What Does Catnip Do to Cats? A Vet Explains Effects, Safety & How Much to Give

What is catnip?

Catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family, Nepeta cataria, whose leaves and stems contain an oil that triggers a playful reaction in many cats. It originally grew wild in Europe and Asia and now grows across North America.

The plant grows 2–3 feet tall with fuzzy, gray-green to bright green leaves that smell minty when crushed. Its small flowers are white or pale lavender, and it’s sometimes called catmint, which causes confusion with the related ornamental borders plant (more on that below).

Catnip comes in several forms: fresh leaves, dried leaves and flowers, sprays, oils and toys stuffed with the dried herb. People have used it for centuries too, as a calming tea and a folk remedy.

In my experience, owners are often surprised that catnip is simply a garden herb, not a chemical product. That makes it one of the easiest, cheapest enrichment tools you can offer.

How does catnip work in a cat’s brain?

Catnip works when a cat smells nepetalactone: the oil binds to scent receptors in the nose, which signal brain areas that control emotion and behavior. The reaction is driven by smell, not by eating.

Scent molecules travel through the nose to the olfactory bulb and the brain’s emotional centers, the amygdala and hypothalamus. PetMD also notes that cats use the vomeronasal organ, a scent organ in the roof of the mouth, which helps explain the open-mouthed sniffing some cats do.

Research from Iwate University in Japan, published in 2021, found that catnip and silvervine raise beta-endorphin levels in cats. That’s the brain’s natural “feel good” opioid system, which explains the happy, blissed-out look.

When catnip is ingested rather than smelled, it tends to have a mild calming effect instead. Silvervine works through related compounds, including actinidine, which is why some cats that ignore catnip still react to it.

What does a catnip reaction look like?

A typical catnip reaction starts with sniffing and licking, moves to chin and face rubbing, rolling and flipping, then a burst of play, and ends in a relaxed, sleepy phase after about 10 minutes.

Common behaviors include rolling on the floor, rubbing the face on the catnip, drooling, kicking at a toy, chasing invisible prey and vocalizing. PetMD notes some cats become affectionate and relaxed, while others become hyperactive.

The reaction is a smell-driven, olfactory event, so it fades as the scent receptors tire. Most cats then wander off, groom or nap. A small number of cats growl, swat or start hissing during the excited phase.

For bored indoor cats, this short burst of activity can be the most exercise they get all day. Watch your own cat’s first few sessions so you learn what’s normal for her.

Why do cats like catnip so much?

Cats like catnip because nepetalactone triggers a pleasurable reward response in the brain, and the behavior closely resembles how a female cat acts in heat. Both male and female cats respond.

The rolling, cheek rubbing and purring look a lot like courtship behavior, which is why early researchers believed catnip mimicked a sex hormone. PetMD notes this resemblance, though the endorphin research now gives a fuller explanation.

The 2021 Iwate University study offered a practical reason as well. When cats rub and roll on these plants, they coat their fur with the compounds, which acted as a bug repellent against mosquitoes in the lab. The nepetalactone molecules may protect wild cats while they lie in wait for prey.

So the joy is real, and it may have a purpose. Stuffed kicker toys and catnip toys make the most of this instinct by letting her grab, bite and kick.

Do all cats respond to catnip?

No, not all cats respond to catnip: veterinary studies suggest about 60–70% of adult cats react, while the rest show no interest because sensitivity is largely inherited. Putnam North Animal Hospital puts the non-responding group at about 30%.

The trait runs in families, so if a cat’s parents didn’t react, she may not either. Big cats like lions and tigers can respond too, which suggests an evolutionary advantage that has been around for a long time.

Age matters as well. Most kittens and many senior cats react weakly or not at all. Some cats also respond mainly through the Jacobson’s organ, also called the vomeronasal organ, and show subtle signs, like staring or sitting still, rather than rolling.

A 2017 study by Bol and colleagues in BMC Veterinary Research tested alternatives on 100 cats and found that nearly all cats responded to at least one plant. Silvervine sticks or powder are the best next step for non-reacting cats.

Does catnip get cats high? Is catnip a drug?

Catnip doesn’t get cats “high” in the way drugs affect people; it causes a short, natural, euphoric response through the brain’s reward system and wears off in minutes. It isn’t addictive and has no known long-term effects.

