FELINE FRENZY: The Magic of Catnip

If you have ever seen a cat go wild over a little green leaf, you have probably witnessed the captivating effect of catnip.  Why do cats seem to love it so much? The answer lies in the plant's chemistry and the unique way cats' brains respond to it.

Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is an herbaceous plant from the mint family. It is native to Europe and Asia but is now found worldwide. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which is responsible for its unique effects on cats. It triggers a range of behaviours, from rolling and rubbing to purring, meowing, and even zooming around the room. 

Catnip Can Be Bought as an Annual at Most Garden Centers

When a cat smells or eats catnip, the nepetalactone binds to receptors in the nose. These neurons stimulate sensory neurons and send signals to the brain’s pleasure centers. This reaction mimics certain "happy" hormones, creating a temporary state of euphoria or excitement.

Interestingly, not all cats are affected by catnip—about 50-75% are genetically predisposed to respond. Kittens, older cats, and some breeds may not show much interest, while others can become intensely playful or even exhibit a calm, almost sedated demeanour after exposure.

So, whether it’s for a bit of extra fun, a burst of energy, or simply a way to engage with the environment, catnip offers a sensory treat that few cats can resist. It’s just one of the many quirks that make cats such fascinating creatures to observe!

IS CATNIP GOOD FOR CATS?

For the vast majority of cats, catnip is perfectly safe and non-addictive. It can be a fun and stimulating treat, offering a harmless way for cats to engage with their environment. When a cat is exposed to catnip, the effects usually last for about 10 to 15 minutes, after which the cat will lose interest and may wander off to rest or ignore the plant altogether. This brief burst of activity or excitement is followed by a "cool down" period, where the cat typically won't respond to catnip again for a while—anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours. This cycle allows cats to safely enjoy the stimulation without overindulgence, as their interest naturally wanes after a short time.

Catnip in Bloom

While catnip is generally safe, monitoring a cat’s response is important, especially the first few times they encounter it. Some cats can become overly excited or agitated, exhibiting hyperactivity, vocalizing loudly, or excessive grooming. Although this is generally harmless, observing how your cat reacts is essential to ensure they don’t become overstimulated. If a cat shows signs of distress or discomfort, removing the catnip and giving them time to calm down is best. You can always try offering catnip again later, but moderation is key. If in doubt, or if your cat consistently shows signs of aggression or anxiety with catnip, it’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian.

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Interestingly, not all cats react to catnip. Sensitivity to catnip is a genetic trait, so some cats are unaffected.  Kittens under 8 weeks typically won't react to catnip because their brains have not yet developed the receptors necessary for the compound to have an effect. As cats age, some may lose their sensitivity to catnip, particularly older cats. If your cat falls into either of these categories, there’s no need to worry—it just means they lack the genetic sensitivity to catnip, which is perfectly normal.

Make Sure to Keep Your Catnip in a Closed Container

Catnip is more than just a fun treat for your feline friend—it can also be an incredibly useful tool for cat owners. From encouraging play and exercise to reducing stress, catnip offers a range of benefits that can improve your cat's overall well-being. Here are some of the most popular and practical ways to use catnip:

1. Encouraging Play and Exercise

For many cats, catnip is a natural stimulant that can encourage activity, especially in those less inclined to play or exercise on their own. If you have a sedentary cat, catnip can help spark its natural instincts to hunt, pounce and explore. You can sprinkle dried catnip on toys or use it to cover interactive puzzle feeders to entice your cat to engage in more active play. The excitement and stimulation that catnip brings often result in longer play sessions, providing both physical and mental exercise. This is especially helpful for indoor cats, who may not get the same opportunities for exercise and enrichment as outdoor cats. Regular playtime also helps prevent obesity, a common issue in sedentary cats.

2. Attracting Cats to Scratching Posts

Catnip is an excellent tool for encouraging cats to use their scratching posts, essential for maintaining their claws and marking territory. Cats have an innate need to scratch; if they aren’t provided with an appropriate outlet, they may turn to your furniture or carpets.

