Many cats go crazy for catnip and can enjoy its benefits from the age of 3-6 months! Read on to find out how you can use it for training, playtime, exercise and more.
When can cats have catnip? Quick summary
- Cats can safely have catnip from around 3 to 6 months old, though most won't react to it until they reach that age.
- Kittens under 3 months lack the developed receptors needed to respond to nepetalactone, catnip's active oil.
- Catnip sensitivity is genetic, so roughly 30 to 50% of cats never react to it, even once fully grown.
- There's no harm in offering catnip early. An unresponsive kitten will simply ignore it and not be harmed by it.
- Once a cat does react, the effects usually last 5 to 15 minutes before wearing off.
- A small pinch or one catnip treat is plenty. Too much can cause mild digestive upset.
When can cats have catnip?
Cats can be introduced to catnip from the age of 3 to 6 months. There’s no danger in introducing it sooner, but the chances are that your kitten will simply ignore it, as they do not develop the ability to respond to catnip until they reach that age.
Why kittens don't respond before 3 months
While there’s no harm in introducing catnip to young kittens, there is also no real reason to, as kittens under 3 months old lack the developed neurological receptors needed to process the nepetalactone, the active oil in catnip. This means their sensitivity to it is not yet present and develops as they near sexual maturity or adolescence.
Will every cat react to catnip?
Sensitivity to catnip is an inherited trait, which means there is a share of cats that never develop a response to it at all, as they simply do not carry the gene. If an adult cat ignores catnip, it’s completely normal and means they lack the gene, rather than there being something wrong with them. It could also mean they possess the gene but simply don’t enjoy it – all cats are individuals, and some choose not to engage with it at all.
For cats that do react, catnip commonly causes a feeling of euphoria which triggers a few minutes of purring, rubbing their face and body on furniture, people, toys or the floor – this is often accompanied by excessive drooling or salivating which is no cause for concern, providing it subsides as the catnip wears off. If you feel that your cat's reaction is too extreme, reduce the amount they are exposed to in the future.
Can older cats still enjoy catnip?
Absolutely! Senior cats can still enjoy catnip, though some may become less sensitive to it as they get older. That said, there’s no reason why you can’t offer it to your cat every now and then, no matter how old they are.
When to give a cat catnip
Only around 60% of cats react to catnip, so it's worth testing with a small amount first.
To make playtime more fun
Sprinkle catnip in play areas, rub it on toys, scratching posts or cat trees. Catnip-stuffed toys let cats release the odour naturally through play.
To encourage your cat to exercise
If your cat has a hyperactive response, catnip can motivate a sedentary cat to get up and run around. A drowsy response may instead lead to more napping.
To help with training
Use catnip as positive reinforcement for behaviours you want to encourage, like coming indoors at night or staying still during claw clipping. You can pair this with treats for extra reinforcement during training sessions.
To relax your cat
Catnip can help calm a cat, but only for the cats who respond by becoming docile. Around a third of cats become mellow and relaxed when introduced to catnip, though others become hyperactive. Test their individual response to the effects of catnip before relying on it to relax them.
How much catnip is safe for cats?
Start with a small pinch of fresh or dried catnip, or one catnip treat, and see how they get on.
Excessive consumption can cause upset stomach, diarrhoea and vomiting, though cats typically self-regulate. Once a kitten is old enough to be introduced to catnip, it’s important that you still offer a smaller amount than you would for an adult cat, to avoid any risk of digestive upset. You could instead offer them treats, such as some delicious DREAMIES™ Catnip Flavour Treats they’ll be sure to love.
How often should I give my cat catnip?
Stick to weekly or occasional use to prevent desensitisation. Catnip is non-addictive.
FAQ
Is catnip ok for kittens?
Yes, it's completely safe. Kittens under 3 months just won't react to it yet, and there's no harm in offering it early, as the kitten will simply ignore it if they’re not yet able to react.
Does catnip calm cats down?
Reactions vary depending on the individual. While roughly a third of cats become calm and mellow when introduced to catnip, many become playful or hyperactive instead. Catnip can help some cats calm down, but there’s no guarantee.
How long does catnip last for cats?
The effects of catnip usually last 5 to 15 minutes, after which cats become temporarily unresponsive to it for an hour or two.
Can cats have too much catnip?
Catnip is non-addictive and it’s impossible for cats to overdose. That said, too much can cause mild vomiting or diarrhoea, so it’s best to stick to a small pinch or one treat at a time.
