Can cats eat catnip? Given how much some of our feline friends love this green stuff, it's a question you may well be asking if you have a kitty companion in the family.
The good news is, catnip is perfectly safe for your cat, so if they accidentally consume a small quantity – or deliberately enjoy nibbling on it as a tasty treat – it won't do them any harm.
Most cats prefer getting the euphoria hit that catnip offers through playing with the best catnip toys, but for some cats, eating it produces a calming effect similar to chamomile.
According to expert vet, Dr Rebecca MacMillan, eating large volumes of catnip may cause mild digestive disturbances, but because it's non-toxic it won't do any further harm. Below, she explains whether it's okay to feed your kitty catnip and what to do if it causes problems.
Can cats eat catnip?
Is catnip bad for cats? Not at all. For many felines, it provides a wonderfully pleasurable experience but you may be wondering whether your cat can eat it or if they should stick to simply playing with catnip-filled toys.
"It is safe for cats to eat catnip in small amounts," says Dr. MacMillan. “As with all things though, it is best not to allow them to overindulge. Catnip should only be offered in moderate amounts as an occasional treat.
“Some cats enjoy eating fresh catnip leaves whereas others will nibble at dried catnip. Equally, some cats will have no interest in eating it at all and simply enjoy smelling it."
For these reasons, it's best to stick to feeding your cat the best cat food and only offer them small amounts of catnip now and again if they seem to enjoy it.
What happens if a cat eats catnip?
Many pet parents wonder what catnip does to cats and the truth is that the effects can vary from cat to cat. Some will become super playful, others will get completely blissed-out, happy and affectionate, and a small number of cats may become aggressive.
"If eaten in small amounts you shouldn’t notice any more than catnip’s normal euphoric effects," Dr. MacMillan explains.
"However, if your cat eats large amounts of plant material then it could lead to digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Catnip is not toxic if consumed, but it can cause mild irritation to your cat’s stomach. Always speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your cat."
The good news is that whatever mental or physical changes catnip brings about in your cat won't last. Most cats will sleep off the effects of catnip very quickly and be absolutely fine when they wake up.
Are cats supposed to eat catnip or just smell it?
Your feline friend may choose to eat catnip for a variety of reasons. For some cats, nibbling on this green grass provides them with a source of enrichment and they simply find it a fun thing to do. For others, they may eat it as a way to help reduce anxiety and help themselves to feel calmer.
However, according to Dr. MacMillan, most cats don't choose to eat catnip.
"Cats generally just enjoy the smell of catnip and enjoy rolling on it and rubbing against it," she explains. "So, I usually suggest that owners just use catnip in their pet’s toys or play areas, rather than trying to feed it to them in a meal."
Why does my cat throw up after eating catnip?
Thankfully, most of the time, your kitty experiencing an upset stomach after ingesting catnip is typically nothing to worry about.
"If small amounts of catnip are eaten, then there are usually no symptoms," says Dr. MacMillan. "However, cats aren’t designed to eat large amounts of plant material so too much catnip could cause them to vomit. Cats that have overindulged might also experience diarrhea, as well as the usual short-lived mood-enhancing properties of the plant.
"If your cat is experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms or behavioral changes then always consult your vet for advice, in case there is something else going on."
Read next: Can kittens have catnip? and What is silver vine?
Rebecca is a veterinary surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to h––ave recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Megan Milstead.
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This page was last updated on March 17.
