What is catnip?
Catnip, also known as catmint, is a plant with the botanical name Nepeta cataria. It is a member of the mint family and contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone. When cats smell or ingest catnip, the nepetalactone binds to receptors in their brain and causes a temporary euphoric reaction. This results in a state of heightened activity and playfulness that typically lasts around 5-15 minutes before wearing off.
Some key facts about catnip:
- Botanical name: Nepeta cataria
- Member of the mint family
- Contains nepetalactone which causes euphoric reaction in cats
Normal Catnip Consumption
Most cats enjoy catnip and the effects it produces. Sniffing, licking, and eating catnip are all considered normal behaviors. The active ingredient in catnip, called nepetalactone, binds to receptors in a cat’s nose and stimulates a response. This causes a temporary euphoric effect in about 50-70% of cats.
The high from catnip is short-lived, usually lasting between 5-15 minutes before wearing off. During this time, cats may sniff, lick, eat, roll around, play, vocalize, or even become more affectionate. These are all normal responses to catnip consumption in moderation.
According to veterinarians, it’s fine for cats to have access to catnip daily if they enjoy it. Most experts recommend limiting consumption to a few minutes per day and keeping quantities small. Offering a small pinch or a few catnip leaves is enough for most cats to get the stimulating effects they crave.
Source: https://cats.com/how-much-catnip-should-i-give-my-cat
Signs of catnip overindulgence
While a small dose of catnip is usually harmless, overindulgence can cause issues for cats. Some common signs to look out for are aggressive behavior, excessive drooling, lethargy, and lack of coordination.
Catnip can cause a “high” in cats that leads to hyperactive behavior and aggressive reactions if they consume too much. This is part of the euphoric response from catnip. If your cat is acting agitated, restless, or hostile after having catnip, they may have had an excessive dose.
Excessive drooling can also be a red flag. Catnip stimulates cats’ senses and overstimulation can lead to increased saliva production. You may notice your cat drooling much more than normal with strings of saliva hanging from their mouth. This is a key sign of overindulgence.
On the other end of the spectrum, some cats may become very lethargic and uncoordinated after too much catnip. The substance essentially causes a temporary “high” and like coming down from any high, lethargy and motor impairment can set in. Your cat may have glassy eyes, seem very sleepy, or have trouble moving properly if they’ve had too much.
If you notice any of these signs after your cat has had access to catnip, they likely overindulged and should be monitored. Limit their access to catnip and let the effects pass. If symptoms are severe or persist more than a day, contact your veterinarian.
Dangers of excessive catnip
While catnip is generally safe for cats when given in moderation, consuming too much can lead to some concerning side effects. The active compounds in catnip can cause gastrointestinal distress if cats have more than their systems can handle. Signs of catnip overindulgence include:
Vomiting and diarrhea – Ingesting too much catnip can irritate a cat’s digestive tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may persist for 24 hours or more. This can cause dehydration if the cat cannot keep fluids down (Source).
Lack of appetite – Excessive catnip consumption can make a cat feel too unwell to eat their normal food. Appetite may remain suppressed until the catnip wears off completely (Source).
Depression and irritability – Some cats become withdrawn, depressed or irritable after having too much catnip. They may hide or act lethargic until the effects wear off (Source).
These signs tend to be temporary for an otherwise healthy cat. But persistent vomiting, diarrhea or lack of appetite can lead to dangerous fluid/electrolyte imbalances. It’s wise to call your vet if symptoms last more than 24 hours after catnip overindulgence.
Recommended catnip dosage
When giving your cat catnip, it’s best to follow the recommended dosage guidelines. According to HolistaPet, the average adult cat should have no more than 1 pinch of dried catnip per day. Giving too much catnip can lead to overindulgence and negative side effects.
It’s also important to limit treats containing catnip, as the catnip dosage in these can be hard to control. Your cat may try to consume a lot of treats in one sitting. Instead, sprinkle a pinch of dried catnip on the floor or mix it into a toy.
Finally, avoid giving your cat concentrated catnip extracts. These have much higher levels of nepetalactone, the active ingredient in catnip. It’s safest to stick to regular dried catnip in moderation.
Storing catnip safely
Proper storage is essential for maximizing your catnip’s freshness and potency. Catnip should be kept in a tightly sealed container to prevent moisture loss. Plastic bags with zipper seals or airtight plastic containers work well (source). Make sure to press out any excess air before sealing. Refrigerating catnip can also help prolong its lifespan by slowing the breakdown of the active compounds (source).
