i’s the odd, strong-minded person who can resist the endless internet scrolling of videos showing cats addicted to catnip—rolling, crying, drooling, purring, sniffing, grooming frantically—but what is this mystery plant, and why does it have such a powerful effect on females? Is it harmful or beneficial? Are any cats immune to it? And why do so many scientists continue to study it? We have the answers to these questions and more.
What is Catnip?
Nepeta cataria, better known as catnip, is a perennial plant that belongs to the mint family. Grown throughout the temperate regions of North America, Europe, Asia and New Zealand, catnip can easily be grown in backyard gardens or in small pots on balconies. This drought-resistant plant can reach three meters in height, blooms from late spring to fall, and has square stems, lavender flowers, and light green or gray leaves.
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What Causes Catnip’s Effect on Cats?
The key to how catnip drives kitties crazy is an iridoid chemical compound called nepetalactone. “When cats smell catnip, nepetalactone binds to receptors in their nasal tissues and stimulates nerve neurons that initiate a response in the brain—especially the amygdala and hypothalamus, which control emotions and behavior,” explains Nita Vasudevan, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance based in Orlando, FL. “This causes rolling, rubbing, yawning and bursts of energy that last 10 to 15 minutes.”
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The effects of nepetalactone go beyond TikTok-friendly feline antics. “Nepetalactone has been shown to have mosquito repellent properties, which may make it useful for cats to spray,” said Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, cat science and behavior expert at Feline Minds, from her home in Sacramento, CA. He points out that “mosquitoes can carry heartworms, which can kill cats.” From a hunting perspective, annoying mosquitoes can make it challenging for a cat to stay still and quiet while tracking prey. By surprisingly rolling in catnip, the cat is covered in the plant’s oils, which act as a natural insect repellent.
Research published in Advances in Science in January 2021 showed that treating cats with both catnip and silvervine, a variant of catnip, gives them a chemical defense against mosquito bites. Various other studies over the years have examined the effectiveness of catnip in repelling not only mosquitoes but also flies, termites, cockroaches, ticks and worms.
Are All Cats Affected by Catnip?
It may surprise some pet owners—especially those who have pets that often get excited about catnip—to learn that not all cats respond to the remedy. “Sensitivity to catnip is genetic, and studies show that about 30% to 50% of cats have little to no reaction to it,” says Josh Wiesenfeld, a pet expert in Santa Monica, CA, and founder of Boxiecat. “This genetic trait is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, meaning a kitten only needs one copy of the ‘catnip gene’ to be able to react.”
“Catnip sensitivity is genetic, and studies show that about 30% to 50% of cats have little to no response to it.”
And it’s not just indoor cats that get herbal hijinks. Staff at the Big Cat Rescue Center in Arkansas report that most of the tigers, lions, mountain lions, lynxes, and bobcats are very happy with their weekly treats. Visit the organization’s website (bigcatrescue.org) and watch videos of big cats ripping through paper bags of catnip and frolicking with obvious glee.
Cats, on the other hand—whether big cats or domestic cats—often do not show a reaction to catnip. Most cats don’t respond to catnip until they’re between three and six months old—and some older cats don’t either. “If a cat doesn’t respond to catnip, it’s not a cause for concern,” says Wiesenfeld. “It just means they don’t have genetic sensitivity or are in a non-responsive stage of life.”
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Are Other Animals or People Affected by Catnip?
How catnip affects humans is unclear. Historically, catnip tea has been used to aid digestion, reduce congestion, relieve anxiety, and promote sleep, but the effectiveness of the herb has not been scientifically proven. Some brave souls have even tried smoking the cat, but this is not recommended (and is more likely to cause drowsiness than a buzz).
Although catnip works as a stimulant for cats, it has the opposite effect on dogs. Drinking the herb causes a mild sedative effect in dogs, while some animals show no reaction at all.
How Long Does Catnip Last?
The euphoria from catnip doesn’t last very long. “Cats experience the effects for about 10 to 15 minutes, after which they enter an inactive period where they are temporarily immune to its effects,” explains Wiesenfeld. “During this time—usually about 30 minutes—they will not react even if exposed to additional catnip.
Using catnip too often can be dangerous. “Cats who use it regularly may have less responsiveness over time,” says Stephen Quandt, a cat behaviorist in New York City. “I like to think of giving catnip as a treatment, once, maybe twice a day at most.”
Is Catnip beneficial?
For cats with the “catnip gene,” this plant can elicit a variety of positive reactions. Some cats “may be excited and playful, others calm and relaxed,” says London-based Aimee Warner, resident vet at UK animal insurance company Waggel. But the benefits of catnip extend beyond just entertainment. Warner recommends using catnip for enrichment. “Spray it on scratching posts or toys or use it in refillable bags to encourage play and exercise.”
Sprinkle it on scratching posts or toys or use it in refillable bags to encourage play and exercise.
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Catnip can be a useful tool to improve desired behavior. As if by magic, the odd scratching post, litter box or carrier becomes more lovable and less afraid of being rubbed, sprayed or sprayed with catnip. The remedy can also help relieve boredom, a common problem with pet cats.
Another appropriate use of catnip is to provide comfort to anxious animals. Warner says: “It helps convince shy or inactive cats to go to unfamiliar places or play with new toys. “In shelters, it’s often used to reduce stress and encourage natural activity in cats who may be anxious or depressed.”
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Is Catnip Safe?
To the casual observer, the effects of catnip can look as unpleasant as a drug-induced high. However, the herb is natural, non-toxic, and safe for cats, with no known long-term side effects. “Catnip is not addictive in the clinical or behavioral sense. Their brains are generally not dependent on it, and they cannot withdraw when they are taken away,” explains Vasudevan. That said, some cats may seem to crave it or want it all the time, especially if it’s part of their routine or self-enrichment routine. But this is a learned or preferred behavior, not a true addiction.” She warns that supervision is advised the first few times catnip is given, as it may cause some cats to become upset or aggressive.
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Joey Lusvardi is a cat behavior consultant at Class Act Cats in Minneapolis, MN, who often deals with female aggression issues. She points out that “just because your cat is acting aggressively or seems very wild doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t give it to a cat. You need to be very careful but depending on the underlying reason for the aggressive behavior, it may actually help in some cases.” For example, catnip can help improve the mood of a cat that is experiencing fear or stress. She emphasizes, “It’s worth consulting your vet or a trained cat behaviorist to get their opinion on these situations.”
With catnip, moderation is key. “Although cats don’t overdose on catnip in a toxicological sense, eating too much—such as chewing on a bag or licking a large bunch—can cause small intestinal irritation, such as vomiting or diarrhea,” Wiesenfeld said. “These effects are temporary and self-limiting, but I always recommend keeping catnip safely stored when not in use and checking on your cat during and after play.” To ensure that the wiliest felines don’t overdo it with the tempting solution, it’s best to keep it safely stored in a tight, airtight container.
Warner talks about one instance where catnip might not be a good idea: “I usually suggest playing it safe and avoiding it in cats with a history of seizures, or other neurological conditions, even as a precaution.”