Botanical family: Catnip is in the mint family, so it has that aromatic quality to it. The plant grows in clusters, with square stems, jagged green leaves, and small white or pale purple flowers.
Active compound: The key ingredient in catnip that affects cats is nepetalactone, a compound found in the plant’s leaves and stems. Nepetalactone triggers a response in cats that causes behaviors like rolling, purring, and general excitement.
Why Cats React to Catnip
The response to catnip is genetic. Not all cats are affected by it, and it’s estimated that about 50-75% of cats have a sensitivity to it.
When a cat smells catnip, nepetalactone binds to receptors in the cat’s nasal tissue, which then stimulates sensory neurons that affect the brain. This creates the euphoric or "high" feeling.
The effects are typically short-lived, lasting anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. After that, cats usually lose interest for a while and need to "reset" before they’ll react to it again.
How Cats Respond to Catnip
Excited play: Many cats will get really energetic and start running around, chasing imaginary things, or pouncing.
Rolling and rubbing: Cats often roll around or rub their face and body against the catnip.
Purring or drooling: Some cats will purr, meow, or even drool when they’re exposed to catnip.
Relaxation: After the initial frenzy, some cats may just sit back, relaxed, and chill out.
Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Yes, catnip is completely safe for cats. It’s non-toxic, and there’s no evidence that it’s addictive, although cats can become temporarily desensitized to it if they’re overexposed. Giving them a break between sessions can help.
Moderation is key: While catnip is safe, too much exposure can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in some cats (like vomiting or diarrhea), but that’s rare.
Not All Cats Respond the Same
Age and genetics: Kittens under 3-4 months old generally won’t react to catnip, and older cats might also be less enthusiastic about it.
Not all breeds: Some cats simply aren’t affected, even if they are adults. It’s just a genetic thing—like how some humans don’t experience certain tastes or smells the same way others do.
How to Use Catnip
Fresh catnip: You can grow your own catnip (it’s easy and fun), or buy it fresh from a pet store or garden center. Some cats love the fresh leaves more than dried.
Dried catnip: Dried catnip is commonly sold in stores here and can be sprinkled on scratching posts, toys, or beds to entice a cat to play or relax.
Catnip toys: At many pet stores you can buy cat toys stuffed with dried catnip like Whisker Widget Shops cat toy wand or even sprays that can be used on furniture or toys to draw a cat’s attention.
Catnip sprays: If you have a cat that’s sensitive to smells, a catnip spray can be an easy option to get them interested in certain objects.
Can Other Animals Be Affected by Catnip?
Dogs: Some dogs show mild reactions to catnip, like calmness or drowsiness, but it’s not as strong as the reaction cats have.
Humans: Humans can use catnip in tea or as a medicinal herb, though it has a very different effect. It’s known to be mildly sedative for humans, which is why it’s sometimes used for relaxation or to treat insomnia.
Received the package, and put it together in less than a minute. Very high quality.
My cats love it. The youngest kitten goes berserk.
Highly recommend.
My kitties were so excited when the box came. Ollie couldn’t wait to get his new toy out. He loves it so much he doesn’t let his sister Tuna play it for long. Tuna adores the mouse that is filled with the whiffins. Neither of my cats have acted the way they do around the whiffins cat nip with other cat nips. Once they hear the top pop they know what’s coming and can’t get enough of it. Love that it’s so well made and doesn’t fall apart like other cat toys we have gotten from other stores. Also, it’s made in America and you can’t beat that!!
We own two cats and they have really liked it, even my older cat who does not play much has enjoyed it. The wand seems pretty durable as well, even the string seems like it will last a long time - which is a issue I have experienced with other toys similar to this. I would say it is a good purchase if you have a fairly active cat or multiple cats and just want a single toy that will last years.
The organic cat nip has been a great addition to the handmade mouse that came with our gift this year from my cousin. Good luck with this product youve created. Our "Chocolate" fur baby will be a happier boy. Thanks!
Wow. Our fur babies just live this new toy from you. Well made and I love the story behind it being based on a momma cat you you adopted Plus I live it’s made in America 🇺🇸
This cat teaser cat nip combo was a find! Who would've thought a handmade in USA product existed. Thank you for crafting sure a durable product. We will enjoy our play time with our kitties longer. God Bless American small businesses!!
