What Does Catnip Do To Cats?

Written in collaboration with vets

Catnip can dramatically change a cat’s behaviour, making calm cats suddenly playful, affectionate, or euphoric. It can also be overstimulating for some cats.
Sniffing catnip and ingesting it produces entirely different reactions. Sniffing results in a more energetic response, whereas ingesting it elicits more of a sedated reaction.
Sensitivity to catnip is genetic, so not every cat will respond to it at all.

Most cat owners have heard playful jokes about catnip making cats feel 'groovy' or 'high' due to its psychedelic properties. So, why does catnip affect cats, and what does catnip do to cats? This guide will break down everything from how long the effects last, why some cats don’t react at all, and how to spot overstimulation in others.

What is Catnip?

What is catnip and what does catnip do to cats to change their mood? Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family. It contains a compound called nepetalactone (officially called Nepeta cataria), which can change your cat's behaviour. Many cat toys and treats include catnip to entice your pet to play!

What Happens When Cats Smell Catnip

When cats come into contact with catnip, the nepetalactone enters the nasal passage and triggers areas of the cat’s brain that are linked with reward, emotion, and social behaviour.

As a result, cats exhibit stimulant behaviours like rolling, purring, rubbing, vocalising and hyperactivity. They seem unlike their usual self during these outbursts and are often highly playful and full of energy.

The effects of catnip peak quickly and typically fade within 10 to 15 minutes.

The Science Behind the Catnip Reaction

Catnip effects usually include a temporary state of euphoria, however, it depends on how your cat reacts to it. Mood changes occur when the active ingredient called nepetalactone enters the nasal passage.

Cats may typically adopt the Flehmen position to inhale catnip. This is when they curl back their upper lip and open their mouth to inhale. This inhalation draws scent molecules into a special sensory structure in the roof of the cat’s mouth known as the Jacobson’s organ.

When nepetalactone is detected by your cat's olfactory system, it triggers a behavioural response. Scientists believe this process helps cats release 'happy hormones' within the brain, which is why catnip affects cats.

How Long Does the Catnip Effect Last?

The effects of catnip peak rapidly and often fade completely within 10 to 15 minutes.

There is, however, a temporary immunity period that lasts roughly one to two hours after the cat has first been offered catnip. Offering cats more catnip in this time will not cause them to have another reaction.

What Happens When Cats Eat Catnip?

While smelling catnip can result in cats rolling across, flipping on and rubbing against the floor, ingesting it often produces an entirely different effect.

Cats generally feel very mellow after eating catnip, as ingesting it produces a calmer, sedative effect rather than a stimulant reaction. It may result in cats becoming relaxed, sleepy, mellow, or spaced out.

However, some cats don't enjoy the effects of catnip and it can cause them to salivate and feel odd — so always use caution.

Catnip Effects on Cats

Cats experience behavioural, physiological, and neurological reactions to catnip. Every cat's reaction is different but they usually appear more energetic and playful or become more mellow and chilled out. These factors depend on ingestion, as ingesting catnip usually mellows cats out more.

Now for the most fun part! What catnip effects can owners expect after giving their pet some as a treat? It is important to note that catnip effects on cats may vary, however here are some of the most common ones to watch out for:

Rolling across the carpet.
Rubbing their body across the carpet.
Looking 'zonked out' or more mellow.
Highly energetic and playful.
Increased affection.
Increased vocalisation.

Relaxed rolling, purring, and kneading are all signs that your cat is enjoying the effects of catnip, whereas a twitching tail, dilated pupils, salivating, swatting and hissing may be signs that your cat is overstimulated.

If your cat becomes agitated rather than playful, it’s best to remove the catnip.

Does Catnip Make Cats High?

The effects of catnip may often resemble intoxication, with similar symptoms such as vacant staring and vocalising loudly.

It is true that catnip does create a temporary euphoric neurological response, though it is important to note that it is non-toxic, non-addictive, and causes no lasting neurological changes. Additionally, the effects disappear once the short active window ends.

Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

The main compound in catnip, nepetalactone, mimics compounds found in feline pheromones. As a result, the reaction cats have when they come into contact with it is entirely instinctive and involuntary rather than learned behaviour.

Catnip’s ability to mimic feline pheromones makes it highly desirable for cats, and is the reason many are drawn to it.

How Cats' Senses Respond to Catnip

Cats boast extremely sensitive senses of smell compared to humans, which is one reason why smelling catnip results in such an intense reaction.

When cats rub their faces or chins on the plants, they release even more oils, intensifying the reaction further.

This highly fine-tuned sense of smell, paired with the Flehmen’s response, sends the scent molecules into the Jacobson’s organ at the roof of the mouth. This is where it enters the cat’s system and creates the intense behaviour you notice.

Why Do Some Cats Not React to Catnip?

About 20%–30% of cats show no response whatsoever to catnip, as the trait that causes a reaction is genetic and is not present in all cats.

Kittens under three to six months also rarely react as they are typically immune to it until they are at least a year old. Senior cats, too, may not react, as they become less responsive to catnip with age.

Do Cats Enjoy Catnip?

Around 60% of cats react to catnip and the remaining 40% may not react at all. Catnip helps cats release 'happy hormones' which is why they experience a state of euphoria after ingesting it from eating treats or smelling it, however, the intensity can differ from cat to cat! Catnip effects on cats include increased playfulness or a mellow mood.

Is Catnip Bad for Cats?

Catnip is non-toxic, non-addictive and generally safe for all cats in moderation! However, catnip should still be used with care, especially if you are giving it to a young kitten for the first time. Catnip generally doesn't affect kittens until they are one year old; however, it won't cause them any harm in small quantities. While it is harmless, it’s important to understand how often to give catnip, as too much or too often will make cats immune to its effects.

Signs of Overstimulation and Aggression

For adult cats, we suggest no more than 2-3 catnip sessions a week (eating or sniffing it). Start them off with a small pinch of catnip or a handful of catnip treats, gauge their reaction and go from there.

Tail-wagging, hissing, swatting, crouching, and dilated pupils are all signs that your cat is feeling overwhelmed by the catnip. In these instances, it is best to remove it altogether to allow your cat to calm down.

Mild overexposure symptoms may present in your cat, though these will usually resolve quickly. Any persistent symptoms require medical attention.

How to Give Catnip to Cats?

There are various forms of catnip for your pet to enjoy, including dried catnip, catnip toys, catnip treats and catnip sprays.

Fresh Catnip

You can grow catnip at home to provide fresh leaves straight from the plant. Trim a few leaves off for your cat to sniff and play with. This is the freshest version of the herb, but it will require plant maintenance.

Fresh catnip creates a strong sniff-based stimulant response, and most cats will rub against and sniff fresh leaves rather than eat them. This is important to note if you are hoping to gain a more relaxed effect, as this effect is gained instead from cats ingesting the plant.

Dried Catnip

Dried catnip is generally more potent because the drying process concentrates the nepetalactone compound. Eating dried catnip can often create a calmer response, too.

It is easier to use; however, dried catnip can be messy and may cause stomach upset in some cats.

Poorly stored dried catnip will lose its potency over time, too. It should be stored in a vacuum-sealed or airtight container.

Catnip Spray

Catnip spray is a great way to create the sniff-driven stimulant response of fresh catnip and will result in similar effects.

These effects may fade faster, though, as the compounds disperse more quickly.

Catnip Treats

Catnip treats are an extra indulgent way for your cat to enjoy catnip. Our DREAMIES catnip treats combine the irresistible taste of DREAMIES with a catnip surprise. Our catnip treats have been designed to create a calmer, more relaxed effect as a result of them being eaten rather than sniffed. These are useful for stress relief and for calming after play.

Catnip is a unique way to engage with your cat and liven up playtime, however, catnip should always be used in moderation and you should discontinue use if your pet is experiencing a bad reaction! If you're curious about catnip and looking for a safe catnip-infused treat we have got you covered with DREAMIES catnip treats.

Find out more about your cat’s health here.