Catnip and Indian Cats: Is It Safe to Use?

In this guide

Catnip has become easier to find in Indian pet stores and online in recent years, whether as dried leaves, sprays or stuffed into toys. If you have ever seen a cat roll, drool and tumble around after a sniff, it is natural to wonder whether it is doing any harm.

What catnip actually does

Catnip is a herb from the mint family that contains a compound called nepetalactone. When a cat smells it, this compound triggers a short burst of what looks like pure joy, including rolling, rubbing, vocalising and occasional zoomies. The effect usually lasts five to fifteen minutes before wearing off, after which a cat becomes temporarily unresponsive to it for a while.

Is it safe

Yes. Catnip is non toxic and not addictive, and vets generally consider it safe for regular but moderate use. Around sixty to seventy per cent of adult cats respond to it, while the rest show little to no reaction, which is simply down to genetics. Kittens under about six months usually do not respond at all, so do not worry if a young kitten seems unmoved by it.

Sensible ways to use it

• Sprinkle a small pinch on a scratching post or toy rather than giving free access to a large amount
• Store dried catnip in an airtight container away from sunlight to keep it potent
• Offer it once every few days rather than daily, so your cat does not build up tolerance
• Watch for mild stomach upset if a cat eats a large quantity, which is the only real downside

If your cat is one of the cats that simply does not react to catnip, silver vine or valerian root are worth trying instead. Both produce a similar response in many cats that are unmoved by catnip, and are increasingly available through Indian pet supply websites.

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