- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a minty herb that activates a cat’s “happy” brain center. Although humans can also enjoy this leafy green, if you’re a cat parent, it’s most likely found in dried flakes in a jar in your pantry or stuffed in the plushies in your kitty’s toy basket.
We’ve all seen cats smell catnip and play with it, but can they eat it? Yes, cats can eat catnip!
In fact, Stephen Quandt, CFTBS and founder of Feline Behavior Associates, says eating catnip produces a calming effect similar to chamomile for some cats.
Here’s how this irresistible plant-based treat impacts your cat’s behavior and body and what to give them instead.
What Happens If Cats Eat Catnip?
There is no one universal reaction to catnip. Dr. Bernadine Cruz, an emeritus veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital, and Quandt say some of the most common behaviors in cats when they sniff or eat catnip include:
However, Dr. Cruz says that not all cats will respond to catnip because it’s linked to a trait they inherit from their parents. Luckily, if your cat does react to catnip, the effects are typically short-lived.
When Should Cats Avoid Eating Catnip?
Importantly, catnip isn’t a drug, and your cat can’t become addicted to it. However, sometimes catnip isn’t the right choice for your kitty. Cats who shouldn’t eat or play with catnip include:
- Pregnant or nursing cats: “Nepetalactone can cross the placental barrier with unknown effects on the fetus,” Dr. Cruz says because of these potential effects, don’t give catnip to pregnant cats.
- Cats with neurological problems or a seizure history: Some studies have found that catnip may increase seizures or other neurological problems.
- Cats prone to aggression: Quandt says a hyperactive reaction to eating catnip can “ramp up” a cat’s aggressive behaviors. An overstimulated cat might swat, lunge, or bite.
- Kittens or cats under one-year-old: While catnip isn’t unsafe for kittens, they won’t feel catnip’s effect either. Ultimately, it’s best to wait until they’re a year old.
In rare cases, if cats eat too much catnip, Dr. Cruz and Quandt say they might have nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach.
How To Introduce Catnip Safely
Because catnip comes in various forms (fresh, dried, liquid, tincture) and not all cats react to catnip similarly, there aren’t any set-in-stone guidelines about how much catnip to give your cat.
Luckily, Dr. Cruz says cats are great at limiting their catnip intake and aren’t likely to overindulge. Generally, it’s best to give your cat catnip every few weeks.
If you choose to give catnip to your kitty too frequently, Dr. Cruz says some vets think this might dampen the plant’s relaxing or hyper effects on your cat; their reaction to catnip might even go away completely.
What Are Some Catnip Alternatives?
If you’re looking to reap the benefits of this herbaceous treat but your cat isn’t responsive to or can’t eat catnip, you’re in luck!
Several other plant-based options are affordable, widely available, and safe for enrichment. promoting play or relaxation. One of the most popular is Silvervine.
Quandt says silvervine contains similar chemicals to catnip and “up to 70% of cats who do not react to catnip will react to silvervine.”
Another great catnip alternative is valerian root. This plant can have a smaller calming or euphoric effect. No matter the catnip alternative you choose, they’re often available as the following.
- Finely ground powder
- Chew sticks
- Stuffed toys
- Fresh plants
- Wall toys