Can Cats Eat Catnip or Is It Just for Sniffing? Vet-Verified Facts

Everyone knows that cats love catnip. If you’ve never seen a cat’s reaction to the herb, you must because it’s hilarious. Some cats go crazy on catnip, while others might just sit still and stare at nothing. The effects only last for about 10 minutes, but most cats seem to love catnip and its effects. Catnip is generally safe for cats to eat, though you don't want to let your cat overindulge, as it may cause undesired gastrointestinal and behavioral issues. Let's explore more of this topic.

Is Catnip Safe for Cats to Eat?

Catnip is safe for your feline, which is good since it’s sold at pet stores everywhere! The most common way for cats to enjoy catnip is by sniffing it. However, some pet parents will mix in a little bit with their food. It usually acts as a sedative for your cat when they eat it, but some felines become more animated. Your cat's behavior could change drastically after eating just a little!

They might become calm and spaced out or frantic and excited. Either way, your cat is in no danger, and there are no lasting effects once the catnip wears off in 5 to 15 minutes.

Does Catnip Have Benefits for Cats?

Nutritionally, there’s not much in catnip to benefit your cat. Cats don’t need to eat many greens to remain healthy. However, the herb makes your cat feel happy, which could be seen as a recreational benefit.

Playing is an important part of keeping your cat mentally and physically engaged, and a great toy will make it much easier. We like Hepper's Catnip Stick Toys because they're sturdy enough to handle intense play and completely filled with organic catnip. You'll love the fun range of pastel colors and your cat will enjoy the prey-like shape!

Our recommendation

Hepper Stick Catnip Cat Kicker Toy

• No Filler - Like all the best cat toys our is stuffed with 100% organic catnip. Cheap cat toys with filler leave your cat bored and disinterested. Our pets deserve to be excited and engaged.
• Flexible Play - Simple plush shape is great for biting, scratching and pawing. It can start life as a teething toys for kittens then soon your furry friend will be using it as a cat kick stick. Play for any mood
• Durably Designed - Our cat safe toys are hand-stitched with a double-lined exterior construction for hours of playtime, perfect cat kicker toys for cats indoors and even outdoors. Your cat will tire out before the toy does!

Check Price on Amazon

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

How Much Catnip Can I Feed My Cat?

While catnip doesn’t pose any real risk to your cat, it’s still a good idea to be cautious about how much you give them. Cats don’t need to eat plants since they’re obligate carnivores. Although they historically ingested small amounts of greens and grains from their prey’s gastrointestinal contents, their primary nutrients are proteins and fats.

While cats sometimes nibble on plants, catnip doesn’t offer nutritional benefits other than a bit of fiber. However, if they eat too much, they can experience vomiting or diarrhea. These are minor concerns, and most cats won't overindulge in catnip.

Why Do Cats Love Catnip?

For felines, catnip acts as a natural mood enhancer due to a compound called nepetalactone, which may mimic cat pheromones. It can have different effects on cats, though most seem attracted to the herb. Some cats don't react to catnip at all, and therefore, they are not attracted to it since it is a genetic predisposition. In other words, the response to catnip is inherited.

Why Should I Give Catnip to My Cat?

There’s no medical reason to give catnip to your cat. It’s not necessary for them to have it, but there are two good reasons why you might still want to consider providing a bit of catnip for your four-legged partner.

First, most cats just like it. Your cat will likely enjoy catnip, which you can easily tell by their reaction. If they enjoy it and it makes them happier, why deprive them of the occasional joy?

Second, watching a cat react to catnip is incredibly entertaining! Some cats have hilarious reactions to catnip that contrast their stoic personalities. This can make catnip just as fun for you as it is for your cat.

If you need advice over this topic, we recommend speaking with a vet.

What if My Cat Doesn’t React to Catnip?

While most cats like catnip, some cannot feel its effects. About 30% of all felines are immune to catnip and won’t respond to it. For the remaining 70%, catnip provides a brief euphoric effect. If your cat is part of the 30% unaffected by catnip, don’t fret. They’ll never know what they’re missing out on!

What to Do When Catnip Makes Your Cat Aggressive

Rarely some cats react aggressively to catnip, though it’s uncommon. Usually, the aggressive reaction occurs in males. It’s believed that the pheromones mimicked by the active compound in catnip are mating pheromones, which may be the reason behind the reaction of these cats.

How to Give Catnip to Your Cat

There are many ways you can give your cat this mood-enhancing herb as a treat. You can buy it as a dry herb, such as this 2.25-ounce jar from OurPets Cosmic Catnip. With the dry herb, you can feed it to your cat straight, sprinkle it on their food, or rub it on a scratcher.

Another option is a catnip spray, such as the SmartyKat Catnip Mist Spray. This makes it easier to attract your cat to specific areas rather than others, such as when you need to get them to stop scratching your sofa and start scratching their scratching post! But it’s one of the least effective ways to give your cat the “euphoria” associated with catnip.

Conclusion

Catnip is entirely safe for your cat and can make them happier and more playful. Plus, you’ll enjoy watching their hilarious antics after they inhale the herb's aroma. There are several types of catnip you can give your feline, but be sure not to feed them too much, or they can experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including vomiting and diarrhea.

• See Also: Is Catnip Good for Cats’ Digestion? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Gaston Cerliani, Shutterstock