You toss a new toy on the floor. Your first cat sniffs it, rubs her cheek across it, flops onto her back and rolls as if she's won the lottery. Your second cat sniffs the very same toy, yawns and walks away.
Is something wrong with cat number two? Not at all. So what does catnip do to cats, and why doesn't it work on all of them? Here's the science behind the famous "kitty high," what you should know about safety, and what to try if your cat couldn't care less.
What Does Catnip Do to Cats?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family. Its leaves and stems carry a scent compound called nepetalactone. When a cat sniffs it, many respond with a burst of very recognizable behavior:
- Sniffing, licking and chewing the plant or toy
- Rubbing their cheeks and chin across it
- Rolling on their back and twisting
- Drooling or purring
- Sudden zoomies, or grabbing and bunny-kicking a toy
The effect usually wears off within minutes. According to the ASPCA, catnip "makes some cats sedated and others stimulated," so a mellow, dreamy response is just as normal as a wild one.
Why Doesn't My Cat React to Catnip?
About one in three cats doesn't respond
If your cat ignores catnip, they're in good company. In a 2017 study of 100 domestic cats published in BMC Veterinary Research, about one in three cats showed no response to catnip at all. It isn't a sign of a health problem; some cats simply aren't wired for it.
Young kittens often show little interest
Many kittens don't react to catnip until they're a few months old, so a kitten who ignores it today may be a fan later.
Many cats need a break between sessions
After a big reaction, many cats go through a spell when catnip barely affects them. If your cat ignored a toy right after an exciting session, try again later.
Old catnip loses its power
The scent fades over time. Dried catnip left open in a cupboard for months may simply be too weak for your cat to notice.
Catnip Alternatives That Work on More Cats
The same 2017 study tested other plants, and the results are good news for catnip "non-responders."
Silver vine: the standout
Almost 80% of the cats responded to silver vine, a climbing plant from East Asia. Even better, of the cats that ignored catnip, almost 75% responded to silver vine. It's usually sold as a powder or as dried sticks.
Tatarian honeysuckle and valerian root
About half of the cats responded to Tatarian honeysuckle and to valerian root. Valerian has a strong, earthy smell that many people find unpleasant, but some cats adore it.
How to introduce a new scent
Offer a small amount on a toy or cloth, let your cat investigate in their own time, and supervise the first few sessions. Or choose a toy that already combines scents: the Catnip Monster Kicker is a plush caterpillar kicker with built-in catnip and a natural silver vine tail, so it covers both bases in one toy.
And if your cat shrugs at every plant? That's fine too. A scent-free kicker such as the Bite & Play Fish still satisfies the urge to grab, bite and bunny-kick.
Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Most cats enjoy catnip without problems when it's an occasional sniffing and play treat. It isn't completely harmless, though. The ASPCA lists catnip as toxic to cats and notes that it "can cause vomiting and diarrhea" when eaten. The simple rule: offer catnip on toys for sniffing and play, not as a snack, and store loose catnip where your cat can't raid it.
In multi-cat homes, keep an eye on the mood. Some cats get overexcited, and a friendly game can turn into a squabble, so give each cat their own toy and space.
If your cat vomits, has diarrhea or seems unwell after catnip, stop using it and check in with your vet.
Fun Fact: Why Cats Rub Their Faces in It
Scientists have long wondered why cats rub and roll on these plants instead of just sniffing them. A 2021 study offers a surprising answer. The rubbing transfers nepetalactol, the active compound in silver vine, onto a cat's fur, and cats coated this way attracted significantly fewer mosquitoes, according to the University of Liverpool. That blissful roll may double as a built-in bug repellent.
4 Smart Ways to Use Catnip
- Win them over to a new scratcher. In a 2020 study, catnip and silver vine both increased how long cats interacted with a scratcher. Rub a little on a new post to make it more tempting than your sofa. See our guide to stopping your cat scratching furniture.
- Make the carrier less scary. A pinch of catnip on a towel inside the carrier a few days before a vet visit can turn a dreaded box into an interesting place.
- Kick-start playtime. A catnip toy can wake up a sleepy or bored indoor cat. The Catnip Crawler is a catnip-infused plush with a squeaky sound, made for pouncing and biting.
- Rotate and store smart. Put catnip toys away between sessions in an airtight container so they stay fresh and exciting.
Every Cat Has a Favorite Scent
Whether your cat is a catnip superfan, a silver vine convert or completely unimpressed by both, there's a way to bring out their inner hunter. Finding the scent that makes your cat roll with joy is half the fun.
Curious about your cat's other quirks? Read Why Does My Cat Knock Things Off the Table? 9 Cat Mysteries Finally Solved.
Find your cat's favorite. The Catnip Monster Kicker and the Catnip Crawler are built for rolling, biting and bunny-kicking. See the full Cats Collection for more ways to play.
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Sources: Bol et al., "Responsiveness of cats to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip," BMC Veterinary Research (2017) · University of Liverpool, Cats' love of catnip helps protect against mosquitoes (2021) · ASPCA, Catnip · Zhang & McGlone, Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2020)
This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're worried about your cat's health or behavior, please talk to your veterinarian.
