What Is Catnip and Is It Safe for Your Pet? Veterinarians Weigh In

If you're a cat owner, you know how rewarding it feels to make your feline happy. One of the most effective ways to do this is by giving them catnip. A sprinkling of the natural herb on a scratch-post or inside a toy encourages their playful spirit and can even make them feel less anxious. But have you ever wondered what exactly catnip is and how safe it is for your pets? Here, several veterinarians explain everything you need to know about catnip.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip—also known by its scientific name Nepeta cataria—is a member of the mint family. "The active compound in catnip, nepetalactone, triggers a response in some cats, inducing behaviors like rolling, rubbing, purring, and heightened playfulness," says Colleen Lambo, DVM, veterinarian with The Vets. The plant produces nepetalactone in microscopic bulbs that coat its leaves, stems, and seedpods. When these fragile bulbs rupture, they release the compound into the air, which is why you can find cats chewing on the plant.

Safety of Catnip

Catnip is generally safe for cats and doesn't pose any major health risks. The herb is also safe for young kittens, but they may not develop a sensitivity to it until four to six months. While catnip is nontoxic for cats, you should give it in moderate amounts. "It's important to note that it only takes a small amount of catnip to stimulate a reaction in cats," says Whitney Miller, DVM, MBA, DACVPM, the chief veterinarian at Petco. "If your cat overeats catnip, they may have diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and poor coordination."

In terms of dosage, it's safe to give cats catnip on a daily basis, but they may become desensitized to its effects.

How Catnip Affects Cats

The oil in catnip (nepetalactone) may cause a range of behaviors when cats interact with it. "These behaviors can include rolling, rubbing, purring, playing, and even increased vocalizations," says Dr. Miller. "Some cats might become more energetic, while others might become more relaxed."

Catnip also has calming effects and can help reduce stress or anxiety in cats, as well as make them more curious or create positive associations in a new environment. Keep in mind that all cats are different, and some may show no behavioral changes after interacting with catnip.

How Long Catnip Lasts

The effects of catnip are typically brief. "Normally after about 10 minutes any behavioral reactions tend to wear off," says Dr. Miller. "It may take about an hour for your cat's system to reset and be responsive to catnip again."

How to Use Catnip

Catnip is commonly used to encourage cats to explore and play, but it can also be used as a training aid. Place a small amount of catnip on your cat's scratching post to encourage scratching or in their carrier to encourage them to enter. No matter if you use it for play or training, catnip can be administered to cats using a few different methods.

• Fresh catnip: This is the most potent form of catnip. "You can find fresh catnip at pet stores or even grow it yourself," says Dr. Lambo. "Offer a small amount of fresh leaves to your cat by placing them on the floor or in a toy."
• Dried catnip: The most commonly used form of catnip is dried. "This form is great for engaging your cat's senses and encouraging play," says Dr. Lambo. Dried catnip is typically crushed and sprinkled on toys, scratch posts, and on the floor.
• Catnip sprays: Spray is often the least potent form of catnip. "It can be sprayed onto their bed or favorite resting place," says Carly Fox, DVM, senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. "It can also be used to help cats acclimate to new pieces of furniture to prevent destructive behavior."
• Catnip toys: Some toys in the pet store are stuffed with catnip. "These toys can be a great way to engage your cat in play," says Dr. Lambo. "Over time, the catnip scent might fade, but you can usually refresh them with catnip sprays or by adding fresh or dried catnip to the toy."