A Cat Owners Guide to Catnip

Watching our feline friends rolling and drooling over catnip is both amusing and baffling. As joyous as it is to watch, you are probably wondering what on earth is going on in your cat’s head.

Well, wonder no more as we are here to unlock the mystery that is catnip.

What is Catnip?

Nepeta Cataria or Catnip (catmint, catswort) is a tall wide herb that is a member of the mint plant family. This plant can be cultivated across the world and is commonly grown in Europe, the US, and New Zealand.

The herb grows up to 100cm in height and typically blooms from early spring to late autumn.

Why does catnip affect cats?

The catnip plant is covered in lots of tiny, microscopic bulbs. These are filled with a natural compound called Nepetalactone. This chemical is thought to be used by the plant to repel insects to prevent damage by pest species.

Nepetalactone is also a feline attractant. It is very similar to the pheromones (chemical messages) that cats use to communicate with themselves and each other. When cats come across catnip, they take in the scent through a special organ present on the roof of their mouth.

You may have noticed your cat pulling a funny expression (sticking their tongue out) around catnip or other smells. This is known as the Flehmen response and allows cats to transfer smells through the organ (Jacobson Organ) in the roof of their mouth up to the brain. Catnip sends signals to the olfactory bulb in the brain, the part responsible for processing scent, alongside the amygdala and the hypothalamus. These parts are responsible for emotional and sexual responses.

Cats can have varied reactions to catnip:

• Some roll around, attack the catnip and become very energetic.
• Some become sleepier and roll and drool over the catnip.
• Some will have a combination of the above two reactions.
• Some cats do not respond at all.

Psst: Did you know it’s not just our moggies who react to catnip? Big cats like Tigers, Leopards and Cheetahs have also shown positive reactions.

Can my cat eat catnip?

You may have noticed your moggy having a munch on their favourite catnip toy. Do not worry, it is perfectly safe for cats to eat catnip.

Catnip itself is safe for use, non-addictive, non-toxic and provides cats with that extra bit of enrichment.

Are all cats affected by catnip?

It is thought that around 70-80% of cats in the UK are affected by catnip. It is gene-linked and inherited! Kittens typically won’t respond to catnip until they are at least 6 months old.

Catnip is a fun addition to your regular playtime. Watch our Guide to Playing with Cats.

Is all catnip the same quality?

Catnip quality will vary hugely! Some toys and products will contain very little catnip. The poorest quality toys will contain mostly stuffing, with only a few stalks of catnip.Catnip potency will also vary depending on the part of the plant used and where it was grown.

The King Catnip range is made with 100% organic North American catnip leaves. The catnip is sourced from Trout Lake Farm in Washington. Fields of catnip sit at the base of Mount Adam and are fed by the mineral-rich water that trickles down the mountain. Each toy is stuffed to the brim with catnip leaves. This is the most potent part of the plant and provides the most potential for reaction.

If your cat hasn’t reacted positively to catnip before, it is worth giving King Catnip a try!

Can catnip be used in other ways?

Catnip toys are the most used form of catnip. But actually, catnip can be used in lots of different products.

Catnip sprays can be used to put life back into an old toy. They are also fantastic for encouraging your cat to scratch their post. Watch our Cat Scratching Tips video.

The relationship between cats and catnip is still being understood but one thing is certain, its a great way to enrich your cats life.