Applying Catnip to a Scratching Post Encourages Cats to Use It

To make scratching posts more attractive, sprinkle a bit of dried catnip on the surface. The scent of the catnip will draw your cat’s attention to the post, and once they begin scratching, they’ll associate the post with a positive, rewarding experience. Over time, this can help redirect their scratching behaviour from your furniture to the designated scratching area.

3. Easing Stress and Anxiety

One of the more surprising uses of catnip is its ability to calm or soothe cats in stressful situations. For cats that are nervous or anxious, such as those who dislike car rides, visits to the veterinarian, or even loud household noises, catnip can serve as a natural relaxant.

Relaxing After a Catnip Session

When cats are exposed to catnip, it can produce a calming effect, allowing them to feel more comfortable in situations that might otherwise be overwhelming. For instance, sprinkling a little catnip in the carrier before a vet visit may encourage your cat to settle down and feel less anxious during the journey. Similarly, introducing catnip into your cat's environment before a stressful event can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of familiarity, especially for cats sensitive to change or new experiences.

4. Fostering Positive Behaviour

For cats with behavioural issues—such as a tendency to be shy, timid, or destructive—catnip can sometimes be used as a form of positive reinforcement. By rewarding desirable behaviour with catnip, you can encourage your cat to repeat actions that benefit them and your household. For example, if your cat is a bit nervous around new people, offering a small amount of catnip in a controlled, quiet environment can help them associate socializing with something enjoyable. Likewise, rewarding your cat for using their litter box properly or responding to training commands can reinforce good habits.

5. Promoting a Healthy Environment

Catnip isn’t just about fun—it can also enhance your cat's environment by making it feel more stimulating and enriching. This can be especially useful for cats who spend a lot of time indoors. By regularly offering catnip in various ways—on new toys, puzzle feeders, or even sprinkled on the floor—you can provide your cat with mental stimulation that prevents boredom.

Some Cats Only Roll in Catnip But a Lot of Them Like to Eat It.

Bored cats are more likely to engage in destructive behaviours like excessive chewing or clawing, and offering them new sensory experiences with catnip can help prevent these undesirable habits.

6. Training and Distraction

Catnip can also be a distraction tool, especially when you need to divert your cat's attention from something that might be dangerous or inappropriate. For instance, if your cat is getting too curious about something they shouldn't be near—like an electrical cord or a fragile object—sprinkling catnip on a nearby toy or safe area can redirect their focus. Additionally, catnip can be valuable in clicker training or behaviour modification. By associating catnip with positive reinforcement, you can effectively shape and guide your cat’s behaviour over time.

7. Enhancing Bonding Time

This Pot of Catnip Is About to Be Distroyed

Using catnip as a shared experience can help strengthen the bond between you and your cat. Engaging in interactive play sessions that involve catnip-infused toys or sprinkling it on the floor to encourage your cat’s playful behaviour is a great way to build trust and create positive, memorable moments. The joy and excitement that catnip brings can make playtime feel more like a rewarding interaction rather than a routine task. This positive reinforcement can help foster a deeper connection with your cat, making them feel safe, loved, and understood.

CATNIP AND KITTENS

Kittens are known for their playful and curious nature, but when it comes to catnip, younger felines don’t usually respond the way adult cats do. Kittens under six months typically do not react to catnip at all. Their sensitivity to catnip, triggered by the compound nepetalactone, develops as they age. This compound binds to specific receptors in a cat’s nose, stimulating sensory neurons that affect their behaviour and mood. However, these receptors are not fully developed in young kittens, meaning they won't experience catnip's euphoric, playful, or calming effects until later in life.

This Siberian is Helping Himself to a Bit of Catnip

It’s important to be patient when introducing catnip to your kitten. While some cats might show interest in catnip as early as 8 weeks of age, most kittens will not exhibit any reaction until they are around six months old. This is a great time to start experimenting with catnip to see how your kitten responds, whether as a toy, sprinkle, or catnip-infused scratching post.

Introducing catnip too early, when a kitten is unlikely to respond, is not harmful but may not offer the intended excitement or engagement. Additionally, kittens may focus more on exploring and learning about their surroundings, so catnip may not even hold their attention until they're older.

