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Whenever you have watched your cat rolling, purring or zooming around after sniffing a toy, you must have wondered, What is catnip? Catnip is a natural herb in the mint family that provokes a distinct response in most cats, which is playful, happy and at times even comical.
An innocent plant has intrigued pet owners over centuries due to the ability to make a lazy cat into a happy gymnast within a short period. You’ll learn what catnip does to cats, and how to safely use it and what products maximize its effect as a training aid, as a plaything, and as a stress reliever.
What Is Catnip? (Understanding the Basics)
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a mint herb. It has an oil on its stems and leaves, known as nepetalactone, a substance that interferes with the senses of the cats. This chemical is attached to special proteins of their nasal tissue when a cat sniffs or licks it which sends the signals to the pleasure center of the brain.
Not every cat is sensitive to catnip. It has been seen that about 60-70 percent of cats exhibit conspicuous behaviour like rolling, rubbing or purring. Young cats below six months and those that are old might not respond.
Fun fact: the catnip plant was originally found in Europe and Asia but nowadays it is grown all over the world. It can be easily grown in the home gardens and safe enough to be sniffed or chewed by cats moderately.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
Then, what does catnip do to cats after they get hold of that minty smell? Imagine that it is the play switch of nature.
Catnip tends to make cats:
- More jovial, playing on the ground or after imaginary toys.
- Playful and loving, rubbing themselves on their masters or other animals.
- At times carefree and dozy after the frenzy.
When cats consume catnip, this does not happen and rather calms them down, which is usually a habit of alleviating stress or boredom.
This takes an average of 5-15 minutes and the cats lose interest and have about one hour as their receptors are resettled. It can not cause overdose; in the worst case, your cat may have a slight stomachache in case it eats too much dried catnip.
Why Do Cats React to Catnip? (The Science in Simple Words)
The active ingredient of catnip is a natural oil, nepetalactone, which resembles feline pheromones. When smelled, it reacts with the vomeronasal organ, which is a special organ of the nose of a cat, detecting pheromones.
That is why it usually seems that the answer is mating behavior, rolling, meowing, or drooling, yet it is mere harmless stimulation. It is like the way human beings may react to a nice aroma or music.
Key points:
- The reaction is non-permanent and non-hazardous.
- Not every cat is sensitive (it is a hereditary quality).
- Cats do not get addicted to catnip.
Benefits of Catnip for Cats
Catnip is not an entertainment only item, it actually has a number of benefits in terms of physical and emotional health to your cat.
Here’s how catnip helps:
- Promotes physical activity: Cats that do not move much end up running, jumping and playing.
- Lack of stress and anxiety: Catnip is slightly calming when consumed as a drink or sprayed.
- Enhances training: Spray catnip on new bed or scratching post and it is immediately more appealing than your couch.
- Bonds better: Catnip toys increase the level of trust between you and your cat.
With catnip, indoor cats will be healthier and happier, particularly when living in a smaller environment or when they have to spend most of the time alone.
Types of Catnip Products
Well, how to put it in another word, there is more than one way to use catnip. This herb has been transformed into modern forms that are easy to use and creative by modern brands.
- Dried Catnip: Crushed leaves of catnip that can be sprayed on toys, bed, or scratch post. Good in game play in a hurry.
- Catnip Spray: It is a liquid catnip extract in spray form. Good in refreshing old toys or teaching cats where to scratch.
- Catnip Toy: Stuffed mice, balls or plushes containing catnip so cats can be kept entertained a long time.
- Catnip Treats: Catnip snacks that are edible and have catnip oil that relaxes scared or anxious cats.
- Catnip and Silvervine Mixes: Silvervine is also a plant with a similar effect; when used with catnip, the effect can usually be achieved in cats who do not react to the standard one
How to Use Catnip Safely (Actionable Tips)
- Begin small: A pinch of dried catnip or one spray will suffice to test your cat.
- Training: Spray on scratching posts or carriers to promote positive behavior.
- Use sparingly: Catharsis may have an adverse effect on cats when it is applied too frequently.
- Storing: Catnip should be stored in a sealed bag or a jar in order to maintain its potency.
