Can cats eat catnip?

Why

Catnip is a non-toxic herb that typically causes a temporary, harmless reaction of playfulness or relaxation in cats. However, excessive consumption can lead to digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea, and some cats may become overly aggressive or anxious.

If you do feed it

• Offer only a small pinch of dried leaves or a few fresh leaves at a time.
• Limit exposure to once or twice a week to prevent desensitization.
• Ensure the catnip is pure and free from pesticides or other contaminants.
• Supervise your cat during play to ensure they do not ingest large quantities of the plant material.

Watch out for

• Catnip seeds which can cause stomach upset if eaten in bulk
• Sweetened or flavored catnip treats containing artificial ingredients
• Catnip plants grown with pesticides or chemical fertilizers
• Essential oils or concentrated extracts which are much more potent

Better choices