Catnip for cats: effects and precautions
Catnip attracts some cats, while others are indifferent. Understanding this difference lets you offer a suitable toy, without promising the same effect for everyone.
1. What is catnip (Nepeta cataria)?
Catnip (also called catmint) is an aromatic plant in the mint family. It produces a natural molecule called nepetalactone.
Its smell can cause head rubbing, rolling or licking in sensitive cats. These reactions to a plant scent do not guarantee a desire to play or a calming effect.
2. Do all cats react to catnip?
No. In a study published in 2017 on 100 domestic cats, about a third did not react to catnip. This result describes that sample; your cat’s reaction may be different.
If they are not interested, there is no need to insist. You can choose a toy without catnip and observe their movement or texture preferences.
3. How should you offer a catnip toy?
Offer the toy under supervision and let your cat decide whether to approach it. Some cats become more active, others calmer: observe their reaction rather than expecting a specific result.
Remove the toy if they seem uncomfortable or too excited. Check its condition before each session; put cords away out of reach after play.
4. What precautions for their health?
A natural origin does not guarantee the absence of risk. The ASPCA states that catnip can cause vomiting or diarrhoea in cats.
Avoid letting them eat the plant or the contents of the toy. Remove any damaged or frayed toy. If you suspect ingestion or notice symptoms, contact your vet.
5. What if my cat does not respond to catnip?
In the 2017 study, 100 domestic cats were offered catnip, silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle and valerian root. One cat in three did not respond to catnip; almost 80% responded to silver vine, and about 50% to Tatarian honeysuckle and to valerian root.
Among the cats that had not responded to catnip, almost 75% responded to silver vine and about one in three to Tatarian honeysuckle. The authors present them as good alternatives. This is still a sample of 100 cats: ask your vet before offering a new plant, and watch your cat’s reaction just as you would with catnip.