Is Catnip Good for Cats? Benefits, Risks and What Every UK Owner Should Know

We’ve all seen it: cats going mad and behaving in crazy ways just because they have been given some catnip. This strange behaviour often prompts questions about whether it is safe or healthy - some even wonder if it is some kind of drug.

The first thing to note is that catnip is completely non-toxic and safe for most cats when used correctly. It is a natural herb that stimulates a cat’s sensory neurons, triggering emotions and reproductive instincts. Essentially, the scent mimics feline pheromones.

In this guide, we will delve into the science of this and provide clear answers on the benefits and risks of catnip. You will also get insights into how frequently it should be used and whether all cats respond.

What Is Catnip and Why Do Cats React to It?

Catnip is actually a herb called Nepeta cataria. It is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to Europe and Asia. This herb actually grows in the UK. The thing that is special about this herb is that it contains an essential oil called nepetalactone.

This essential oil binds to receptors in the cat’s nose when they come into contact. When that happens, it stimulates sensory neurons that are linked to:

• Emotion

• Behaviour

• Reproductive instincts

Scientists often explain it by saying that the essential oil mimics feline pheromones. Catnip is not a narcotic and it certainly isn’t addictive. The response is neurological and temporary, typically lasting 5-15 minutes. After this, the cat usually has a “refractory period” of 30 minutes to 2 hours, during which it won’t respond again.

Is Catnip Good for Cats? The Proven Benefits

Besides it being entertaining to watch a cat’s behaviour change when it is given catnip, there are other positive reasons to let your cat go under its spell. From enrichment to exercise and general joy, here are the main reasons to give your cat catnip.

Encourages Exercise and Play

When a cat is exposed to catnip, it is more likely to roll around, chase, pounce and kick. This is all behaviour that exercises the animal, helping keep it fit and healthy. It is a great way to stimulate indoor cats to prevent boredom and it can even help support weight management.

Mental Stimulation and Enrichment

The presence of cat litter provides sensory novelty for your cat. It gives it something different to experience, helping to prevent boredom on long indoor days. It also helps to promote natural hunting behaviours. People in multi-cat households find it particularly useful to enrich the environment.

Stress Relief and Relaxation

When it is eaten, rather than simply smelt, catnip can have a mild sedative effect on cats. This can be helpful for cats that are naturally nervous, allowing them to settle. It has also shown some value for reducing stress during things like:

• Travel

• Vet visits

• Moving house

• Introducing new furniture

Encourages Use of Products

Cats are notorious for ignoring the new toys and other things we buy for them. With a little catnip, you may be able to attract cats to things like:

• Scratching posts

• Beds

• Carriers

It can also be a useful tool to help redirect inappropriate scratching, rescuing the side of your sofa or your carpet.

Is Catnip Safe for Cats? (What the Evidence Says)

Catnip is completely non-toxic and recognized as a safe product by veterinary organisations. Most cats are capable of self-regulating their intake of the herb, so it is not considered addictive. Through numerous studies, there has been no observation of long-term behavioural damage associated with catnip.

With all that being said, there are some possible mild side effects that are considered very rare:

• Vomiting: This may occur if catnip is eaten in large quantities.

Diarrhoea: Again, this is a possible side effect if catnip is overconsumed.

Temporary overstimulation: Generally, this is seen as part of the fun.

Mild aggression: This is rare, but it can happen due to the excitement.

The key to safe catnip use is moderation. Try to avoid giving it to your cat constantly. Instead, make it an occasional thing to mix up the environment and keep your cat enriched and stimulated.

Why Doesn’t My Cat React to Catnip?

Sensitivity to catnip is genetic, and around 50-70% of cats do respond to it. It is a hereditary trait - if your cat’s parent responded to catnip, there’s a good chance your cat will too. Keep in mind that kittens under 3-6 months typically don’t react to it.

Response to catnip usually kicks in around the point of sexual maturity, so if you still have a kitten then you may need to wait a bit longer to find out if your pet reacts. Be mindful, however, that some adult cats will never respond as they don’t have the genetic trait.

Alternatives If Your Cat Doesn’t Like Catnip

There are several alternatives to catnip that may be effective for getting a response if your pet doesn’t get excited over the herb:

• Silvervine - this is often effective in up to ~80% of cats, including non-responders.

• Valerian root

• Tatarian honeysuckle wood

You could try these as catnip alternatives in the UK.

How Often Can Cats Have Catnip?

As previously mentioned, the effects of catnip tend to last between 5 and 15 minutes. Once this period has passed, cats develop a temporary immunity that can last up to a few hours. While it is technically possible to give it to them again after this, it is generally recommended that you don’t give cats catnip more than once a day.

• Occasional use keeps catnip effective.

• Overuse is likely to reduce the responsiveness of your cat.

When you are not using it, it is important to store your catnip correctly. Fresh catnip tends to be more potent, but you can keep it for a long time if you store it properly. Put it in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Sprays are another way of using catnip, and they contain diluted extract that can still have a similar effect. Sprays are useful for bedding and posts.

When Might Catnip Be a Bad Idea?

In some cases, it might not be a good idea to use catnip. For a start, if you have a cat that gets aggressive when overstimulated, you might find that catnip brings this out in them. Similarly, if there is tension in multi-cat households, adding catnip to the mix could tip things over the edge.

If your cat shows signs of digestive upset after ingestion, it may be best to limit their exposure to the herb. You should never try to force your cat to interact with catnip - they either respond to it, or they don’t.

Remember, there is no evidence that catnip does any long-term harm to cats. The behavioural reaction is temporary and self-limiting, and it has nothing to do with any kind of intoxication.

So, Is Catnip Good for Cats?

In short - yes, catnip is good for most cats. It is safe and offers a range of benefits for them, including exercise, mental stimulation and stress relief. Catnip is just a simple herb, so it is not addictive in any way.

Of course, you should bear in mind that catnip only works in genetically sensitive cats. As such, it is best used in moderation. Use catnip as part of a wider enrichment routine and combine it with things like:

• Interactive toys

• Climbing spaces

• Regular play