The Complete Guide to Catnip Effects and Types

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve put together a clear overview of how catnip works, the percentage of cats that respond to it, how it differs from alternative plants like silver vine and valerian, and how to use it safely.

What is Catnip?

A gray cat sniffing dried catnip in a small bowl

Catnip is an aromatic herb from the mint family (Lamiaceae), genus Nepeta, whose leaves, stems, and seeds contain volatile oils that trigger a strong reaction in some cats. The key point is that not all cats respond to it. Due to genetic factors, only about 60–70% of cats show a reaction, while the rest remain completely uninterested. Catnip is non-addictive and non-habit-forming, with effects limited to temporary behavioral changes, making it a safe tool for stress relief and environmental enrichment.

Why Does Only My Cat Get Excited?

The main active component of catnip, nepetalactone, is a volatile oil found in the leaves, stems, and seeds. It triggers a brief euphoric or excited response in susceptible cats. Whether a cat is susceptible to this effect is determined genetically, which explains why some cats living in the same environment may react while others do not. Kittens and senior cats may show little to no response, and individual reactions can vary from cat to cat.

Illustration of a cat's olfactory system and brain response pathways

Typical Behaviors When Reacting to Catnip

The response typically lasts only a few minutes to several tens of minutes, followed by a refractory period during which the cat won’t react to the same stimulus for a while. It’s helpful for owners to recognize these signs. - Rolling: Rubbing and rolling on the floor - Licking and chewing: Repeatedly licking or chewing catnip leaves or toys - Increased grooming: Suddenly grooming themselves vigorously - Relaxation response: Eyes soften and the cat becomes calm and relaxed - Hyperactivity: Excited behaviors such as running and jumping - Vocal changes: Making sounds different from their usual vocalizations

An orange cat rolling on the floor in response to catnip

Stop for a Moment If You See These Reactions

Catnip is generally a non-toxic and safe herb, but it can cause overexcitement or aggressive behavior in some cats. If you notice such reactions, remove the catnip immediately and help your cat calm down in a quiet space. For cats with underlying health conditions or specific medical concerns, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new stimuli or plants.

There Are Other Plants That Trigger a Response

Some cats who don’t respond to catnip may react to other plants. A veterinary behavior study compared four plants in 100 cats and found that nearly all of them responded positively to at least one. Silver vine (Actinidia polygama) had the highest response rate at about 80%, while valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) were effective in about 50% of cats. If your cat seems indifferent to catnip, you might try one of these alternatives.

Comparison photo of catnip, silver vine, valerian root, and honeysuckle

Comparison of Four Cat-Attracting Plants

Item	Catnip	Silvervine (matatabi)	Valerian	Tatarian honeysuckle
Response rate	About 68%	About 80%	About 50%	About 50%
Main compound	Nepetalactone	Actinidine, dihydroactinidiolide	Actinidine	Nepetalactol
Duration	5–15 min	5–30 min	5–15 min	5–15 min
Main form	Dried leaves, spray	Sticks, powder	Root powder	Wood chips
Alternative for catnip-nonresponsive cats	False	True	True	True

Based on the response rate of 100 cats in Bol et al., BMC Veterinary Research (2017)

How to Use Catnip Safely

It’s best to offer catnip at moderate intervals rather than every day. Frequent exposure can lead to diminished responses, so monitor your cat’s reaction and adjust the frequency accordingly. A small amount of dried leaves rubbed onto a toy or scratching post, or one to two sprays of catnip spray on a scratching post or cat tree, is sufficient. Since catnip can be used in various forms, it’s important to observe your cat’s response and adjust usage as needed. Store any leftover catnip in an airtight container in a cool place to preserve its aroma.

A scene of sprinkling catnip on a scratcher

Checkpoints for Choosing Catnip Toys

When selecting catnip toys, choose ones with thick, durable fabric and strong stitching to prevent the filling from spilling out and posing a choking hazard if the toy tears. Products with 100% catnip content tend to retain their scent longer, while refillable toys that come with catnip powder refills offer a more economical option. As for maintenance, replace the toy immediately if it becomes severely worn or if the inner lining is exposed.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give catnip to kittens too?

Kittens often show little to no reaction to catnip. The age at which they begin to respond varies from cat to cat, so it’s best to wait until they’re a bit older and then try offering just a small amount.

Is it safe for my cat to eat catnip?

Small amounts are generally safe, but excessive consumption may cause vomiting and diarrhea. Please monitor the duration of use and the amount consumed to prevent overexposure.

My cat doesn’t seem to react to catnip. Why is that?

About 30–40% of cats are genetically unresponsive to nepetalactone. Try alternative plants such as silver vine or valerian root.

Are catnip and catmint the same thing?

Both belong to the Nepeta genus and contain similar compounds that trigger feline responses. The only difference is a slight variation in scent intensity due to species differences.

Does catnip have an effect on dogs too?

Unlike cats, dogs do not exhibit the same euphoric reaction to nepetalactone, the active compound in catnip. Since the effects of catnip on dogs have not been thoroughly studied, it is best to avoid unnecessary exposure.

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References

[1] Rodan I., Heath S., Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare, Elsevier, 2016

[2] Bol S. et al., Responsiveness of cats to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip, BMC Veterinary Research, 2017

[3] Little S.E., The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition, Elsevier, 2020