ALTERNATIVES TO CATNIP

Not all cats are affected by catnip, and some adult cats may show no interest in it. If you have a cat that doesn’t respond to catnip, or if you want to try something new, several alternatives can provoke a similar reaction of excitement or relaxation.

Two popular catnip alternatives are silvervine and valerian root, both of which can elicit strong, positive responses from cats that are indifferent to catnip.

1. Silvervine (Actinidia polygama)

Silvervine, often considered the "super catnip," is a plant native to China and Japan that can have a more potent effect on some cats than catnip. The active compounds in silvervine are actinidine and diolide, which trigger a similar response to catnip’s nepetalactone. While catnip affects about 50-75% of cats, silvervine tends to have a broader appeal and can affect even some cats who don't respond to catnip. Depending on the individual cat, it often produces a more intense and longer-lasting reaction, with cats sometimes becoming more excited, playful, or even a bit more relaxed.

Silvervine - A Great Alternative to Catnip

You can find silvervine in various forms: powder, dried leaves, or toys. Many cats are immediately drawn to the scent of silvervine, and it’s an excellent alternative for those not motivated by traditional catnip. Silvervine also tends to be safer for kittens since it doesn’t have the same addictive or overstimulating effects that can sometimes occur with catnip. Silvervine can be a great tool for enhancing play, providing enrichment, and stimulating physical activity for both kittens and adult cats.

2. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root is another natural alternative to catnip that can have a strong effect on cats. While valerian is most commonly known for its use as a calming herb for humans, it has a completely different effect on cats. The active compound in valerian root is actinidine, which triggers excitement and euphoria in some cats, similar to the effects of catnip. It tends to have a more stimulating effect compared to catnip. It can make some cats exhibit behaviour such as rolling around, rubbing their faces on the source, or playing energetically.

Valerian Is Another Great Alternative to Catnip

Like silvervine, valerian root can be an excellent option for cats who don’t respond to catnip, and some cats even prefer valerian to catnip. It is available in dried or powdered form or as a component in toys and treats. Valerian root is generally considered safe for cats, although, like catnip, it’s advisable to use it in moderation to avoid overstimulation.

3. Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)

Tatarian Honeysuckle - a Milder Catnip Alternative

Another alternative to catnip is tatarian honeysuckle. The wood of this plant can elicit a reaction similar to catnip’s effects, though the response is often a bit milder. This option is especially helpful for cats sensitive to or uninterested in catnip and silvervine. Tatarian honeysuckle is typically available in small pieces of wood or sticks that can be used as a scratching surface or toy for cats to rub against. While not as widely known as catnip or silvervine, it’s a safe and natural option for stimulating interest in play and providing enrichment for your cat.

4. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile Can Be Good to Treat Anxiety

Although it’s not typically used to induce excitement in cats, chamomile can have a calming and soothing effect, which might appeal to cats that experience anxiety. Chamomile, in particular, can help calm cats during stressful situations, like car trips or vet visits. Some cats might find chamomile's scent and mild effects relaxing, similar to how humans use chamomile tea to unwind. While not a direct replacement for catnip’s playful effects, chamomile can be useful in helping create a more relaxed environment for your cat.

CONCLUSION

While catnip remains a beloved and popular treat for many cats, it’s important to remember that not all cats respond to it, and kittens under six months of age typically don’t exhibit any reaction to catnip. For these younger cats, it’s best to wait until they’re older before introducing them to catnip.

Additionally, for cats unaffected by catnip, several effective alternatives—such as silvervine, valerian root, and tatarian honeysuckle—can offer similar benefits, from promoting play and exercise to providing stress relief. Whether you have a kitten or an adult cat that’s indifferent to catnip, these natural alternatives can bring excitement and enrichment to your cat’s life, giving them new ways to enjoy their surroundings and bond with you.

As with any substances, it is important to use catnip responsibly and in moderation to ensure the safety and well-being of your cat. If you have any concerns about how your cat responds to catnip, consult with your veterinarian.