Why Do Cats Go Crazy for Catnip and Is It Safe?

Your cat gets a new toy and soon after, she’s rolling around on it, popping up in the air and zooming around like she just pounded a triple shot of espresso. Does she just really like the toy? More likely, it’s laced with catnip and your sweet kitty has a contact buzz.

What Is Catnip?

Nepeta cataria, more commonly known as catnip, is a herbal plant belonging to the mint family. It’s also sometimes called catmint, catwort or field balm.¹

Widely regarded as a garden pest or weed, it’s similar in appearance to mint and peppermint but has a less sweet and more pungent smell. It also has a lot of uses as a medicinal herb for humans, including as an aid for insomnia and treating muscle cramps.²

Why Cats Are Attracted to Catnip

Catnip contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that tends to attract and have an effect on all members of the cat family, including big cat species, although only roughly 50% of cats inherit the gene that makes them sensitive to this compound. Those who do may initially become energized by it, but afterward, it makes them blissful and mellowed out.¹

This leads some people to compare catnip to cannabis, but it affects a cat’s brain differently. Catnip doesn’t actually make your kitty high; instead, it stimulates their brain to produce chemicals related to a positive mood. One theory is that the scent of catnip is similar to cat pheromones that create a sense of well-being.¹

Catnip is non-addictive, so you don’t need to worry about your cat getting hooked.¹

How Does Catnip Affect Cats?

Cats who have the receptors for catnip’s active ingredient react in different ways, depending on whether the catnip is smelled or ingested.

Cats who smell catnip may:³

• Have excess energy
• Roll around on the catnip
• Run around the house or jump excitedly — also known as the zoomies
• Become aggressive

When ingested, catnip is more likely to mellow your cat out. This might look like:

• Becoming affectionate⁴
• Relaxing and purring⁵

The effects of catnip typically last about 10 minutes before wearing off, and then it may take your cat a couple of hours to reset and become susceptible to it again.⁵

Not all cats react to catnip the same way. Around half of all cats are born without any sensitivity to it; and among those that are, their individual personalities can influence how they respond — or whether they enjoy the experience at all.¹

Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

Catnip is generally safe for cats and is non-addictive. However, if they eat a large amount, it can cause an upset tummy leading to vomiting or diarrhea. This would require them to eat a lot more than just the small nibble it takes to alter their mood.¹

If your kitty does get into your catnip stash and chows down until they’re sick, ask your vet about ways to soothe their upset tummy and move the catnip somewhere they can’t get to it again.⁶

Forms of Catnip and Their Uses 

Catnip sold for use by cats comes in different forms. These include:¹

• Dried catnip. The most common form, dried catnip stores well in the freezer and is easy to sprinkle where you want it.
• Fresh catnip. Although it’s not as easily digested as dried, you can grow fresh catnip as a cat-safe plant that will distract your kitty from nibbling on your other plants.
• Catnip-infused toys and treats. These are a great way to encourage indoor and older cats to exercise.
• Catnip oil or spray. These can be less messy than sprinkling dried catnip and offer more targeted control.

Keep in mind that some cats might react differently to different forms of catnip. Some experimentation may be needed to find the best form or combination for your cat.¹

Alternatives to Catnip

If your cat is indifferent to catnip, that doesn’t mean they have to miss out. Here are some other ways to give your kitty the benefits of catnip. Just keep in mind that not all cats respond to these plants.⁷

• Honeysuckle. For about 50% of cats, tatarian honeysuckle has an effect that's similar to catnip, making them happy and affectionate.
• Silvervine. Known as Japanese catnip, about 80% of cats respond to this plant the way they do to catnip.
• Valerian root. This calming plant can relieve stress and anxiety in less than 50% of cats.

If encouraging exercise and movement is your aim, interactive toys and games that encourage your kitty to chase, climb or jump are excellent substitutes for catnip-infused toys.

While not all cats are wild about catnip, those that are can find their lives enhanced by this safe and potent herb. For pet parents, just watching their pet react to catnip is every bit as enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catnip for Cats

Still have questions about catnip for cats? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about it.

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Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist who has been writing pet content since 2013. Her work has appeared on Forbes.com, Hill's Pet, Chewy, AKC.org and more.