Catnip isn’t your average pet treat, and it’s not for every cat. The non-addictive oil can actually cause your pet to mildly hallucinate — and while some cats love it, others can have negative reactions or not feel the effects at all. There’s a lot to unpack here, which is why we have Dr. Aliya McCullough, veterinarian and pet health advocate, to walk us through all things catnip.
Catnip is made from an herb in the mint family and is often grown in the upper-middle portion of the U.S. and Canada.
Catnip contains non-addictive, aromatic oils that may make cats mildly hallucinate after eating, scratching or sniffing it. Hallucinations will typically last anywhere between 5 to 15 minutes. Most of the time, cats will roll around or rub against things after eating catnip.
However, catnip affects all cats differently. Ten to 30% of cats don’t respond to its effects — many of these felines tend to be very young or older. Treating your cat to catnip often can decrease its effects, too.
Catnip doesn’t offer many health benefits — it should be looked at as an occasional treat for your cat that your vet approved.
Talk to your vet to determine if catnip is safe for your pet to enjoy before treating them. If your cat is typically aggressive, catnip may heighten that behavior. Ingesting catnip can sometimes cause your pet to vomit or diarrhea and too much can trigger seizures.
Always ask your vet if catnip is safe for your pet and get personalized instructions on how to serve it. They may suggest that you start small and find fun ways to serve it, like inside of toys or by sprinkling it on the carpet.
With your vet’s permission, kittens can enjoy catnip. However, they may not be able to feel the effects of it until they’re 8 weeks or older.
Cats can overdose on catnip. Separate your cat from the catnip and contact your veterinarian or poison control if you think your cat is having a negative reaction.
Talk to your vet about the right serving size for your cat. With their guidance, serve catnip sparingly and test a variety of toys (a lot of toys have catnip in them) to see which ones your cat responds to best.
Catnip, when used safely, can be a new and exciting treat for your cat. Now that you know how catnip works, don’t be surprised if your cat scurries over when they hear the bag being opened.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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