What is Catnip and How Does it Affect Cats?
Catnip is an herb from the mint family (Nepeta cataria) that contains a chemical called nepetalactone. When cats smell or ingest catnip, the nepetalactone binds to receptors in their noses and stimulates a response in their brains. This triggers a euphoric effect and causes behaviors like rolling around, rubbing, and playfulness that last about 10 minutes before wearing off.
Researchers are still studying exactly how catnip works on cats. But it’s believed the nepetalactone mimics feline pheromones and triggers instinctual responses related to hunting, territoriality, and mating behaviors 1. The effects seem to be involuntary responses and not something the cat consciously controls.
Not all cats respond to catnip. Around 50-70% of adult cats react to it, while kittens don’t respond until around 6 months old. The strength of the reaction can also vary between individual cats. But catnip is considered harmless and a safe way to provide enrichment.
Is Catnip Addictive for Cats?
Despite how much cats may enjoy and crave catnip, the herb is not addictive for felines. Catnip does not contain any addictive properties or compounds. When exposed to catnip, cats experience a temporary high, usually lasting about 10-15 minutes, from inhaling the oil called nepetalactone that the plant produces. However, they do not build up a tolerance or experience withdrawal symptoms when the catnip wears off, even with repeated or frequent exposure (1).
Unlike addictive drugs, catnip does not bind to opioid receptors in a cat’s brain. Therefore, cats cannot become dependent on or addicted to catnip like they can form addictions to opioids or other addictive substances. The response is purely a temporary behavior and mood change, without any persistent alterations to the brain’s neurochemistry (2).
Some signs of addiction like increased energy, playfulness, and vocalizations may be observed when cats are given catnip. However, these responses are an innate reaction programmed into a cat’s genetics and not an indication of dependence or addiction. While cats may crave catnip due to enjoying the temporary high, they will return to their normal state without experiencing negative effects when the catnip wears off (3).
Benefits of Catnip for Cats
Catnip provides several benefits for cats when used moderately. The main active chemical in catnip, called nepetalactone, binds to receptors in a cat’s nose and stimulates a response that can cause euphoria, excitement, and erratic behavior. This reaction allows cats to get exercise as they playfully chase, pounce, and roll around when exposed to catnip.
Catnip also acts as a relaxant for cats and can help relieve stress and anxiety. The calming effect helps cats feel more content and less on edge. For shy or timid cats, catnip may even help them come out of their shell. Additionally, catnip can help with gastrointestinal issues like stomach pain or constipation when consumed.
Owners often use catnip as a form of enrichment and entertainment for their cats. It engages their natural hunting instincts in a safe way. However, the effects last about 10 minutes or less, so catnip should be given in moderation as a special treat.
According to research, up to 50-70% of cats respond to catnip, likely due to a genetic predisposition (https://mypetnaturally.com/2021/01/02/all-about-catnip-and-its-benefits/). For cats that react to catnip, exposure in moderation can provide exercise, stress relief, entertainment, and other benefits.
Potential Side Effects of Too Much Catnip
While catnip is generally safe for cats, too much of it can lead to some side effects. The main potential side effects of catnip overdose include diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity followed by a sleepy/depressed state.
Consuming too much catnip can irritate a cat’s gastrointestinal tract and cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (1). The vomiting and diarrhea tend to be mild and resolve on their own as the catnip wears off.
Excessive catnip can also lead to a brief period of hyperactive behavior, including zooming around, rolling, jumping, and playing roughly. This is followed by lethargy and sleepiness as the catnip’s effects wear off (2). Some cats may seem depressed or sedated after this period of hyperactivity.
These side effects tend to be short-lived and not serious. However, cats can injure themselves during the overly energetic phase. It’s best to limit catnip to avoid adverse effects.
If your cat experiences concerning symptoms like repeated vomiting or diarrhea after catnip, contact your veterinarian. But mild side effects should resolve on their own within a few hours (3).
Sources:
(1) https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/catnip-poisoning
(2) https://www.newsweek.com/what-do-if-your-cat-has-had-too-much-catnip-1711465
(3) https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crazy-catnip
Recommended Frequency of Catnip
Most experts recommend giving catnip to cats no more than 1-2 times per week. According to https://cats.com/how-much-catnip-should-i-give-my-cat, it’s not a good idea to give catnip every day, as the more frequently it is given, the less effect it will have on the cat. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also recommends limiting catnip to 1-2 times per week to prevent habituation.
Veterinarians like those at https://www.alexanderanimalhospital.com/the-effects-of-catnip-on-your-cat recommend limiting catnip use to every 2-3 weeks. They note that frequent use can lead to cats becoming less responsive to the effects of catnip over time. Additionally, https://www.petcarerx.com/article/is-catnip-safe-5-things-you-should-know/81 suggests providing catnip no more than once a week, as the catnip “high” is a fun treat that should not be overused.
In summary, most experts advise restricting catnip to no more than 1-2 times per week for full enjoyment and to prevent habituation. Daily use is not recommended.