Catnip should always be stored up high and out of your cat’s reach. Cats can detect even the faintest scent of catnip, and will go to great lengths to access it. Keep it in a securely latched cabinet or high shelf they cannot access. Never leave catnip sitting out unattended.
With proper sealed, refrigerated storage, catnip can retain its potency for 6 months or longer before needing to be replaced (source). Follow these simple storage guidelines, and your catnip should stay fresh and appealing to your cat for as long as possible.
When to avoid catnip
There are certain situations when cat owners should avoid giving their cats catnip. These include:
Kittens under 6 months of age. Kittens’ brains are still developing, so catnip can overstimulate them. It’s best to wait until kittens are at least 6 months old before introducing catnip. [1]
Elderly cats. As cats age, their brains become less able to handle the stimulating effects of catnip. It’s a good idea to limit or avoid catnip for senior cats.
Pregnant or nursing cats. There is little research on catnip’s effects on developing kittens or milk production, so it’s safest to avoid catnip for pregnant and nursing mother cats.
Cats on medication. Catnip can interact with certain medications like sedatives or antidepressants. Check with your vet before giving medicated cats catnip.
In general, cat owners should use caution and moderation when giving catnip to cats in vulnerable health states. While catnip is safe for most cats, some situations call for avoiding its use altogether.
Alternatives to catnip
While catnip is popular with many cats, there are some healthy alternatives that can provide similar stimulation. Some options to consider include:
Cardboard scratchers – Scratching is a natural behavior for cats and provides mental stimulation. Cardboard scratchers allow cats to satisfy this need in a safe way. Place scratchers in areas your cat already tries to scratch for the best results. This will help redirect their energy in a positive manner.
Pheromone diffusers – Synthetic pheromones that mimic natural cat pheromones can have a calming effect. Diffusers release these into the air to reduce stress and unwanted behaviors. This can be a helpful alternative for cats that overindulge in catnip when anxious or bored. Always follow directions for proper use.
Interactive toys – Toys that encourage playtime interaction can provide enrichment and exercise. Items like feather wands, puzzle feeders, and laser pointers engage your cat’s natural prey drive. Rotate different interactive toys to keep things exciting and prevent boredom.
Treat puzzles – Food puzzle toys add mental challenge to mealtime. Your cat has to figure out how to move or manipulate the puzzle to get treats out. This provides positive stimulation and satisfying reward. It taps into their inner hunter.
With plenty of enrichment options available, it’s possible to keep your cat happy and entertained without relying solely on catnip. Experiment to find the best alternatives that appeal to your individual feline.
Seeking help for overindulgence
If you suspect your cat is abusing catnip or becoming dependent on it, it’s important to seek help from your veterinarian. Some signs of catnip abuse include lethargy, lack of interest in normal activities, vomiting, or other behavioral changes when not under the influence of catnip [1]. Your vet can examine your cat and determine if an intervention is needed.
To help curb overindulgence, limit your cat’s access to catnip. Keep it out of reach and only bring it out for occasional, supervised playtime. You can also try redirecting your cat’s energy into more positive outlets like playtime with interactive toys, clicker training, or food puzzle toys. This provides mental stimulation without the distracting effects of catnip [2].
With your vet’s guidance and these behavior modifications, you can help keep your cat’s catnip use in check. The key is focusing that energy and curiosity in healthier ways.
Keeping your cat happy
Daily playtime and affection are essential for keeping your cat happy and content indoors. Set aside at least 15-20 minutes per day for interactive play with feather toys, laser pointers, balls, and more to keep your cat mentally stimulated and physically active. Cats crave companionship, so be sure to pet, brush, and cuddle your feline friend often. Adequate playtime and affection will curb problem behaviors like aggression or destructive scratching.
Proper diet and exercise also play a key role in feline health and happiness. Feed your cat high-quality food in the proper portions to avoid obesity. Provide toys and cat trees for climbing and scratching to encourage physical activity. Take advantage of your cat’s playful nature by incorporating daily play sessions into their routine.
Creating an enriching home environment with places to perch, hide, climb and scratch will keep your cat engaged and entertained. Vertical space like cat trees and wall-mounted shelves allow cats to satisfy their instinct to climb. Scratching posts give appropriate outlets for scratching behavior. Puzzles and food toys add mental stimulation during mealtimes. Rotating toys keeps things interesting.
Regular visits to the veterinarian for preventative care and prompt treatment if illnesses arise are also essential for your cat’s health and wellbeing. An annual exam along with recommended vaccines and parasite control will help keep your indoor cat in top shape.