Nepeta cataria
Why is it safe?
Catnip produces a well-characterized, self-limiting euphoric response in cats via nepetalactone binding to olfactory receptors. This is not chemical intoxication in any harmful sense, the response peaks within minutes and cats enter a refractory period of unresponsiveness lasting 20–30 minutes. No toxicity has been documented at any reasonable exposure.
Symptoms
Rolling, rubbing, vocalizing, drooling during response phase, all benign and self-resolving. Ingestion of small amounts may cause very mild, transient GI upset in some individuals.
What To Do
No action needed. Limiting access to once daily or every few days maintains effectiveness over time.
Notes
Catnip response is genetically determined (autosomal dominant), approximately 30% of cats do not respond at all. Non-responding cats may respond to silver vine (Actinidia polygama) or valerian root instead. Fresh catnip is more potent than dried. Kittens under 6 months typically do not exhibit the response regardless of genetics.
Sources
→ Todd (2018) Applied Animal Behaviour Science — sciencedirect.com
→ Cornell Feline Health Center — vet.cornell.edu
→ ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — aspca.org