Catnip and Cat Behavior

Catnip is any herb of the Nepeta family, which includes about 250 different varieties. All of these can affect cat behavior.

  1. Active Ingredient

    • The active ingredient in catnip is nepetalactone, an oil found in the stem and leaves of the plant. In felines, nepetalactone may be mildly hallucinogenic.

    Different Effects

    • Only 30 to 70 percent of cats are actually affected by catnip, and this susceptibility is genetic. Unaffected cats simply ignore it.

    Behavior

    • If a susceptible cat smells catnip, he will become stimulated. However, if he eats the catnip he will be sedated. Different cats will respond to this stimulation or sedation in different ways. Some cats respond by sniffing or chewing the catnip, rolling on the floor, falling down, running around or kicking the hind feet.

    Timing

    • The effects of catnip on cat behavior generally last for five to 10 minutes. Only cats older than eight weeks of age are affected.

    Safety

    • Catnip is entirely safe for cats; it is impossible for a cat to overdose on catnip.