How to Train a Cat Using Catnip: Treats, Training and Tranquility 🌈

Hey cool cats and hip humans! ✌️

You probably already know that catnip makes your kitty feel like they’ve just stepped into the floor at the discoteque—but did you know it can be more than just a psychedelic playtime treat? When used correctly, catnip and its groovy botanical buddies like silvervine and valerian root can be powerful tools for training and behavior shaping.

That’s right—treats don’t always have to be edible. Sometimes, a sprinkle of nature’s finest is all it takes to get your feline friend purring to the rhythm of your rules.

🌿 Catnip: The Grooviest Treat Around

Catnip isn’t just for rolling and zooming—it can also be a positive reinforcement tool. If your cat responds to catnip, use it strategically to reward or encourage behaviors you’d like to see more of. A little goes a long way—think of it like a hit of peace and love for good behavior.

Here’s how to make it work:

✨ Rub or spray catnip on scratching posts
Encourage your cat to scratch where you want them to—not your record collection. Sprinkling a pinch or misting catnip spray on posts or pads can entice your kitty to focus their claws where it counts.

🛋️ Use as a reward for positive behavior
Did your cat finally stay off the kitchen counter or use their carrier without drama? Sprinkle a bit of catnip on their favorite mat as a groovy “thank you.”

🚫 Don’t use it for litter box training
That’s a no-go, baby! Catnip can actually encourage rolling or playing in the box, which confuses their instincts and might lead to a whole lotta mess, or even make them sample their litter. Yuck! Stick to unscented litter training methods for bathroom behavior.

🧘 Valerian Root: Flower Power Chill

Got a cat who’s a little too far out? 😼 Valerian root is your mellow yellow solution. While catnip hypes most cats up, valerian root has a calming, anxiety-reducing effect—perfect for stressful situations or extra-wiggly kitties.

Here’s when to use valerian blends:

🚗 Before car rides or vet visits
A sprinkle of valerian-infused catnip can help ease travel anxiety, making carriers and crates feel more like comfy bean bags than kitty prisons.

✂️ Nail trims and grooming sessions
Rub a valerian blend on their grooming mat or offer a little before a nail trim. It helps reduce resistance and makes your cat feel safe and chill.

🏡 During big changes (like moving)
New space? New smells? New everything? Valerian root can help your cat stay centered and groovy when everything else is changing.

💊 Giving medication
Sneak valerian into a favorite treat, or offer a pre-dose sprinkle to help your cat stay relaxed when it's time for pills or drops.

🍃 Silvervine: The Wildcard Herb That Works When Catnip Won’t

If your kitty gives you side-eye every time you break out the catnip, try silvervine! It contains two active compounds (actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide), making it appealing even to cats who don’t respond to catnip.

How to use silvervine in training:

🎯 Target training & enrichment
Sprinkle silvervine powder on toys or training stations to focus your cat’s attention during a session. Reward them with the toy once they complete the behavior—boom! You’ve got a feline Jedi.

🧩 Encourage interaction with puzzle feeders
Rub a bit on interactive toys or puzzle feeders to make your cat more curious and engaged with the challenge.

🌈 Peace, Love & Positive Reinforcement

Training your cat doesn’t have to feel like a square chore. With a little herb-powered encouragement, you can teach your cat to chill out, scratch right, and even handle nail trims like a rockstar.

The key is to use these botanicals intentionally, in moderation, and always with your cat’s personality in mind. Some cats prefer the mellow vibes of valerian, others go wild for silvervine, and some just need their daily dose of the good nip.

✨ Want the Best Herbs for the Job?

We’ve got you covered, cool cats. Our organic catnip, silvervine, and valerian root blends are fresh, potent, and packaged with love for your kitty and the planet.

👉 Shop our organic feline herbs and take your cat on a Whisker Trip!