Food safety
Can Cats Eat Catnip? Yes — It's Safe in Small Amounts
Yes, cats can eat catnip, and sniffing or chewing a little of it is generally safe. The plant's active compound, nepetalactone, sets off the familiar rolling, rubbing and zoomies in cats that respond to it, and the effect wears off on its own. Eating a large amount can cause vomiting or diarrhea, which is why the ASPCA lists catnip as mildly toxic. Here is how much to offer, what to expect, and when to call your vet.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
What catnip does to cats
Catnip, Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family. VCA Animal Hospitals explains that its oil, nepetalactone, triggers a reaction in the brain when a cat sniffs or eats it. Typical responses include sniffing, licking, chewing, rubbing the face and body on it, rolling, and bursts of energetic play, followed by a calm, sleepy spell.
Not every cat reacts. Sensitivity is inherited, and a sizable share of adult cats show no interest at all. Some cats become playful and some become mellow. VCA describes the effects as harmless, temporary and non-addictive, and they typically fade within minutes.
Why the ASPCA lists catnip as toxic
It can be surprising to see catnip on the ASPCA's toxic plant list. The listing reflects what happens when a cat eats a lot of it: vomiting and diarrhea are the signs the ASPCA describes, along with sedation in some cats and stimulation in others. Those signs are mild and usually pass once the plant is out of reach.
So the practical answer is that catnip is safe in the small amounts cats normally get from a toy or a pinch of dried leaf, and it becomes a stomach upset when a cat breaks into a bag or grazes a whole plant. Keep supplies sealed and stored out of reach.
How much catnip to give
A pinch of dried catnip, about a quarter teaspoon, sprinkled on a toy, a scratching post or the floor is plenty for an adult cat. Fresh leaves are stronger than dried, so one or two leaves is enough. Offer it no more than a few times a week, since cats that get it constantly may lose interest.
Catnip toys, sprays and bubbles are fine to use as directed. Remove loose catnip after the session so your cat does not keep eating it. If you have several cats, give each one its own spot, because some cats get grumpy or territorial while under its effect.
If you share a safe morsel, offering it from a shallow cat bowl or hiding it in a puzzle feeder keeps the amount small.
Kittens and catnip
Most young kittens do not respond to catnip, and sensitivity usually appears later, often around six months of age. Offering a kitten catnip is not dangerous, but you may see no reaction, and it is wise to wait until a kitten is older.
Kittens tend to eat whatever they play with, so keep loose dried catnip and fresh plants away from them. A kitten that vomits or has diarrhea after eating catnip should be watched closely, because kittens dehydrate quickly.
Signs your cat had too much and when to call a vet
Eating too much catnip commonly causes vomiting, diarrhea or a soft stool within a few hours, and sometimes a cat that seems unusually drowsy or wobbly. These signs usually settle within a day once the catnip is removed. Some cats become overexcited and may bite or scratch more than usual during play, so give them space.
Call your vet the same day if vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a day, your cat stops eating, seems very lethargic, or is a kitten, senior or has an existing health problem. Trouble breathing, collapse or seizures are not expected effects of catnip and need an emergency vet straight away.
Catnip plants, look-alikes and alternatives
Growing catnip at home is easy, but keep the pot where your cat can visit under supervision rather than graze freely. Make sure the plant really is catnip: some other mints and garden plants, along with lilies of any kind, are dangerous to cats. Check unfamiliar plants against the ASPCA's toxic and non-toxic plant list.
If your cat does not respond to catnip, silver vine and valerian root are popular alternatives sold for cats. As with catnip, use small amounts and stop if you see stomach upset. Play with a wand toy is a great way to give any cat the same burst of activity.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Is it OK for cats to eat catnip?
Yes, in small amounts. Chewing and eating a pinch of catnip is generally safe. Eating a lot can cause vomiting or diarrhea, which is why the ASPCA lists it as mildly toxic. Store bags out of reach to prevent overindulgence.
Can cats overdose on catnip?
Cats cannot overdose on catnip in a dangerous sense, but eating a large amount often causes vomiting, diarrhea or drowsiness. Remove the catnip, offer water, and call your vet if signs last more than a day.
Is catnip addictive for cats?
No. VCA describes catnip as non-addictive. Cats may lose interest if they get it constantly, which is why offering it a few times a week keeps it special.
How long does catnip last in cats?
The active phase usually lasts several minutes, followed by a calmer period. Most cats then ignore catnip for a while before they can respond to it again.
Is catnip safe for dogs?
Catnip is not toxic to dogs in small amounts and usually has a mild, calming effect if any. Eating a lot can upset a dog's stomach too, so keep loose catnip away from dogs in the home.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
