Catnip for cats: what it does, is it safe, and silver vine for cats that don't react

Your cat sniffs, rolls on the floor, drools, races around the house and, ten minutes later, naps as if nothing happened. That’s catnip (Nepeta cataria), a plant in the mint family. It’s great for sparking interest in toys and scratchers, but it doesn’t work on every cat, and there’s a right way to use it.

Quick answer: catnip is not toxic and not addictive, according to veterinary sources, but about 1 in 3 cats doesn’t react, and kittens under 3 months usually don’t either. Offer a pinch now and then (not daily), rubbed on toys or a scratcher. From The Field organic catnip is an easy start. If your cat ignores catnip, try silver vine — the From The Field Ultimate Blend mixes both.

What catnip does#

The active compound is nepetalactone. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, responsive cats lick, chew and rub their heads on the plant; many drool, roll, run and leap, then become sleepy or hungry. The episode lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, the cat won’t respond for a while (at least an hour, per Cornell; 30 minutes to 2 hours, per Zoetis Petcare).

Not every cat reacts#

In a study of 100 domestic cats published in 2017 in BMC Veterinary Research (Bol and colleagues):

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

Of the 31 cats that didn’t respond to catnip, 22 (71%) responded to silver vine, and the response to silver vine was on average more intense. So if your cat ignores catnip, silver vine is the best second try.

Other points from the sources:

• Kittens: International Cat Care and the Cornell Feline Health Center say cats under 3 months usually don’t react. Try again later.
• Setting: according to Cornell, a cat that normally responds may not react in an unfamiliar place or when anxious.

Is catnip safe?#

• Not toxic or addictive, according to Zoetis Petcare. The Cornell Feline Health Center says there’s no evidence it’s harmful.
• Eating a lot can cause vomiting or diarrhea, according to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, which also notes cats usually self-regulate.
• Cats with asthma: Zoetis recommends asking your vet first, since inhaled particles can worsen coughing and wheezing.
• Overexcitement: some cats become hyperactive or even aggressive for a short time. Try a small amount first, watch, and avoid high places where an excited cat could fall.
• Multi-cat homes: if one cat gets aggressive, offer it separately.

How to use it#

1. A little, now and then. Cornell notes that offered more than once a week, the effect fades. International Cat Care talks about “a pinch now and then.”
2. To revive forgotten toys: rub it on a toy or put some inside a fabric toy, as International Cat Care suggests — or store favorite toys in a bag with catnip.
3. To encourage a scratcher: International Cat Care mentions that some scratchers come with catnip to attract responsive cats. Sprinkling a little on yours, especially a cardboard cat scratcher, does the same.
4. Store it sealed. Dried catnip loses potency over time; Cornell recommends an airtight container.

The products we picked#

Chosen based on what the listings say (checked Oct 19, 2026). Listings say catnip “eases stress”; that’s a brand claim, not something the sources above establish.

Quick comparison (data from the listings cited below, checked Oct 19, 2026):

Swipe the table sideways to see every column.

Related guides#

• Interactive cat toys: catnip helps, but a wand with you on the other end is the best stimulation.
• Cat scratching post: a little catnip helps a cat discover a new post.

Bottom line#

Catnip is a safe, inexpensive boost, but it’s not for every cat: about 1 in 3 don’t react, and young kittens don’t either. Use a little, occasionally, on toys and scratchers, and watch the first reaction. If it doesn’t work, silver vine is the best second try. If your cat has asthma or gets aggressive, talk to your vet before repeating.