Why Cats Love Catnip | What It Is and What It Does to Cats

Ever wonder why cats lose their cool over catnip? It’s all thanks to a special chemical compound that triggers a feel-good rush in their brains. For most felines, just one whiff leads to 10-15 minutes of rolling, rubbing, and pure bliss.

Interestingly, scientists recently discovered that all that rubbing and rolling may actually help cats manage difficult parts of their environment.

But don’t worry if your cat doesn’t think twice about catnip. About one in three cats won’t react at all because the trait isn’t in their DNA.

Ready to treat your cat to some fun? This guide explains why cats like catnip, how long the effects last, and how to use it safely.

Key Takeaways

What Is Catnip?

Catnip is a member of the mint family, making it a close cousin to the herbs in your kitchen, such as basil and oregano. Its Latin name is Nepeta cataria, and it’s a perennial plant, meaning it will grow back every year without you having to replant it (if your cat doesn’t destroy it first!).

The leaves and stems of the catnip plant contain a special essential oil/chemical compound called nepetalactone. It’s this chemical compound that drives cats wild!

While you can find dried catnip in everything from toys to treats, fresh catnip is more potent and will lead to even more zoomies.

Surprisingly, recent studies show that nepetalactone acts as a super-strong bug spray. In fact, it’s about 10 times more effective than DEET at keeping mosquitoes away from your cat.

Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

When your cat smells catnip, the nepetalactone turns on an area of their brain that produces pleasure and happiness. This often results in rolling, purring, or zooming around in a state of pure joy!

Don’t worry, though. They aren’t losing control. They’re just happy! Even blissed out on catnip, your cat will be fully aware of what’s happening around them and what they’re doing.

Another reason cats like catnip might be because of its anti-bug effect. A 2021 study found that smelling catnip motivates cats to roll all over the plant. This transfers nepetalactone onto their fur, which keeps annoying mosquitoes away.

How Catnip Affects Cats: Smelling vs. Eating

A unique trait of catnip is that it can have two different effects depending on how your cat interacts with it.

If your cat spends their time sniffing the leaves, catnip acts like a spark of energy, and they’ll zoom, roll, and chirp with excitement. On the other hand, if they decide to lick or nibble on the leaves (which is completely safe, by the way), it acts as a natural relaxant, and your cat will probably engage in some serious chill time!

Just remember, every cat is unique. If your cat doesn’t react to catnip, don’t worry. It’s just how they’re wired. That’s because a cat’s reaction to nepetalactone, the chemical compound in catnip, is genetic. Some cats simply aren’t born with the trait that responds to nepetalactone.

Other Things to Know About Catnip

How Long the Effects Last

When your cat gets a whiff of catnip, it’s typically followed by a whirlwind of excitement! The nice thing is that the whirlwind only lasts about 10 or 15 minutes. After that, the effects start to wear off and your cat’s brain gets a little time to reset.

During that time, they’ll be temporarily immune to the nepetalactone for anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

Keep in mind that frequent exposure to catnip can reduce your cat’s sensitivity. To keep the fun alive, don’t offer it every single day. Instead, save catnip for special occasions. This ensures that your cat doesn’t become immune to it.

Catnip vs. Similar Plants

If your cat doesn’t react to catnip like other cats, you can try other options, including silver vine, tatarian honeysuckle, and valerian root. This table shows you how the plants compare.

So, if catnip doesn’t do it for your feline friend, try silver vine. There’s a better chance that your cat will react, perhaps even more intensely than with catnip!

Safety

Catnip is completely non-toxic and non-addictive. That makes it a super safe treat when given in moderation and only occasionally (i.e., one or two times a week).

While catnip is safe for all cats, eating too much can cause an upset stomach and/or mild sickness. And, if the catnip is inside a soft toy of some kind, keep an eye out for loose stuffing that can become a choking hazard.

One final note: Cats who have a history of seizures should avoid catnip unless approved by a veterinarian.

How to Treat Your Cat with Catnip

There are lots of ways to treat your cat with catnip!

Try sprinkling a few dry flakes onto their favorite scratching post. Or rub the herb directly onto plush toys or old furniture to give them a new and exciting scent. If you want to minimize the mess, purchase a toy with a refillable pouch or try a catnip spray.

Catnip-flavored treats, like our MixUps CATNIP FEVER™ treats, also make for a great reward or training aid if you’re trying to teach your cat a specific behavior. They’re also just a fun way to show them some extra love!

But remember to keep the fun special by using catnip only once or twice a week. That ensures that your cat won’t get bored of the effect.

Cats Can't Resist TEMPTATIONS™ Treats

Catnip is a fun way to treat, reward, or just bond with your cat when used in moderation. They love it, and you’ll love watching them with it!

Wanna make your cat’s playful side even more fun? Pull out a bag of TEMPTATIONS™ Blissful Catnip Flavor or TEMPTATIONS™ Mixups CATNIP FEVER™ Cat Treats. Trust us: The taste of our irresistible catnip-flavored treats will put your kitty on cloud nine. 

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