May 15, 2025

How to Give Your Cat Catnip for the First Time: Groovy Tips and Best Practices

Is your feline friend ready to take a trip to their happy place? Introducing catnip to your kitty for the first time can be a far-out experience—for both of you! Whether you’re hoping to encourage playtime, enrich their environment, or just treat your cat to a little botanical bliss, catnip is one of nature’s most purrfect gifts.

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know before giving your cat catnip for the first time: how it works, when kittens start to respond, signs your cat is feeling it, and tips for a safe and successful experience. We’ll also groove into some other herbal hits like silvervine and valerian root, so your kitty always has options for their flower powered trip.

🌿 What Is Catnip and Why Do Cats Love It?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family that contains a powerful essential oil called nepetalactone. This compound is what sends cats into a euphoric, playful state—rolling, zooming, purring, and rubbing all over the place like it’s the summer of love.

When a cat inhales nepetalactone, it binds to receptors in the olfactory bulb and triggers a behavioral response in the brain—something akin to feline ecstasy. The effect usually lasts 10–15 minutes, after which the cat becomes temporarily immune to catnip for an hour or more.

Catnip isn’t addictive and is totally safe when used responsibly. It’s a great tool for playtime, enrichment, and even training. But not all cats respond—especially young kittens. So let’s dig into that.

🐱 Do Kittens React to Catnip?

Here’s the scoop: most kittens under the age of 6 months show little to no interest in catnip. That’s because their sensory receptors and brains haven’t fully developed the response yet. Some kittens may start to react around 3–4 months, but the majority won’t show signs until they’re closer to 6–12 months old.

🧬 Whether or not a cat responds to catnip is genetic—around 60–70% of cats carry the "catnip gene." The others? Not so much. But don’t worry, we’ve got other groovy herbs for them too.

If your kitten doesn’t react yet, don’t stress! You can always try again in a few months—or introduce them to silvervine or valerian root, which we’ll cover below.

🌼 Tips for Giving Catnip to Your Cat for the First Time

So your little flower child is ready to vibe—here’s how to make that first catnip session totally righteous.

1. Start Small

Just a pinch will do! Whether you’re using loose catnip, a toy, or a spray, start with a small amount and see how your cat reacts. You can always add more later if they’re digging it.

2. Choose the Right Form

Catnip comes in several cool forms:

Loose leaf – Sprinkle it on the floor, in a box, or on a toy.
Stuffed toys – Great for pouncing, bunny kicks, and cuddles.
Catnip sprays – Perfect for refreshing older toys or spritzing scratch posts.
Catnip blends – Often paired with valerian root or silvervine for a fuller experience.

3. Create a Chill Environment

Set the scene, baby! Make sure your cat feels safe and relaxed. A quiet space without loud music or distractions is best. Spread a blanket, turn on some mellow tunes, and let them vibe.

4. Watch & Observe

Every cat reacts differently. Some roll and rub, others zoom around the room, and some just sit and drool in bliss. Observe your cat’s behavior and make sure they don’t get overstimulated.

💡 Pro Tip: Supervise play sessions with catnip—especially the first few times—to make sure your cat doesn’t get too rowdy.

5. Use It in Moderation

It’s best to offer catnip no more than a few times per week. Overuse can cause your cat to become desensitized or less interested in it. Keep it fresh and special!

🛑 Can Catnip Ever Be “Too Much”?

Most cats know when to say, “I’m out, man.” But occasionally, some overenthusiastic kitties may ingest too much and end up with a mild upset stomach or a groggy vibe.

Always monitor your cat, especially with loose catnip. Store your stash in a sealed container, out of reach, just like you would with your own… herbs.

😸 Check out our blog post: Can Cats Overdose on Catnip?

🍃 What If My Cat Doesn’t React? Try These Groovy Alternatives

Not all cats respond to catnip—and that’s where other botanicals come in. Check out these herbal hits:

🌿 Silvervine (Actinidia polygama)

This funky fruit-bearing vine from the mountains of Asia is often more potent than catnip, especially for non-responders. Silvervine contains two different compounds—actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide—that cats love.

Cats tend to react with more intense play and longer sessions compared to catnip. You can find silvervine in powder form, on sticks, or blended into toys and treats.

Study Note: A 2017 study found that more cats responded to silvervine than catnip—about 75% of cats tested showed a reaction.

😸 Check out our blog post: Feline Flower Power

🌼 Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Smelly? Oh yes. But cats love it. Valerian root contains actinidine, which stimulates play in a similar way to catnip, and valerenic acid, which may help soothe stressed-out kitties when ingested.

Valerian is great for:

Cats who don’t react to catnip
Calming stressed cats
Multi-cat households with tension

😸 Check out our blog post: The Pungent Power of Valerian Root

🌈 Creating a Catnip Routine: Let Your Cat Choose Their Vibe

There’s no one-size-fits-all method when it comes to catnip and other feline herbs. Each cat has their own preferences, and the best thing you can do is experiment (safely) and observe.

Some cats love rolling in loose catnip, others prefer to kick and wrestle a stuffed toy. Some like a spritz of spray on their favorite perch. Let your cat guide the way to their Whisker Trip.

🧠 Enrichment & Training with Catnip

Catnip isn’t just a party favor—it’s also a fabulous enrichment tool. Here’s how to use it to benefit your cat’s mental and physical health:

Encourage exercise – Use catnip to make lazy cats more active.
Training aid – Sprinkle it on scratching posts to discourage furniture scratching.
Reduce stress – Pair with valerian root for vet visits or travel.
Interactive playtime – Bond with your cat through toys and games.

😸 Check out our blog post: How to Train a Cat Using Catnip

✌️ Final Thoughts: The First Hit Is the Grooviest

Giving your cat catnip for the first time is a milestone moment—like their first toy, or the first time they made biscuits on your lap. Whether they flip out or chill out, the key is to create a mellow, safe environment and let your cat lead the way.

Remember: not every cat grooves on catnip, but with silvervine and valerian root in your back pocket, your feline will be feeling fine in no time.

At Whisker Trip, we’re all about keeping it fresh and funky with organically grown, high-potency catnip, silvervine, and valerian root. We blend our botanicals with love—and your cat’s ultimate happiness in mind.

For guaranteed good vibes, try our Complete Bundle: 15 grams of each of our original 3 blends.