Catnip and Cats: Why Cats Love It

Why does catnip turn some cats into playful, rolling, purring bundles of energy? And is it safe? Lionel the dog answers Tabitha the cat's very important questions!

A letter From Tabitha

Dear Lionel,

It's the cat again, and I was wondering if you could give me some advice.

Now that I spend most of the day inside, I may have become a little lazy. Instead of going outside to scratch the tree, I've taken to sharpening my claws on the lounge suite, the bed legs and the curtains.

The curtains are my favourite. I can climb from the floor right up to the ceiling, and sometimes my human mum even joins in by jumping up and down and calling my name. She's very entertaining.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, my human mum came home with some new toys for me. Among them was a lump of cardboard sprinkled with some dried leaves. I thought this was a little weird, but she's getting on a bit, so I make allowances.

I decided to investigate and WHAM! This amazing aroma hit my nostrils and seemed to explode in my brain. It was awesome! I suddenly had an urge to roll around on the cardboard, rub my face all over it and generally behave like an absolute lunatic.

I was in heaven. I had no idea dried leaves could be so exciting! I couldn't stop sniffing and rolling around on the floor like an idiot.
Eventually, I settled down for a nap. When I woke up, my first thought was those wonderful leaves. I trotted straight back to the cardboard, had another big sniff and scratched the dickens out of it. It felt soooo good!

Now, Lionel, here's my problem. I think I may be addicted to these leaves. I have so much fun when I sniff them that I find myself charging around the house and even heading out into the garden to climb the tree. I haven't climbed the curtains in weeks!

I'm a bit puzzled, though. My human mum puts her tea leaves in water and drinks them, but I haven't seen her running up trees.
Am I hooked? Am I under the power of the leaves?

From Tabitha the cat

Lionel replies

Hey Tabitha,

All I can say is, "You lucky bugger!"

Your magical leaves are called catnip, and they're a member of the mint family. Unfortunately for us dogs, cats are the ones who get most of the fun out of it!

Catnip contains a natural compound called nepetalactone. When susceptible cats smell it, it can trigger a temporary behavioural response. Some cats roll around, rub their faces on things, become playful or race around the house as though they've just won the lottery.

Others simply sniff it and wander off, completely unimpressed. Honestly, cats can be difficult to please.

And no, Tabitha, you're not addicted! The effects are temporary, usually lasting around 5-15 minutes, although individual cats can respond differently. Afterward, cats often become less responsive to catnip for a while.

Your human mum probably bought it to give you some extra entertainment and encourage you to play. If it's helping you exercise and enjoy your day, that's a good thing!

Just remember that catnip isn't a guaranteed cure for your furniture-scratching habits. Your human should still provide suitable scratching posts and surfaces, preferably in places you like to hang out.

As for your human mum drinking tea while you climb trees, I can't help you there. Perhaps she's simply missing out.

They haven't found anything that makes us dogs react to catnip in quite the same way. It's just another reason we're jealous of you cats, along with your tree-climbing skills, your complete indifference to everything and the fact that you can comfortably bite your own bum.

Regards,

Lionel

Behind Tabitha and Lionel's antics is a fascinating little piece of feline behaviour.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family. Its leaves and stems contain nepetalactone, which triggers a temporary response in many cats when they smell it.

Cats may roll, rub their faces against the plant, sniff repeatedly, become playful or appear unusually excited. Some may become relaxed instead.

Not every cat responds to catnip. Sensitivity is influenced by genetics, and kittens generally don't show a response until they are a few months old.

Catnip is generally considered safe for cats when offered in appropriate amounts. However, eating large quantities may cause vomiting or diarrhoea in some cats.

Offer catnip in moderation and supervise your cat when introducing new toys or products. If your cat develops unusual or concerning symptoms after exposure, contact your veterinary clinic.

Catnip may encourage some cats to explore toys, play and interact with their environment. Sprinkling a small amount on an appropriate scratching surface may make it more appealing to certain cats.

However, catnip won't work for every cat, and it shouldn't replace suitable scratching posts, playtime or environmental enrichment.

If your cat is scratching furniture, provide stable scratching surfaces with different textures and positions. Reward your cat for using them, and make sure there are plenty of opportunities for play and exercise.

Catnip isn't considered addictive in the way drugs of dependence are. The response is temporary, and cats commonly become less responsive immediately after exposure.

There's no need to offer it constantly. Occasional use can keep catnip toys interesting while giving your cat variety in their daily activities.

Some cats can't get enough of it, while others couldn't care less. Both responses are perfectly normal.

If your cat enjoys catnip, it can be a fun addition to their toys and enrichment routine. Just remember that every cat is an individual, and what delights one feline may leave another completely unimpressed.

And if your cat has started treating your curtains like a climbing wall, perhaps it's time to invest in a good scratching post!

If you're concerned about changes in your cat's behaviour, or scratching has become excessive or destructive, speak with your veterinary team for advice.

Written by: Vet Cross marketing team

Clinically reviewed by: QVN Sarah Manderson

Last reviewed: October 2026