What Does Catnip Do and Is It Calming for Cats?
Catnip is known for having a powerful effect on some of our feline friends. You may have noticed that when your cat encounters catnip, they start acting a little differently. They might roll around, get playful or even appear to be entranced. But what exactly does catnip do, and why does it have this effect on cats?
In this blog, we’ll answer all your questions about catnip! We’ll explore what it is, why it has such an effect on our cats, and whether it can be used as a natural way to help calm your kitty.
What Is Catnip?
Although it can have an overwhelming effect on cats, catnip is completely natural and safe for them. In fact, it’s a plant called Nepeta cataria, which has heart-shaped green leaves and purple or white flowers. This plant contains an oil called nepetalactone, which is responsible for the effect catnip has on cats.
So, what does catnip actually do? When cats sniff, lick or chew the plant, the nepetalactone oil triggers specific sensory receptors in their nose, which then sends signals to the brain, causing behaviors like playfulness or trance-like reactions.
The effect of catnip usually lasts anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. After this, cats become temporarily immune and need a break before they can be affected again.
What Effect Does Catnip Have on Cats?
Because catnip can increase arousal, your cat may react in unexpected ways. Some cats become extra playful and excited, while others may seem briefly agitated or act more protective than usual. If you need to handle your cat, it’s best to wait until the effects have worn off.
When looking at what catnip does to cats, you may also notice responses such as:
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Sniffing or licking
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Drooling
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Rubbing their head, chin or cheek
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Head shaking
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Increased activity or playfulness
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Pawing
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Reduced activity for some cats
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Rolling and body-rubbing
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Increased vocalization like meowing or purring
Catnip can be added into play as a great way to support your cat’s well-being. Try using it in toys, during enrichment sessions by introducing a new scent for your cat to explore, to encourage the use of a new scratching post, or in training as an exciting reward at the end of a session.
Interestingly, the effect that catnip has on cats can be influenced by genetics. Only about 60% to 70% of cats respond to catnip, as some simply don’t carry the necessary genes. A cat’s response can also vary with age, and kittens under six months generally show little to no reaction.
Can a Cat Have Too Much Catnip?
Although you may think a cat can have too much catnip, the truth is that catnip isn’t considered to be addictive or harmful to cats. If you have a catnip plant, it’s perfectly safe for your cat to nibble on it.
Despite it not being harmful, it’s still useful to monitor how much catnip you give your cat, as when it’s eaten in a large amount it could cause digestive upset or make your cat become agitated or overstimulated .
The effects of catnip on cats can also be seen with other plants, such as silver vine and valerian. These plants generally contain lower levels of nepetalactone, which may be gentler for cats that can become overstimulated or agitated by catnip. For cats that don’t respond to catnip, they might still enjoy and react to these other plants.
Does Catnip Calm Cats Down?
If your cat seems more relaxed when interacting with catnip, you might be wondering, ‘Can catnip calm cats down?’ While some cats may appear to show calming signs, catnip is not a proven way to reduce stress, and its effects are very individual. For cats that do respond, it may even have the opposite effect, making them more energetic.
If you’re looking to help your cat feel more serene, FELIWAY® Optimum is a great choice. It uses the natural pheromone messaging system cats rely on to stay calm, and you can plug it into their favorite room in the house to help them relax. Unlike catnip, which has temporary effects, FELIWAY® Optimum works around the clock, developed from FELIWAY®’s 30 years of expertise and innovation, releasing its calming pheromone complex 24/7 to bring reassurance and calm to your cat.
If you’d like some other ways to keep your cat calm, take a closer look at their daily routine, how cat-friendly your home is, and the nature of your interactions. Plus, we’ve got plenty more articles on keeping your cat calm that you can explore on our website!
Explore more of the FELIWAY® blog online for expert-backed advice and insights. And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest tips and product support for a happier, calmer cat!
