Is catnip safe for cats?
Also called: catmint, catswort, Nepeta cataria, nepeta
Caution
Many cats enjoy it, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Many cats love catnip, and cat-care sources suggest it as a treat. ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats because it can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, so offer only a little.
When it's a problem
- It can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. It makes some cats sleepy and others excited.
Why
- It contains nepetalactone, which excites many (but not all) cats.
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Many cats love catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated.
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Catnip"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Many cats love catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated.
Toxicity: Toxic to Cats
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Catnip"
Checked 9 October 2026
International Cat Care
Catnip and catmint are favourites with many cats and can be easily grown in the garden.
Read "Making your garden cat friendly"
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA
Cat nip and cat grass can actually be beneficial for your cat’s health and are kind of like wheat or oats.
Read "Healthy, Safe Snacks to Help Your Pet Slim Down"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Many cats love catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated.
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Catnip"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
International Cat Care
they contain a chemical called nepetalactone that can excite many (but not all) cats, which triggers a sense of euphoria and playful behaviour.
Read "Making your garden cat friendly"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Clinical Signs: Many cats love catnip, but it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It makes some cats sedated and others stimulated.
Toxicity: Toxic to Cats
Read "Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Catnip"
Checked 9 October 2026
International Cat Care
Catnip and catmint are favourites with many cats and can be easily grown in the garden.
Read "Making your garden cat friendly"
Checked 9 October 2026
ASPCA
Cat nip and cat grass can actually be beneficial for your cat’s health and are kind of like wheat or oats.
Read "Healthy, Safe Snacks to Help Your Pet Slim Down"
Checked 9 October 2026