Apr 30, 2025

Can Cats Eat Catnip? Digging Into the Groovy Truth About Feline Herbs 🌿

If your feline friend goes absolutely bonkers when the catnip bag comes out, you're not alone! This funky little herb has been turning mellow kitties into zooming flower children for centuries. But one big question a lot of humans have is: Can cats eat catnip?

Short answer? Yes, they totally can. But let’s take a deeper dive into what that means, how cats respond to different ways of enjoying it, and what you should know to keep things safe and smooth. ✌️

Can Cats Eat Catnip?

Yes, cats can safely eat catnip in small amounts. Whether it's in dried leaf form or fresh from the garden, nibbling catnip is generally non-toxic and harmless to cats. In fact, when ingested, catnip often has the opposite effect of the wild zoomies — instead of ramping up the energy, it tends to calm your cat down and leave them lounging like a cool cucumber.

The key is moderation. Eating too much catnip (think: more than a tablespoon or two) might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset — things like:

Drooling
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lethargy

But don’t wig out! These symptoms are temporary and rare. Most cats self-regulate when they’ve had enough — they’ll stop eating once they’ve caught the mellow wave. Still, always supervise playtime and store your stash safely, just like you would your other… herbs. 😉

The Ways Cats Consume Catnip — and How It Affects Them

Catnip is a psychedelic playground for cats because of a compound called nepetalactone, found in the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant. This groovy chemical can interact with a cat’s olfactory system (sense of smell) and central nervous system in different ways — depending on how it’s consumed.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common ways cats enjoy catnip and what it does to their bodies and minds:

1. Eating Catnip (Ingesting)

When cats eat catnip, the effects are more subtle and sedative. You may notice your cat:

Lounging in bliss
Stretching out and snoozing
Purring or kneading
Becoming more affectionate

For anxious or high-strung cats, this is a great way to promote chill vibes. It’s also a solid option for vet visits, moving day, or nail trimming — just sprinkle a bit in food or offer a catnip treat to help them mellow out. 🧘

2. Sniffing Catnip (Inhalation)

Now this is where the party starts! Sniffing catnip produces the iconic, euphoric reaction we all know and love. When inhaled, nepetalactone binds to receptors in the cat’s nasal tissue and sends signals straight to the brain’s emotion center.

Cats who sniff catnip often:

Roll, zoom, and bunny-kick
Rub their face against the source
Meow, chirp, or trill
Become playful and goofy

The high usually kicks in fast and lasts around 10–15 minutes, followed by a cool-down period where they won’t respond to catnip for an hour or two.

3. Rolling in Catnip (Contact)

Cats who roll in or rub up against catnip are activating both their olfactory and tactile senses. It’s instinctual behavior — kind of like how big cats scent-mark trees or each other in the wild. That roll-and-rub party is their way of getting maximum exposure to those groovy catnip oils.

This behavior is especially helpful when using catnip to train your cat. Try:

Rubbing it on scratching posts or cat beds
Sprinkling it inside carriers before travel
Using a catnip spray on toys to encourage play

4. Drinking Catnip (Catnip Tea)

That’s right — catnip tea isn’t just for stressed-out humans. Some cool cats dig it too! Brew a little tea using dried catnip (no caffeine or additives!), let it cool, and offer it as a soothing drink. You can also soak a cloth or toy in the tea and offer it to them to sniff or lick.

Catnip tea tends to have a calming effect and can be great for:

Senior cats needing hydration
Cats recovering from surgery
Cats who need help chilling out before stressful events

Just make sure you’re using organic catnip, free from pesticides and preservatives. Read more about how to make Catnip tea here!

Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

The answer lies in evolution and biology. Cats love catnip because nepetalactone mimics the scent of feline pheromones. It’s a natural chemical signal that triggers behaviors related to happiness, play, and social bonding.

Some cats become zoom-happy loons. Others melt into a puddle of purrs. Either way, catnip is like nature’s own jazz record — pure vibes, no chemicals added.

Does Catnip Get Cats High?

Totally — but don’t worry, it’s safe and non-addictive. The euphoric effect is similar to a natural "high" caused by endorphins, like a runner's high in humans.

And even better? Cats don’t build a dangerous tolerance. They just need a few hours to reset between sessions before they can groove again.

Is Catnip Bad for Cats?

No way! Catnip is safe and healthy for most cats — as long as it’s used in moderation. Here's how to keep the good vibes flowing:

✅ Use high-quality, organic catnip
✅ Avoid artificial fillers or synthetic sprays
✅ Don’t give too much (1 tbsp or less per session)
✅ Store in an airtight container out of reach
✅ Supervise your cat during catnip sessions

Can Kittens Have Catnip?

Most kittens under 3–6 months old won’t react to catnip at all. Their receptors just aren’t ready to tune into that groovy frequency yet. If they’re not feelin’ it, don’t stress — they’ll likely come around with age.

Want to try something earlier? Silvervine and valerian root are other fab feline herbs that some kittens do react to.

Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?

A true “overdose” is super rare and unlikely to be serious. If a cat eats way too much catnip, they may experience:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Sleepiness
Short-term behavior changes

These usually pass quickly, but if your kitty seems off for more than a few hours, give your vet a call just to be safe. 🌿

Final Thoughts: Keep It Groovy and Safe 🌈🐾

Catnip is more than just a treat — it’s a sensory experience, an enrichment tool, and a whole vibe for your feline friend. Whether they’re sniffing it, eating it, rolling in it, or sipping catnip tea, you’re giving them a gift straight from nature’s garden of good vibes.

So yes — cats can eat catnip, and they can enjoy it in a bunch of other fun ways too. Just make sure you’re offering it safely, organically, and in moderation.

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