The comparison to drugs comes from how silly cats look, but catnip doesn’t damage the brain or cause withdrawal. The research on beta-endorphin release shows it works through the body’s natural opioid reward system, the same natural painkillers involved when we laugh or exercise.

Lovet’s veterinarians describe catnip as not a drug in the traditional sense, and it’s sold freely as a pet product and herb. It’s sometimes nicknamed “meowijuana,” but it has nothing in common with marijuana chemically.

The biggest difference: a cat stops responding after a few minutes and can’t keep reacting all day. Her body sets its own limit, which is part of why catnip is so safe.

Is catnip safe for cats?

Yes, catnip is safe for cats when given in small amounts; VCA Animal Hospitals calls its effects harmless and temporary, with no long-term risks. It isn’t habit-forming.

The main risks come from too much at once or from the cat’s own excitement. Eating a large amount can cause vomiting, diarrhea or dizzy spells. Very excited cats can also fall off furniture or knock things over.

Avoid concentrated catnip oils, which PetMD advises against, and buy organic dried catnip without added pesticides. Never apply oil directly to your cat’s fur or skin.

If your cat has a heart condition, epilepsy or is recovering from surgery, ask your vet first, because the excitement phase raises heart rate. For a quick check from home, Dutch offers online vet consults.

Can cats overdose on catnip, and how much is too much?

Cats can’t truly overdose on catnip, but eating too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and wobbliness that pass within hours. PetMD recommends no more than 1 tablespoon of dried catnip at a time.

Start with a pinch, about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, and watch the reaction. Fresh catnip is stronger than dried, so use less. Lovet’s vets suggest starting with a tiny pinch or a single treat.

Signs she’s had too much include vomiting, soft stools, stumbling, extreme sleepiness or excessive slobbering. Take the catnip away and offer water. Signs usually settle quickly.

Call your vet if vomiting continues, she seems very weak, or she ate a whole bag or a toy’s stuffing. A swallowed toy can be more dangerous than the herb itself.

Can kittens have catnip?

Yes, kittens can have catnip safely, but most won’t react until they’re 6 months to 1 year old. PetMD notes catnip isn’t harmful to kittens, though there are a few early responders.

Sensitivity develops as the brain matures, which is why younger kittens often ignore it entirely. Because sensitivity is passed down, some kittens will never react, even as adults.

If your kitten does react, keep sessions short and supervised play only. Kittens can get overexcited and bite or scratch. Offer it in a safe, open space away from stairs.

Catnip can also help kittens adjust to new spaces or upcoming vet visits once they’re old enough to respond. A pot of fresh catnip on a sunny windowsill gives them something to explore. In older cats, cognitive decline can dull the response too.

Can cats eat catnip?

Yes, cats can eat catnip safely; eaten catnip is not poisonous and usually has a mild calming effect rather than the excited reaction caused by smelling it. Large amounts can cause a tummy upset.

Many cats nibble fresh leaves or lick dried catnip off the floor. PetMD notes that catnip has traditional antidiarrheal uses in people, but in cats, eating a lot can actually cause loose stool or vomiting.

Eating catnip is mildly sedating for many cats, which is why some lie quietly afterward. That’s normal and wears off on its own.

Don’t use catnip as a diet supplement or appetite booster. Putnam North Animal Hospital notes it shouldn’t affect appetite, though the calming effect can reduce interest in food for a short time.

How long does catnip last?

The effect of catnip usually lasts about 10–15 minutes, after which cats become temporarily immune for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Dried catnip stays potent for about 6 months to a year if stored well.

Different vet sources give slightly different numbers: PetMD says around 10 minutes, Lovet says 10–15 minutes, and Putnam North says 15–30 minutes. After a session, the scent receptors stop responding for a while, so offering more straight away won’t work.

Repeated daily use can leave a cat desensitized, so she reacts less over time. If that happens, take a break of a week or two.

Dried flakes and toys lose strength as the oil evaporates. Store dried catnip cool, dark and sealed, and refresh old toys with new catnip or a light spray. Valerian-root toys follow similar rules.

How often can you give a cat catnip?

Most cats can safely have catnip a few times a week; vets disagree slightly on the ideal schedule, but giving it daily often makes it less effective. Putnam North Animal Hospital suggests once every few weeks for the strongest response.

Wait for the reset window to pass, at least half an hour and up to 2 hours, before offering more on the same day. More often than that, she simply won’t respond.

