat smells it. Following this initial phase, it takes approximately 30 minutes for a cat to become receptive to catnip again. This refractory period is important to keep in mind if you’re planning to use catnip for enrichment or training purposes; repeated exposure in short intervals will likely be less effective.
Catnip’s potency can diminish over time, especially once dried. To maintain freshness and maximize its effectiveness, it’s best to store catnip in an airtight container, away from light and moisture. Proper storage helps preserve the nepetalactone content, ensuring your cat gets the full catnip experience each time.
Can a Cat Have Too Much of a Good Thing? Catnip Overdose and Safety
While catnip is considered safe and non-addictive for cats, it is possible for a cat to ingest too much, which can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. Overconsumption of catnip may result in symptoms like vomiting (reasons for cat vomiting), diarrhea (causes of cat diarrhea), dizziness, or temporary incoordination (ataxia in cats).
Moderation is Key: How Much Catnip to Use
As a general guideline, using just about 1 tablespoon of dried catnip at a time is usually sufficient. Using excessive amounts is unlikely to cause serious harm but might increase the chances of digestive upset and may not necessarily enhance your cat’s enjoyment. If you are unsure about the appropriate amount for your cat, consulting with your veterinarian is always a good idea.
Fresh catnip is typically more potent than dried catnip, so you’ll need to offer even less if using fresh leaves. Highly concentrated catnip oils should be used with caution due to their strong potency and are generally not recommended for routine use.
Catnip FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
Does catnip get cats high?
Catnip can certainly induce a state of altered behavior in cats that might resemble being “high” in humans, characterized by euphoria and intense happiness. Cats under the influence of catnip may exhibit behaviors like rolling, increased playfulness, drooling, increased vocalization (cat meowing and yowling), hyperactivity, or, conversely, a mellowed-out state.
However, it’s important to distinguish catnip’s effects from a true “high” caused by substances that are genuinely intoxicating. Substances that cause a true high in animals can lead to disorientation, wobbly walking, vomiting, and dilated pupils – symptoms not typically associated with catnip. Catnip is more accurately described as a sensory stimulant that triggers natural, albeit exaggerated, feline behaviors.
Is catnip safe for kittens?
Catnip is not considered harmful to kittens. However, most kittens do not react to catnip until they are older, typically between 6 months and 1 year of age. This is because the sensitivity to nepetalactone usually develops as kittens mature. While some younger kittens might show a slight interest, a significant reaction is uncommon until they reach sexual maturity.
Can cats eat catnip?
Yes, cats can safely eat catnip. In fact, in small quantities, it might even offer some digestive benefits. Catnip has historically been used in humans for its antidiarrheal properties.
Nevertheless, it’s advisable to prevent your cat from consuming large quantities of catnip at once. Excessive ingestion can lead to digestive upset, as mentioned earlier. Moderation is key, whether your cat is inhaling the scent or nibbling on the leaves.
WRITTEN BY
Heather Hoffmann, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Heather Hoffmann is a 2018 graduate from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a certificate in…
