What Is Catnip and Why Do Cats Love It So Much?
Catnip is a herb in the mint family that contains an oil called nepetalactone. When most cats smell it, it triggers a short, harmless "high" - rolling, rubbing and playful zoomies that last around 10 to 15 minutes.
Here's what catnip actually does, whether it's safe, and how to use it to get your cat scratching the post instead of the sofa.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip, formally Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb native to Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. It's a member of the mint family and can grow up to three feet tall. Gardeners like it because it's drought-resistant and helps deter mosquitoes. You can grow it yourself, or buy it dried, sprayed, or baked into cat toys.
How Does Catnip Work?
Catnip works as a stimulant for most cats. Its active oil, nepetalactone, enters through the nose and mouth when a cat sniffs or eats it, then binds to receptors in the olfactory bulb. That sends signals to the parts of the brain that govern emotion and behaviour, producing the classic catnip "high".
How Does It Affect My Cat?
Cats under the influence will lick, roll, sniff, chew, shake their heads, and rub their cheeks, chin and body against it. Some vocalise, jump and race around. The exact reaction depends on the individual cat - a laid-back cat often gets even more relaxed and docile, and it's rare for a cat to become aggressive. The effect is short-lived, usually only 10 to 15 minutes.
Do All Cats Like Catnip?
No. Sensitivity to catnip is genetic, and only about 75% of cats respond to it at all. Kittens generally aren't interested either - the reaction is hormonal, so most cats won't respond until they reach maturity at around six months old.
Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Yes. Catnip is safe to smell and to eat. It's non-toxic and non-addictive, and cats will almost always walk away once they've had enough. The rare cat that overindulges might get a mildly upset tummy - if that happens, simply remove the toys, spray or dried leaves from their area.
Cats can build a tolerance if catnip is overused. To keep it exciting, offer it no more than once a week, and store it in a sealed container out of reach when it's not in use.
The health benefits: for many cats catnip is a gentle stress reliever that helps ease anxiety and encourages play and exercise - useful for indoor cats and for cats settling into a new home.
How to Use Catnip to Save Your Sofa
Cats scratch to keep their claws healthy, to stretch, and to mark territory. Give them nothing appropriate to scratch and they'll pick your furniture. A scratching post plus a little catnip is one of the easiest ways to redirect them.
- Sprinkle dried catnip on and around the base of the post so they can smell it as they approach
- Hang a catnip toy or bag on the post to draw them towards it
- Lightly spritz catnip spray onto the fabric - the scent invites them to knead and scratch right where you want
Reward and praise your cat whenever they use the post, and top the catnip up every week or two to keep it appealing.
Catnip Products We Recommend
KONG Naturals Catnip
Premium North American catnip in a handy resealable tin, so it stays fresh between uses. Sprinkle it on a scratcher or rub it into a toy to refresh the scent. A little goes a long way.
Best forFrom €5.60 (28g) / €9.40 (56g)
Shop KONG NaturalsCatnip Play Spray
A quick, mess-free way to make a scratching post, bed or toy instantly more tempting. Spritz lightly onto the fabric to draw your cat in and encourage kneading and scratching.
Best forFrom €2.99 (50ml)
Shop Catnip ProductsCatnip-Filled Toys
From plush mice to sisal balls and feather teasers, our catnip toys combine play with the catnip buzz - ideal for burning energy and keeping indoor cats entertained.
Best forFrom €2.49
Shop Cat ToysScratching Posts & Scratchers
Pair your catnip with a sturdy scratching post or scratch pad to give your cat a proper outlet - and keep them off the sofa. Add a sprinkle of catnip to get them started.
Best forScratch pads from €19.00
Shop ScratchersFrequently Asked Questions
What is catnip?
Catnip (formally Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb native to Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East. It's a member of the mint family and contains an essential oil called nepetalactone which triggers a stimulating response in many cats. It's available dried, as a spray, and infused in cat toys.
Is catnip safe for cats?
Yes, catnip is completely safe. It's non-toxic and non-addictive, and most cats simply walk away when they've had enough. Rarely, a cat may get a mild upset tummy if they overindulge - if that happens, remove any catnip toys or sprays from their area.
Do all cats react to catnip?
Not all cats react - the sensitivity is genetic, and around 75% of cats respond. Kittens usually don't react until they reach maturity at about six months old. Cats who do respond will typically lick, roll, sniff or rub against it for around 10 to 15 minutes.
How often should I give my cat catnip?
No more than once a week, to stop your cat building up a tolerance. Store catnip in a sealed container away from your cat when it's not in use - using it too often reduces the effect over time.
How do I get my cat to use a scratching post?
Place the post where your cat likes to scratch, then make it appealing with catnip - sprinkle dried leaves on it, hang a catnip toy from it, or spritz it with catnip spray. Praise and reward your cat every time they use it, and refresh the catnip every week or two.
Shop Catnip, Toys & Scratchers at Petstop
Ireland's largest pet retailer - 14 stores nationwide and next-day delivery on orders over 29 euros.
Shop Cat Toys Shop Catnip Products