Use catnip strategically. It works well as a reward in clicker training, to draw her to a new scratching post or bed, or to help her settle after stressful events like moving house.

A short refractory period also means you can plan sessions around play time, when you can watch her and join in.

How do you give a cat catnip?

You can give catnip as dried leaves, fresh leaves, spray, toys or treats; start with a pinch and offer it where she can play safely. Each form suits a different purpose.

Keep to the tablespoon limit. For a cool summer treat, freeze a pinch in frozen cubes of water or low-sodium broth, cooled down before serving. Kitten-safe toys should have no small parts.

Some cats prefer chewing the leaves of a fresh plant, while others prefer a stuffed toy. Try a few forms to see what your cat likes best.

Is catnip good for cats?

Yes, catnip is good for most cats as a source of enrichment, play and stress relief, especially for indoor cats. VCA Animal Hospitals describes it as a source of mental stimulation.

• Exercise: a few minutes of zoomies and kicking helps inactive cats move.
• Scratching: rub catnip on a scratching post or scratching pad to protect your furniture.
• Play: bubble wands and wand toys with catnip encourage chasing.
• Stress: a calm phase after play can help nervous cats settle.

Use toy rotation to keep things new: put catnip toys away between sessions so they stay exciting.

Watch for over-the-top play in multi-cat homes, and give each cat space. Older cats with arthritic joints may prefer a gentle catnip pillow to lie on. See our guide to exercising your cat at home and indoor cat enrichment ideas.

Does catnip calm cats?

Catnip can calm some cats, mainly after the excited phase or when it’s eaten rather than smelled, but it isn’t a reliable treatment for anxiety. PetMD notes vets have suggested it for cats that struggle when owners are away, if they respond positively.

The beta-endorphin release, a gentle endorphin rush, can leave cats relaxed, and eating catnip has a sedative effect in many. That’s why some owners give it before car rides or after a stressful day.

For longer-lasting calm, combine catnip with routine, daily exercise and safe hiding spots. Synthetic sex pheromone products are not the same thing; cat calming diffusers use facial pheromones instead.

A schedule of once or twice a week works well for calming use. For cats with real anxiety, see our cat anxiety guide and best calming treats for cats.

What if your cat doesn’t like catnip? Silvervine and other alternatives

If your cat doesn’t like catnip, try silvervine, Tatarian honeysuckle or valerian root; in a 2017 study, almost every cat responded to at least one of these plants.

Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) comes as powder or chewable sticks and is the strongest alternative. Tatarian honeysuckle comes as sawdust-filled toys or wood. Valerian root has a strong smell people dislike but many cats love.

Because response depends on DNA, a cat unresponsive to catnip isn’t broken; she just has different receptors. Many of these cats light up with silvervine, which also contains compounds that repelled mosquito bites in the 2021 study.

Introduce one alternative at a time, using a pinch, and watch the reaction. The same safety rules apply. Non-responders may simply prefer play with wand toys.

What is the difference between catnip and catmint?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the variety cats react to most strongly, while catmint usually means ornamental Nepeta hybrids grown for their blue flowers, which have a much milder effect on cats. Both belong to the Lamiaceae, the mint family.

Catnip has white flowers with purple-spotted petals, often described as having lavender flowers, and bright green leaves. Catmint has lavender-blue spikes and gray-green foliage and is popular in garden borders.

Cats may roll in catmint, but the reaction is usually weaker. If you want to grow a plant for your cat, choose true catnip.

Both grow easily in gritty soil and tolerate drought. For other plants in your home, check our flowers toxic to cats guide.

How do you grow catnip?

Catnip is easy to grow in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, either outdoors or in a pot on a sunny window, by sowing seeds or taking cuttings. It’s a hardy perennial that comes back each year.

Sow seeds in spring after the last frost, or start them indoors 6 weeks earlier. Keep the soil lightly moist until seedlings appear, then water only when dry. The heart-shaped, toothed leaves are ready to pick once the plant is about 6 inches tall.

Catnip is native to Europe and Asia and grows wild in much of the US. Outdoors, it attracts bees and butterflies, and neighborhood cats. Protect young plants with a wire cage, since cats may flatten them.

To dry it, hang stems upside down in a dark, airy place, then crumble the leaves. Homegrown catnip is fresh, free of pesticides and adds fiber-free fun to playtime. Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) grows the same way if you prefer a garden flower.