You know your kitty loves it—but do you know how to properly use catnip? Follow these tips and tricks to make the most of this popular feline treat.
How Does Catnip Work?
Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which stimulates the "feel good" areas of your cat’s brain. When cats bite, chew, rub against or roll in catnip, they release the oils and feel the effects. Reactions range from mellow purring to frenzied acrobatics, but generally only last a few minutes.
“Not all cats have the same reaction to nepetalactone oils—some cats react to this chemical, some do not,” says Jessica Powell, a behaviorist at Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA. Cats under the age of nine weeks usually do not have a reaction, and the response to catnip is believed to be hereditary, she explains.
Varieties of Catnip
Many people are familiar with the dried variety of catnip readily available at most pet stores. Although dry catnip does not contain as much nepetalactone oil as fresh catnip, it tends to smell stronger and be more enticing to cats.
If you have a cat who doesn’t react to dry catnip, you might want to try the fresh version. Most garden centers sell live catnip plants, which can be a satisfying, safe alternative to chewing on houseplants.
You could also try a different plant. A recent study found that silver vine and tartarian honeysuckle produced similar effects in cats, and stimulated those who didn’t react to catnip.
Using Catnip Toys
Many cats enjoy toys stuffed with catnip. You can buy toys premade, or make your own: simply sew together two small pieces of fleece fabric and fill your “pillow” with catnip.
Whether store-bought or homemade, be sure to rotate the toys often and store them carefully to ensure they’re fresh and fragrant. A sealed, airtight container containing loose catnip is a great place to keep toys between play sessions.
To quickly refresh an older toy, you can use a catnip spray—but keep in mind that not all sprays are equally effective. Look for a spray with high amounts of nepetalactone oil, advises Powell.
Training Your Cat with Catnip
Catnip isn’t just for playtime. This treat can come in handy for training, too.
If you want to encourage your cat to use a new scratching post, bed or carrier, try rubbing some catnip on it, says Powell. The smell may cause your pet to associate the new object with something positive.
When using catnip as a training aid, keep in mind that it most likely won't work on its own. “For instance, if you are trying to encourage your cat to use a scratching post rather than your sofa, it's best to place the scratcher near your sofa rather than just putting some catnip on a scratcher that is far away from the sofa,” says Powell.
Catnip Safety
Catnip is nontoxic to cats. Although rare, overindulgence can cause vomiting or diarrhea, so you may want to limit your cat’s exposure if he’s overly interested.
Before allowing your cat to eat catnip or any plant, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.