How Much Catnip Should I Give My Cat? Health & Safety Explained

Did you know that the majority of the world's cat population goes crazy over catnip? The natural stimulant invigorates up to 80% of felines, sending them on hallucinogenic frenzies and ultimately relaxing them after the excitable episode has passed. An estimated 20-50% of cats do not react to catnip at all. This is because genetics dictate whether a cat is influenced by nepetalactone¹, the compound in catnip that causes the excitable response. But don’t worry, there's no chance your cat will overdose on this herb. Catnip is completely safe and non-toxic to your cat. However, eating too much catnip may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Just a pinch of catnip is enough for them to feel its positive effects.

How Much Catnip Is Safe to Give My Cat?

There is no set limit on how much catnip you should feed your cat. Since cats are super sensitive to this herb's smell, they do not need more than 1-3 tsp. at a time. Eating too much catnip can cause GI upset, but it's highly unlikely that your cat would eat an upsetting amount. Their bodies can only enjoy catnip for about 10-15 minutes before the effects fade, which naturally regulates how much they can ingest in one sitting. Once this happens, they can't feel its effects again for a few hours.

Felines respond to the smell of catnip immediately. A typical receptive response is signified by dilated pupils, rubbing against the floor, and burying their faces into the source. Catnip may be tied into a cat's sexuality somehow since they're usually immune to its effects until puberty. Some cats even appear aroused when exposed to catnip!

Creative Ways Your Cat Can Engage with Catnip

Your cat can smell, taste, and play with catnip, making it a multi-sensory delight for felines who are fortunate enough to possess the right genes. Here are some ways you can indulge your kitty with an herbal treat:

If your cat needs a great toy to get the playing started, we recommend our Hepper Catnip Stick Toy. These sturdy, dual-layer sticks are hand-made in the USA and filled with 100% organic catnip. Choose from a fun range of pastel colors and give your cat hours of playtime!

Our recommendation

Hepper Stick Catnip Cat Kicker Toy

• No Filler - Like all the best cat toys our is stuffed with 100% organic catnip. Cheap cat toys with filler leave your cat bored and disinterested. Our pets deserve to be excited and engaged.
• Flexible Play - Simple plush shape is great for biting, scratching and pawing. It can start life as a teething toys for kittens then soon your furry friend will be using it as a cat kick stick. Play for any mood
• Durably Designed - Our cat safe toys are hand-stitched with a double-lined exterior construction for hours of playtime, perfect cat kicker toys for cats indoors and even outdoors. Your cat will tire out before the toy does!

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Final Thoughts

Although catnip appears to have mind-altering effects, it does not possess the harmful nature of human drugs. There is no way for your cat to accidentally overdose, and the worst thing that could happen if they eat too much is their tummies might be a little upset. You should limit their intake to about 1-3 tsp. at a time, but chances are you really won't have to regulate this treat. Catnip heavily stimulates your cat's olfactory system, so they will not be interested for a few hours after their brief spasmodic playtime.

• Related Read: 10 Homemade No-Bake Cat Treat Recipes (Vet Approved)

Featured Image Credit: Doug McLean, Shutterstock