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Many cat owners have witnessed the effects of catnip on their feline companions, and most people agree it’s pretty entertaining. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is an herb native to parts of Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and some areas of China. It’s a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), and many cats are crazy about it.
Today, we’re unraveling the mystery of why catnip has such a strong effect on cats and how long the effects last. Read on to learn more about this plant.
How Long Do Catnip Effects Last?
Catnip can elicit a behavior response in roughly two-thirds of all domestic cats. However, this also means that one-third of cats are not affected by catnip. The behavior response is hereditary. However, it’s not possible to tell if a cat responds to catnip when they’re still kittens. The effects can only be seen in cats that are at least around 6 months old.
The primary attractant in catnip is nepetalactone. Cats are able to smell this compound and seemingly respond to it by displaying behavior changes. Contrary to popular belief, cats do not use their vomeronasal organ to detect this smell. House cats aren’t the only feline affected by catnip; this plant can also produce effects in leopards, servals, lynxes, cougars, tigers, and lions as well.
Catnip offers a quick kitty high that only lasts about 5-15 minutes. After that, a period of obligatory fatigue sets in, during which your cat will not respond to catnip. Once the fatigue sets in, it’s reported that many cats tend to doze off. This observation tends to coincide with the plant’s sedative effect on humans. The obligatory fatigue lasts for a period of about 2 to 3 hours, on average. After this, cats may respond to catnip again.
Effects of Catnip: Smelling vs Eating
All cats are unique individuals and, therefore, react differently. However, there are a few effects observed regularly in felines. Typical effects include:
- Rubbing on the plant
- Rolling around in the plant or on the floor
- Drooling
- Growling
- Scratching or biting
- Jumping and running
- Vocalizations
- Falling asleep
Your cat won’t experience all these effects at once. Some cats like to sit in piles of catnip and drool, and other cats get the zoomies. These reactions are natural, so there’s no need to worry.
Smelling catnip and eating catnip produce different effects. Smelling is the most potent way for a cat to experience the high from this minty herb. Nepetalactone binds to receptors1 in a cat’s nose, causing the behavior changes in cats.
On the other hand, eating catnip is interestingly considered dangerous for cats from a technical point of view, as the plant is toxic for them 2. While some cats are excited after eating it, others may become more sedated. In either case, the plant can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. However, most cats rarely ingest enough of the plant to show the signs of toxicity. Nepetalactone doesn’t have any effects if only ingested; however, it’s likely that cats sniff the plant before they eat it, leading to the behaviors associated with catnip being elicited 3.
Nonetheless, it’s important to highlight the toxicity because many owners mistakenly assume that catnip has medicinal properties and will help cats that are experiencing digestive problems when, in fact, catnip can make these problems worse.
Can Too Much Catnip Be Dangerous?
Catnip is non-addictive. It’s unlikely that your cat will overdose on catnip. The effects of catnip shouldn’t last any longer than the timeframe specified. However, vomiting and diarrhea will likely occur if the cat overeats the plant, as mentioned above.
If this happens with your cat, remove the catnip. Because both diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration (among other issues), it’s best to call up your veterinarian’s clinic or hospital to seek advice. Alternatively, if you want peace of mind, it’s best to take your cat to the veterinarian promptly and not offer them catnip in the future.
Offering Catnip to Your Cat
There are several ways to offer your cat catnip. Keep in mind that some cats aren’t interested in catnip, so don’t force it. Try different methods to see if your cat has a preference.
Whichever option you choose, remember to buy the best quality catnip you can afford. Organic and non-GMO blends are best.
1. Live Plants
Many cats love smelling live plants. Luckily for many cat owners, catnip is easy to grow and maintain. It requires little care and occasional watering. Don’t worry if you have a knack for killing plants. Catnip is very forgiving!
You can find a catnip plant at most garden stores, or you can grow the plant yourself from seed if you’re looking for a project. However, do keep in mind that planting catnip can lure other cats to your garden as well, which, in turn, can lead to turf wars and hostile interactions with your cat.
2. Dried Catnip
- Our Top Pick: Yeowww Catnip Bags, 1-Ounce
Dried catnip is the most common form of catnip on the market. Many grocery stores, garden shops, and pet shops have dried catnip. It is the best option if you don’t know if your cat will like catnip. Not all catnip is created equal; some brands are better than others. Try a different brand if your cat isn’t interested in the dried catnip.
You can purchase dried catnip in different sizes, from small 1-oz bags to large 12-oz containers.
3. Stuffed Cat Toys
- Our Top Pick: Hepper Catnip Stick
You can find all kinds of stuffed catnip toys. They are a great interactive option for cats that get the zoomies after sniffing the plant. Try a fun Catnip Stick by Hepper for your cat to see if they respond to it.
Some toys come with a container of dried catnip, so you don’t have to buy any. If you order online, check the product description to see if you need to buy dried catnip.
4. Oils and Sprays
- Our Top Pick: Petlinks Bliss Mist Catnip Spray
Catnip oils and sprays are a nice option if you don’t want to clean up catnip crumbles throughout your house. You can apply the spray or oil to any surface or toy for a little extra fun.
Petlink’s Bliss Mist Cat Spray is an option you can consider.
5. Catnip Bubbles
- Our Top Pick: Pet Qwerks Incredibubbles for Cats
Catnip bubbles like Pet Qwerks catnip bubbles are great for kitties who like to have a little fun. Moving bubbles give cats an exciting catnip experience by watching a moving object. Then, they get to enjoy the perks of popping the bubble! However, products such as this one are intended for outdoor use, as the bubbles can stain some furniture.
Catnip Alternatives for Cats Not Interested In Catnip
We covered just about everything you need. But what if your cat isn’t interested in catnip?
- Tatarian Honeysuckle: A study showed that cats responded positively to Tatarian honeysuckle. Some cats even preferred honeysuckle more than catnip. Tatarian honeysuckle is an excellent option for olfactory enrichment if your cat doesn’t like catnip.
- Valerian: Valerian produces a high similar to catnip. Anecdotally, people claim that upon using this, cats usually fall asleep immediately. It might be a great option if your cat needs an extra-long cat nap!
- Silvervine: Silvervine is similar to catnip and produces a euphoric feeling in some cats. It’s also an excellent alternative for anti-catnip kitties.
Final Thoughts
Catnip has been used as a cat stimulant for many felines, and the effects of this mint last anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes for cats that do respond to it. Catnip gives your cat a temporary high, followed by a period of fatigue.
It’s perfectly natural if your cat doesn’t like catnip. In such a scenario, you can try different plants and see what your cat responds best to. Your cat will appreciate your efforts regardless!
Featured Image Credit: Georgia Evans, Shutterstock
