Green: harmless
No, catnip is safe in normal amounts. Veterinarian Heather Hoffmann writes at PetMD that cats can safely eat catnip. Only large quantities are hard on the stomach.
Why the traffic light is green
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) belongs to the mint family. Its active ingredient, nepetalactone, works through the smell. According to veterinarian Matthew Everett Miller at PetMD, it triggers the body's release of endorphins, the body's own feel-good hormones. Because this release is strictly regulated, a cat cannot have a fatal overdose, according to Miller.
The ASPCA still lists catnip as “poisonous to cats.” What this means is that it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, some cats become calm, others become excited. According to Hoffmann, too much of it can also lead to dizziness and unsteady gait. These are temporary symptoms, which is why the traffic light is green.
Not every cat reacts. Hoffmann says around 60 percent. In a study of 100 cats, around one in three did not react to catnip.
What you should pay attention to
- Dose sparingly: Hoffmann recommends about a tablespoon of dried catnip at a time.
- Fresh has a stronger effect: Fresh plants are stronger than dried ones, so you need less. It is better to avoid highly concentrated catnip oils.
- Spray for sensitive stomachs: If your cat can't tolerate eating the leaves, it's better to spray toys or scratching posts.
- Plan for breaks: According to PetMD, the effect usually lasts about 10 minutes. After that, the cat no longer reacts for a while, Hoffmann says about 30 minutes, Miller about 1 to 2 hours.
- Several cats: According to Hoffmann, some cats become aggressive when exposed to catnip. Watch the first round carefully.
What to do if your cat has eaten too much catnip?
Take away the plant or toy and give it rest. Vomiting and diarrhea after large amounts are rare and go away on their own, according to Miller. If she vomits repeatedly, stops eating, or appears unusually weak, call the vet's office.
If poisoning is suspected, go to the vet immediately or to the veterinary emergency service.
Catnip is a play stimulus, not food. A small pinch is enough as a reward.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cat get too much catnip? According to PetMD, there is no such thing as a dangerous overdose. However, large amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
At what age does catnip work? According to PetMD, most cats only react between the ages of 6 months and 1 year. It is not harmful to kittens.
What helps if my cat doesn't react to catnip? In the study of 100 cats, 22 of 31 cats that ignored catnip reacted to Silvervine. Valerian is also an alternative.
Read more
Quellen, abgerufen am 05.11.2026: PetMD, What Is Catnip and What Does It Do to Cats? (Heather Hoffmann, DVM); PetMD, Does Catnip Make Cats High? (Matthew Everett Miller, DVM); ASPCA, Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Catnip; Bol S. et al., BMC Veterinary Research 2017, Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip (DOI 10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6)
