Is Catnip Dangerous for Cats? Safety, Side Effects & How Much Is Too Much

Catnip - we love giving it to cats and watching them lose their minds over it, but is catnip dangerous for cats? You may be concerned because of the drastic effect it seems to have on some cats, but it really is nothing more than a harmless herb.

In this guide, we will look at exactly what catnip is, why it has that odd effect on cats, and whether or not there is anything for owners to be concerned about. Read on to become an expert on catnip and gain confidence as an owner with this fun treat.

What Is Catnip?

The scientific name for catnip is nepeta cataria, and it is a member of the mint family. It contains the active compound nepetalactone. Catnip comes in various forms for owners, such as dried catnip, the fresh plant form, and various cat toys and sprays.

Cats really enjoy interacting with it. When they smell it or eat it, you can watch as they start to roll around on the floor and act in other strange ways.

Is Catnip Dangerous For Cats?

Catnip is not toxic and it is widely considered safe for cats. This is supported by scientific studies, which show that it is safe for all ages and sexes and even has some evolutionary benefits.

It is important to note that there are some qualifiers to this:

• It should only be used in moderation

• Some minor problems can arise with overuse or excessive ingestions

There is no evidence that catnip is addictive - as mentioned, it is only a herb. It also has no negative impact on long-term brain function.

Why Catnip Affects Cats (And Why It Looks So Intense)

Nepetalactone binds to receptors in the cat’s nose, stimulating sensory neurons. In other words, the active ingredient of catnip affects brain behaviour pathways in cats. It mimics feline pheromones, linking to certain mating behaviour responses.

The reactions you will typically see include:

• Rolling, rubbing or zoomies

• Vocalising and salivating

• Hyperactivity followed by a calm phase

These effects usually last for about 10-15 minutes, followed by a refractory period of about 30-120 minutes, during which the catnip will not work again.

Can Catnip Be Harmful? Potential Side Effects to Know

There are some mild risks associated with catnip if it is overused. If your cat eats the herb, it could experience the following side effects if it eats too much:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Mild stomach upset

There are also some minor risks associated with the way a cat behaves when it is affected by catnip. These include scratching and biting during play. In rare cases, a highly stimulated cat may exhibit signs of temporary aggression.

It’s important to note that these effects are not severe and they are short-lived. There is no evidence of dangerous consequences in the long-term.

What Happens If a Cat Eats Too Much Catnip?

There are some slight differences between eating large quantities of catnip and simply smelling it. If a cat eats catnip, it tends to have a sedative effect, but eating too much may irritate the digestive system.

Signs that your cat has ingested too much catnip include:

• Lethargy

• Loose stools

• Temporary reduced appetite

There usually isn’t any need for treatment and the cat will recover from overconsumption of catnip without 24 hours.

How Much Catnip Is Safe for Cats?

As a general guideline, a small pinch (≈1 teaspoon) of dried catnip is enough for a single session. If you want this to keep having the desired effect, we recommend that you only do it 1-2 times per week, so your cat doesn’t build a tolerance.

Moderation reduces the risk of stomach upset and prevents desensitisation to the herb’s active ingredient. When not in use, store your catnip in an airtight container to preserve its potency.

Are Some Cats More Sensitive Than Others?

Studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that around 50-70% of cats respond to catnip. It is believed to be a genetic trait passed down through generations. If the cat’s parent responds to it, there’s a strong chance your cat will too.

Here are a couple of important things to note:

• Kittens under 3-6 months don’t usually react

• Older cats may have a reduced response

Generally speaking, a cat with mild sensitivity is likely to have no reaction, while a cat with strong sensitivity may react with intense hyperactivity. And there will be a spectrum of reactions in between.

When Should You Avoid Giving Catnip?

There are some situations where experts advise caution around catnip. If your cat has existing digestive issues or a history of aggressive behaviour when overstimulated, it might be best to approach catnip more carefully.

Here are a few other situations where you should take care with catnip:

• Vet visits: avoid using it before visiting the vet as it may increase stress or excitability.

• Pregnant cats: There is limited research around this, so it is best to avoid excessive use with pregnant cats.

• Multi-cat households: catnip may trigger competition or rough play so use it strategically.

With a considered approach, you should be able to judge when and how to use catnip, and when to avoid it.

Benefits of Catnip (When Used Safely)

Catnip is great because it encourages exercise and play, which are helpful for the enrichment of your cat. It can help to reduce boredom - something that is particularly important for indoor cats. Beyond that, it can even help relieve stress and anxiety.

In practical scenarios, catnip can be useful for:

• Encouraging the use of scratching posts

• Enrichment toys

With responsible use, catnip can help improve the overall wellbeing of your cats.

Catnip Alternatives (If Your Cat Doesn’t React or You Want Variety)

There are some other things that have been known to cause similar reactions in cats to catnip. They might be worth exploring if your cat isn’t responsive to catnip or you just want to try something different.

Alternatives include:

• Silver vine

• Valerian root

• Tatarian honeysuckle

In some cats, the effects of these things may actually be stronger than catnip. Explore them if your cat doesn’t respond to catnip or if you want to rotate your enrichment stimuli a little.

Final Verdict: Should You Be Worried About Catnip?

The key takeaway from this guide is that catnip is safe, non-toxic and beneficial when used correctly. Any risks associated with it related to overuse, and they are mild and preventable with simple moderation.

There are great benefits to catnip for your animal’s wellbeing and your bond with it. As responsible owners, you should only use it once or twice a week and only in small amounts. It is a safe enrichment tool, but it isn’t a necessity, and not all cats respond to it.