Alternatives to Daily Catnip
While catnip can be an enjoyable treat for cats, too much catnip every day can reduce its effectiveness. Providing alternative stimulating activities or toys can be a great way to avoid overusing catnip.
Some great alternatives to daily catnip that provide exercise and stress relief for cats include:
- Interactive toys like wand toys, puzzle feeders, treat balls, and feather toys that cats can chase and pounce on
- Cat towers, scratching posts, and cat trees for climbing and scratching
- Play sessions with owners using toys on strings or laser pointers
- Access to windows with views of birds or outdoor areas
- Rotating different types of toys to maintain novelty and interest
These alternatives engage a cat’s natural hunting instincts and provide mental and physical stimulation. Combining interactive playtime, environmental enrichment, and mixing up the types of toys available can help provide the benefits of catnip without overusing it. Owners can monitor their cat’s energy levels and interest in toys to find the right balance of catnip and alternative activities.
Silver vine and valerian root are also natural plant alternatives that can induce effects like catnip in some cats (https://catoropets.com/blogs/news/4-alternatives-to-catnip). However, daily use of these alternatives may still lead to decreased effectiveness over time. Rotating different stimulating plants, toys, and activities can help keep cats engaged without relying too heavily on any one option.
Signs Your Cat is Getting Too Much Catnip
Too much catnip can cause some concerning signs in cats that indicate they may have had more than they can handle. The most common signs of catnip overdose include:
- Agitation or hyperactivity – Cats on catnip often seem very energetic, playful, and even aggressive. But excessive catnip can make them extremely hyperactive, almost manic in their energy levels.
- Changes in bathroom habits – Ingesting too much catnip may cause vomiting or diarrhea in some cats. You may notice your cat has loose stool, intolerance for food, or vomits after having catnip.
- Disorientation – Some cats can experience a sort of “high” from catnip that leads to temporary disorientation. They may seem dazed, uncoordinated, or detached from their surroundings.
- Lethargy – On the opposite end, some cats exhibit a “crash” after the initial catnip high, becoming extremely tired, withdrawn, or sleepy.
- Meowing or yowling excessively – The chemicals in catnip can cause vocal tics in some cats, leading them to meow or yowl persistently.
These signs tend to be temporary but if they persist for more than several hours after catnip exposure, it’s best to call your veterinarian. Severe vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy are always reasons to seek medical advice.
Dosage Guidelines
The recommended dosage of catnip depends on the form you are giving it to your cat. Here are some general guidelines:
For dried catnip, start with a teaspoon to a tablespoon and sprinkle it on the floor or a toy. Observe your cat’s reaction and adjust the amount accordingly. Giving too much dried catnip may cause overstimulation.
For fresh catnip, start with one or two leaves and slowly increase to no more than a handful of leaves at a time. Fresh catnip is more potent than dried, so adjust amounts accordingly.
For catnip toys, follow package instructions as potency can vary. Look for organic, high-quality catnip toys without artificial fillers. Limit access to a few minutes at a time.
In general, start with small amounts of catnip and slowly increase based on your cat’s interest level. Every cat has a unique sensitivity to catnip. Monitor for signs of overstimulation and adjust frequency and dosage as needed.
Sources:
https://wagwalking.com/wellness/how-much-catnip-should-you-give-a-cat
Safety Tips
When giving your cat catnip, it’s important to follow some basic safety tips:
Supervise your cat’s use of catnip. Don’t leave toys or loose catnip out unsupervised, as your cat could overindulge if given unlimited access.[1]
Store catnip out of your cat’s reach when not in use. Keep it in a sealed container in a cupboard or closet.
Use only organic, pesticide-free catnip. This reduces the risk of your cat being exposed to potentially harmful chemicals.[2]
Never give your cat more than 1-2 pinches of loose catnip at a time. Too much can cause overstimulation.[3]
Avoid catnip if your cat has any pre-existing medical conditions or is pregnant/nursing.
Always monitor for signs of a bad reaction, such as anxiety, hyperactivity lasting more than a few minutes, or aggression.
Following these tips will help ensure your cat enjoys catnip safely and responsibly.
The Bottom Line
Occasional catnip use is likely fine for most cats, but it’s best to limit it to 1-2 times per week at most. While catnip is not considered truly addictive, cats can become accustomed to the pleasant sensations it causes, and may even show signs of withdrawal when it’s taken away.
Watch for potential side effects like overstimulation, hyperactivity, aggressive behavior and restlessness if your cat has too much catnip. Moderation is key, as daily use can lead to these adverse reactions in some cats. It’s best to treat it as an occasional special treat, not a daily routine.
Consider alternatives like playtime, new toys, and food puzzles on some days instead of catnip. Seek veterinary advice if your cat seems overly obsessed with catnip or has an extreme reaction to it. Overall, occasional catnip in limited quantities is fine for most felines, but daily use may be too much.