What Effects Does Catnip Have on Cats?

Catnip is actually a plant. Many cat toys contain catnip or you can even grow it yourself. Catnip can have different effects depending on the cat.

Young kittens will not respond to catnip. In fact, it’s best not to try catnip until a cat is an adult. Kittens tend to be playful enough without adding more stimulation.

As kittens mature, about sixty percent of them will develop a reaction to catnip. This reaction is actually a genetic trait, and those cats that do not have the right genetics will never react to the substance.

In some cats, the reaction to catnip causes euphoria which may include increased playfulness, purring, and occasionally erratic behavior. A cat given a toy that has catnip in it will often sniff the toy repeatedly, rub up against it, and possibly play with the toy a little more enthusiastically than it would other toys. This is the reaction that owners enjoy since the cat is having fun and is often very entertaining to watch.

Unfortunately, the reaction in a minority of felines is one of aggression or behavior that endangers the cat or humans. For kitties who react this way, catnip should be avoided. Since it is present in so many products, owners will have to exercise caution when purchasing toys and other cat supplies.

Besides the aggressive reaction, catnip is not harmful. If a cat ingests too much, vomiting may result, so limit the amount of pure catnip given at one time.

What effects does catnip have on cats? The answer depends on the individual animal. Try one catnip toy or a little dried catnip and watch your cat’s response to find out if catnip is an enjoyable treat for you and your feline.