Yes, Catnip is Safe for Cats

Many clients ask me “What is catnip and is it safe for my cat?” Catnip is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. Scientifically it is known as “Nepeta cataria”. The plant is a weed-like mint that was introduced to North America from the Mediterranean. The active ingredient in catnip is called Nepetalactone for which cats have a special receptor. The response to this chemical is mediated through the olfactory (smell) system. Nepetalactone is thought to mimic the effects of phermones.

The response to catnip can be very dramatic in some cats: rolling, licking, rubbing, drooling, jumping, running, growling. Most of these behaviors will last 5-15 minutes. Other cats may appear to be sedated after exposure. Some very young or very old cats do not respond as much, or at all, to catnip. Approximately 25% of the cat population does not respond to catnip at all, at any age. This is due to genetics as reactions to catnip are hereditary. Some cats are genetically “programmed” to respond to catnip, some are not.

Despite all of the strange behaviors seen with catnip, it is completely non-toxic to cats. If a large quantity of fresh catnip is consumed, you may see some vomiting or diarrhea, but this is rare and self-limiting. If your cat experiences this, limit the amount of catnip he comes in contact with or withhold catnip all together.

Photo from elrina753’s photostream.

–Dr. Hinson
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Dr. Hinson is a mixed animal veterinarian in Tampa, FL and a regular contributor to Wag Reflex.



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