Could Catnip Make My Kitten Sick?

Also known as catmint, catrup and cat's wort, catnip is a herb known to drive cats into a state of wild ecstasy. Catnip is actually from a Nepeta plant, which emits a pheromone-like oil called Nepetalactone. While the plant has a druglike effect on cats, its properties are not long-lasting or harmful. Some cats and kittens are not affected by catnip.

  1. How Catnip Works

    • Catnip is available commercially in a variety of forms: plants, oils, seeds and sprays, as well as toy and treats with catnip inside. The herb can be fresh or dried; many owners rub catnip on scratching posts to entice their kitties, or stuff catnip toys with the potent herb. Cats inhale the catnip odor and may exhibit behaviors including hyperactivity, rubbing on the catnip or rolling in it, jumping and running, and in some cases, aggression. On the other extreme, catnip often ends in a state of sedation after the rampage.

    Kittens and Catnip

    • Kittens can't experience the effects of catnip until they are several months old; they may show a dislike for it when they̵7;re babies. Exposing a kitten to catnip at a young age isn't likely to produce any effect, ill or otherwise. Even when your kitten matures, there̵7;s still a 30 percent to 50 percent chance that catnip won't have any influence on her whatsoever.

    Catnip Overdose

    • It's not likely that your kitten or cat will overdose on catnip. Even cats who love the substance and are repeatedly attracted to it will experience a catnip high for 5 to 15 minutes at a time, on average. Repeated exposure to catnip will not have any long-lasting negative impact on a cat or kitten. However, if she regularly shows aggression when given the treat, particularly if she̵7;s expected to share with other household cats, you may be better limiting intake or ensuring you have more than enough to go around.

    Ingesting Catnip

    • Some kittens and cats will eat catnip rather than inhale it or rub themselves in it, which is not usually problematic. Kitties with especially sensitive systems or cats who ingest a large quantity of fresh catnip can develop gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea or vomiting. If your kitty has a tendency to overindulge, limit the amount of loose catnip she has access to at any given time. If your cat has a medical condition, like a heart problem or respiratory issues, consult your vet about the appropriateness of catnip before introducing it.