May 08, 2025

What’s That Smell? The Pungent Power of Valerian Root (And Why Cats Dig It!)

If you've ever opened a pouch of valerian root and thought, “Whoa, did someone forget to change the litter box?”—you’re not alone. This herbal superstar has one of the most far out & funky aromas in the plant kingdom. But while humans might wrinkle their noses, cats? Oh, they dig it. In fact, some cats go absolutely bonkers for it!

So, what is valerian root? Why does it smell like gym socks in a sauna? Why are cats obsessed with it? And most importantly, what are the benefits of valerian root for cats?

Let’s break it down and tune you into the mellow magic of this herbal wonder.

🌿 What Is Valerian Root?

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, used for centuries in herbal medicine. While humans have long used it as a natural sleep aid and stress reducer, cats have their own kind of love for this rooty remedy.

It contains a compound called actinidine, a natural stimulant similar in chemical structure to nepetalactone, the stuff that makes catnip so irresistible. Some studies also suggest the presence of valerenic acid, which interacts with brain receptors to promote relaxation in both humans and animals.

🧪 Fun Fact: The smell of valerian root is often described as musky, cheesy, or even sweaty-sock-like—and that’s exactly what some cats love most about it. The more pungent, the better!

🐈 Why Do Cats Love Valerian Root?

Valerian root works as a natural feline attractant, triggering behavior in many cats similar to catnip or silvervine—think rubbing, rolling, purring, zoomies, and general groovy vibes.

Here’s how it works:

When cats smell valerian root, it stimulates receptors in their nose that connect to the brain’s pleasure and activity centers.
The reaction usually lasts 5 to 20 minutes.
After that, cats enter a “refractory period” where they won’t respond again for a while—totally normal!

Not all cats are into catnip, but valerian root often works on cats who don’t respond to nepetalactone (the active compound in catnip). According to some studies, over 50% of cats who showed no reaction to catnip responded to valerian root instead.

🧘 Benefits of Valerian Root for Cats

Valerian root isn’t just a trippy experience for your feline friend—it can actually support their health and wellbeing in some pretty cool ways. Here's the rundown on its benefits:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Valerian root can help calm cats in stressful situations, especially when ingested in small, safe amounts or used in blends.

Perfect for:

Trips to the vet
Moving day
Thunderstorms or fireworks
Introducing new pets or people
Nail trims or grooming sessions

2. Supports Mental Enrichment

Indoor cats often miss out on natural stimulation, but valerian can help provide that hit of excitement and sensory joy. It activates their natural hunting behaviors and keeps those kitty minds sharp.

🪷 Here’s The Skinny:

❓ Is valerian root safe for cats?

Yes! In moderate amounts, valerian root is generally safe for cats. It’s best offered occasionally (no more than a couple times a week), and under supervision. Some cats may get overexcited, so make sure playtime is mellowed out if things get too wild.

🚫 Warning: Never give your cat human valerian supplements unless they’re specifically formulated for pets. Always check ingredient labels and consult your vet.

❓ What does valerian root do to cats?

Valerian root can trigger a euphoric or playful response in cats—rolling, drooling, bunny-kicking, and zooming are all normal reactions. In other cases, it can have a calming effect, especially when ingested in small doses or blended with calming herbs like chamomile.

❓ Do all cats respond to valerian root?

Nope—just like with catnip, not every cat is into valerian. But many cats who are immune to catnip will still react to valerian, silvervine, or other feline herbs. That’s why our blends often include more than one herb to keep all kinds of kitties feelin’ fine.

❓ What’s the best way to give valerian root to cats?

Here’s how you can serve up the funk:

Valerian Blends: Whisker Trip’s Valerian Root Blend is specifically formulated to appeal to kitties who usually show no interest in catnip, all while toning down that pungent scent so it isn’t too overwhelming.
Kicker Toys: Stuff with a valerian blend and watch your cat wrestle like a pro wrestler!
Treats or Tea: Try a valerian root catnip tea—great for calming before stressful events. Read here about how to have high tea time with your feline friend.

👃 What’s That Smell Though?!

Look, we’re not gonna sugarcoat it—valerian root smells intense. But that potent pong is what makes it work. It’s earthy, musky, and yes, a little funky, but it’s exactly what many cats crave.

You might want to:

Store it in an airtight container
Keep it out of human bedrooms (unless you’re feelin’ adventurous)
Offer it in a well-ventilated area

But remember—what smells like old shoes to you is pure flower power for your feline.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Is Valerian Root Worth the Funk?

Totally! Valerian root is a safe, effective, and natural way to bring a little excitement—or calm—to your cat’s day. Whether your feline is a lazy lounger or a wild child, valerian just might be the herbal hero you’ve been waiting for.

So if your cat’s ignoring the catnip, bored of the toys, or needs a little mellow magic in their life, don’t let the smell scare you off. It’s just the sweet scent of the sixties... in plant form.

At Whisker Trip, we carry righteous blends of catnip, silvervine, and valerian root—each one tested for max potency and freshness.

Check out our curated Valerian Root Blend: Vision Quest - your feline will be in a dreamlike trance in no time.