Catnip – What Is It and What Does It Do?

While reading the labels of cat foods and treats, you may have noticed catnip and wondered what this ingredient actually is. Catnip is a plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae) whose scent can trigger euphoria in cats, causing behaviors such as rolling around, purring, rubbing against objects, and drooling. This reaction is caused by nepetalactone, a compound found in the plant that interacts with a cat’s scent receptors, encouraging play and helping reduce stress. Catnip is completely safe for cats, which is why it is often included in complete dry and wet cat foods as well as cat treats.

Table of Contents

• What Is Catnip?

• Catnip – What Is It Used For? The Role of Nepetalactone

• What Does Catnip Do to Cats?

• Catnip for Cats – Why Give It to Your Pet?

• Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

• What Is Catnip Used For? A Common Ingredient in Carnilove Cat Foods and Treats

• Catnip – What Is It? Summary

What Is Catnip?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herbaceous plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae)—the same family that includes plants such as mint, lemon balm, and basil. It grows naturally in many regions of Europe and Asia, but it is also commonly cultivated as an ornamental garden or indoor plant.

To humans, catnip has a mild, herbal scent. However, for most cats, it acts as a powerful natural stimulant, producing a state that resembles euphoria.

Sensitivity to catnip is an inherited trait, which means that not every cat will react to it. It is estimated that around 50–70% of cats experience the effects of catnip, while the rest remain completely unaffected by its scent.

This sensitivity also develops only as cats mature—usually between 3 and 6 months of age—so very young kittens typically do not respond to catnip either.

Catnip – What Is It Used For? The Role of Nepetalactone

The characteristic effect of catnip on cats is caused by nepetalactone—an essential oil released by the plant’s leaves and stems. Its scent resembles feline pheromones, which is why many cats react to it as if they were experiencing mating-related stimulation.

Nepetalactone enters a cat’s body through the nasal mucous membrane, where it binds to receptors in the so-called Jacobson’s organ (the vomeronasal organ)—a structure responsible for detecting pheromones.

From there, the signal is transmitted to the brain, stimulating areas such as the olfactory bulb and the amygdala, which are involved in processing emotions. This is why a cat’s reaction to catnip can be so intense and may resemble a state of blissful excitement.

What Does Catnip Do to Cats?

After coming into contact with catnip, a sensitive cat may display behaviors such as:

• Rolling around and rubbing against the plant or toy

• Loud purring or meowing

• Intense biting and licking of the leaves

• Jumping and “hunting” for a toy

• Drooling

This reaction usually lasts from a few to several minutes. After that, the cat loses interest in catnip and becomes temporarily less sensitive to it for a while (usually around 1–2 hours).

Catnip for Cats – Why Give It to Your Pet?

Catnip can be used as a completely safe and natural form of mental and physical stimulation. This plant works in two ways—it can encourage your cat to be more active while also helping them relax.

What does catnip do for cats? Below are the three most important benefits of offering it to your pet.

Encourages Play and Activity

Contact with catnip stimulates a cat’s hunting instincts, encouraging behaviors such as jumping, chasing toys, and running around. This can be especially beneficial for indoor cats, older cats, or less active cats, helping them stay fit and preventing boredom.

Helps Your Cat Accept New Items Around the Home

If you want to encourage your cat to use a new bed, accept a carrier, or choose a scratching post instead of furniture, you can spray these areas with catnip extract or sprinkle them with dried catnip.

Reduces Stress in Cats Without Side Effects

The scent of nepetalactone can help cats calm their emotions and reduce stress levels. This can be useful in challenging or unfamiliar situations, such as:

• Visits to the veterinarian

• Changes in the environment

• Moving to a new home

• Introducing a new pet into the household

Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

Catnip is completely safe for cats. It is not toxic, not addictive, and cannot be overdosed. However, moderation is still recommended. Offering catnip too frequently (for example, every day) may cause your cat to become accustomed to it more quickly and respond less strongly over time.

It is best to offer catnip no more than once every few days (for example, 1–2 times per week).

What Is Catnip Used For? A Common Ingredient in Carnilove Cat Foods and Treats

Because of its ability to encourage play, reduce stress, and its excellent safety profile, catnip is often used as an ingredient in cat foods and treats.

This ingredient can be found in some Carnilove wet cat foods, where the formula not only helps support hydration but may also have a positive effect on your cat’s overall well-being.

Catnip is also included in treats from the Carnilove Crunchy Snack, Carnilove Soft Snack, and Carnilove Freeze-Dried ranges. These products are ideal as a reward for good behavior or simply as a small treat to make your cat happy.

Looking for treats for your feline friend? Check out the Carnilove cat treat ranking.

Catnip – What Is It? Summary

You now know what catnip is and why it can be a valuable addition to your cat’s routine as a safe stimulant and stress reducer. Below are the most important facts to remember:

• What is catnip? It is a plant whose scent has a euphoric effect on cats due to nepetalactone, a compound that resembles feline pheromones.

• Not every cat reacts to catnip —sensitivity is an inherited trait and affects around 50–70% of cats. Very young kittens usually do not respond to it at all.

• After contact with catnip, your cat may display behaviors such as rolling around, purring, rubbing against objects, and intense play.

• A cat’s reaction to catnip usually lasts from a few to several minutes, after which the cat temporarily loses interest in it.

• Catnip encourages cats to play and stay active, helps them relax, and may reduce stress.

• Catnip is completely safe for cats—it is not addictive, cannot be overdosed, and does not cause side effects. However, it is best offered in moderation (for example, a few times per week rather than every day).

• The effects of catnip can be especially beneficial for older cats and less active pets, helping provide additional stimulation and enrichment.