- Monitor play: Particularly in kittens, to ensure that they do not eat a lot.
When your cat does not show any interest in catnip, you need not concern yourself, instead, you can use silvervine or valerian root that also work in the same way.
Product Recommendations – The Best Catnip Sprays in 2025
Meowijuana 1oz Premium Catnip Spray
The highest rating organic catnip spray composed of 100 percent pure catnip oil and distilled water. The best way to reanimate old toys or to introduce cats to new scratchers and beds.
Why it stands out:
- Essentially non-addictive and safe in cats of all ages.
- Single spritzer formula – no messing or cleaning.
- Produced and mixed in North America to the freshness.
- Most suitable: Cats that enjoy playing but get bored of their old toys easily.
AmeizPet Catnip Spray (50 ml)
An easy, organic spray that is to be used in play, relaxation, and behavioral training. Even a light mist makes one more curious and less boring.
Why it’s great:
- Strong aroma using organic catnip essential oils.
- Reasonable safety with kittens and adult cats.
- Helps change scratching beds and posts.
Best on: Indoor cats which require mental stimulation or assistance in scratching
Smokey’s Stash Premium Catnip Spray (2 oz)
This spray is made of catnip essential oil which is organic and is characterized by a long lasting smell as well as a high response. Perfect at resuscitating toys or directing cats to the new locations.
Why it’s great:
- Full strength using a distilled water base.
- Produced in the US and can be used daily.
- Excellent in the training and redirection of scratching behavior
Best for: Active cats or multi-cat homes where variety keeps play fresh.
What Catnip Does to Cats — and What It Doesn’t
Catnip is entertaining, not magic. The following is the reality of popular myths:
- It is not a drug: Catnip does not permanently change the health and mind of a cat.
- It is natural and non-toxic: Cats can not overdose or get addicted.
- Not every cat is sensitive, though: Sensitivity is hereditary, in that case it is natural that your cat is insensitive.
- It is a training aid: It can be used to attract the attention of toys or authorized places to scratch.
Knowing such facts will make you make good use of catnip and keep your cat excitement safe in the process.
Tips to Make Catnip More Effective
- Fresh, organic catnip should be used – strength diminishes with time.
- Combine catnip spray and exercise toys.
- Take a break between doses to maintain the effect.
- Blend positive reinforcement – praise or treats when after play.
- Keep catnip in a cool place in an airtight container.
These little tricks will assist you to achieve maximum out of every spritz or sprinkle.
Beyond Catnip: Similar Natural Stimulants
In case your cat is not responsive to catnip, you can use silvervine, honeysuckle wood or valerian root. Such plants give the same playful or soothing effects. Silvervine specifically stimulates as many as 80 percent of the cats, which do not respond to catnip.
You can add variety to the play activities of the cat by mixing small portions of the various herbs and avoiding boredom.
Final Thoughts
Catnip is one of the most interesting gifts that nature has given cats, it is harmless, not addictive, and fun. Catnip makes you play and rest healthy whether your cat rolls, purrs, or lounges after sniffing.
Clean old toys with sprays such as Meowijuana Premium Catnip Spray, AmeizPet Catnip Spray, or Smokey Stash Catnip Spray to make them new again, prevent scratching or to just make your cat happier.
And the next time you demand to know What is catnip?, recall– It is not merely a plant at all But pure bliss in a leaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is catnip made of?
Catnip is a herb belonging to the mint family which includes a chemical, nepetalactone. Smelled or eaten, this natural oil produces playful or peaceful behavior in cats.
What does catnip do to cats?
It causes a temporary spurt of excitement or relaxation. The effects of cats may last, rolling and purring or zooming around, some 10 minutes after which the effects disappear.
Why doesn’t my cat react to catnip?
Approximately 30-40 percent of cats do not have the gene which makes them catnip sensitive. Instead use silvervine or valerian root.
Is catnip safe for kittens?
Yes, but those kittens less than six months old do not usually respond. Catnips are better to be introduced when they are of age.
Does catnip help with training or scratching?
Absolutely. You can spray catnip on scratching posts or new beds to get your cat to use them. Would you rather him use furniture?
