Is there anything more fascinating and funnier than cats experiencing catnip-induced euphoria? Cat photographer Andrew Marttila’s delightful book Cats on Catnip is devoted to the hilarious poses of cats in the thrall of a catnip high, and it is as fun as one would imagine.
Undeniably, many cats go crazy for the stuff. But just what is at play here? And is it good for cats?
Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline “happy” receptors in the brain, says the Humane Society of the United States. Cats rolling in catnip tend to have a euphoric response, whereas if eaten, it tends to mellow cats out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, raking, rubbing cheeks and chin, drooling, bunny-kicking toys, zipping around the house, and eventually chilling out. They may even meow and growl at the same time.
But is catnip good for cats?
Catnip is a wonderful, safe enrichment tool. It can help stimulate cats both mentally and physically, contributing to a happier, healthier life. You can use catnip to encourage play, thereby combating obesity and stress, and to help your cat use their scratching post instead of your couch—using catnip on scratchers helps attract your cats to these areas.
Can I give my cat catnip every day?
Though catnip is safe and non-addictive, its effect can be diluted if given to your cat too often. Alexander Animal Hospital recommends limiting the use of catnip to about once every two to three weeks to prevent habituation. Others suggest once a week. Note that young and older cats may have a lesser response to catnip.
My cat doesn’t respond to catnip. Why?
Not all cats respond to catnip. About a third of domestic cats (as well as most tigers) display no response to it at all. This is because over 30 percent of domestic cats do not inherit the traits that make them responsive to nepetalactone. For these cats, alternatives such as silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, and valerian may provide similar enrichment. All three alternatives can induce playful, euphoric behavior akin to that seen with catnip.
Catnip Alternatives:
Silver Vine
Silver vine (also known as matatabi, Japanese catnip, or cat powder) is the most effective of these plants—almost 80 percent of cats respond positively to silver vine, according to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. That’s more than those that respond to catnip.
Silver vine is much more common in Asia, where the Japanese refer to the euphoric behavior of cats after sniffing the plant as “the matatabi dance.”
While catnip has just one compound (nepetalactone) that attracts cats, silver vine contains two—actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide. It also has several other active ingredients similar to nepetalactone.
Silver vine poses no risk of toxicity. “I only let my cat play with it once a week, but it can be used every day without any harmful side effects,” says Sara Ochoa, a veterinary consultant for DogLab.
Tatarian Honeysuckle
Around 50 percent of cats respond to Tatarian honeysuckle. Typical responses include rolling, licking, sniffing, drooling, hugging, and rubbing against it. Cats affected may become extremely affectionate. Pro tip: wetting the wood can help bring out the aroma. Tatarian honeysuckle is safe for both adult cats and kittens and is a wonderful way to enrich your cat’s environment.
Valerian
Behaviors of cats on valerian root are similar to those of cats on catnip. Expect playful behaviors, including chin and cheek rubbing, rolling, meowing, pouncing, drooling, and licking. When consumed, valerian can induce effects such as euphoria, purring, relaxation, and even falling asleep.
Valerian root is not only safe for your cat but also beneficial! It helps relieve stress and anxiety and promotes play and exercise for indoor cats. Just under 50 percent of cats respond to valerian.
Sprinkling a ¼ teaspoon of silver vine on your cat’s bed, toys, or scratching posts can help with anxiety. Chewing on silver vine sticks can help clean tartar off your cat’s teeth.
Alternatives to Catnip: A 2021 Study on Olfactory Enrichment for Cats
In a study of catnip alternatives, researchers found that 79 percent of domestic cats responded positively to silver vine, whereas 68 percent responded to catnip, 53 percent to Tatarian honeysuckle, and 47 percent to valerian root. Males and females appeared equally responsive. The study noted a lower response intensity in older cats for catnip compared to younger cats, but age had no impact overall. Interestingly, timid or scared cats showed response rates comparable to those of affectionate and friendly cats.
31 percent of cats did not respond at all to catnip; however, of these cats, 71 percent responded to silver vine, 32 percent to Tatarian honeysuckle, and 19 percent to valerian root, indicating that these are effective alternatives to catnip. Overall, among the 21 percent of cats that only reacted to one plant material, that material was most often silver vine. So, if your cat doesn’t respond to catnip—or if you’d simply like to mix it up—consider trying one of these alternatives. Your cat will appreciate it!
OUR PICKS
A Catnip Toy Cats Go Crazy For: Yeowww! My Cats Balls is a trio of perfectly sized two-inch toys stuffed with potent organic catnip to delight your feline. Perfect for $12. Check it out at duckyworld.com.
Silver Vine Chews: For cats that don’t react to catnip, try the Define Planet Silver Vine Dental Sticks! Made from unprocessed and natural silver vine, these sticks excite and stimulate cats while promoting dental health. $13 at defineplanet.com.
Classic, Organic ‘Nip: The Classic Catnip tin from Skinny Pete’s Catnip is packed with 25 grams of pure organic catnip! Perfect for refreshing cat toys or sprinkling on cat trees to encourage positive scratching behavior and play! $13 at skinnypetescatnip.com.
FAQ
1. Is catnip safe for all cats?
Yes, catnip is safe and non-toxic for most cats, making it a popular enrichment tool.
2. How often can I use catnip with my cat?
It is recommended to use catnip about once every two to three weeks to maintain its effectiveness without causing habituation.
3. What should I do if my cat doesn’t respond to catnip?
If your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, consider trying alternatives like silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, or valerian root.
4. Can I give my cat too much catnip?
While catnip is not addictive, overexposure may reduce its effectiveness. Moderation is key.
5. Are there any risks associated with silver vine or valerian?
Both silver vine and valerian are safe for cats and can offer similar playful benefits without risks of toxicity.
