Is Catnip safe?

We all know most cats love a toy with catnip in. Seeing your cat getting excited and extra playful, totally oblivious to anything else that's going on. They can't resist the stuff.

What is catnip and is it actually safe for our cats? 

Catnip is a herb belonging to the mint family. The oils in the leaves and stem mimic a feline pheromone which causes instant arousal and excitement in the cat smelling it. Kittens don't usually show much interest in catnip, but by the age of one, both male and female cats start becoming aware of its aroma, although approximately 30% cats will never respond to it. Being affected by catnip is apparently an inherited trait. But if a cat is affected, it only needs a tiny amount  to feel its affect and just inhaling the herb can be enough to set them off.

In general, catnip is safe for cats but you should still observe your own cats behaviour around it. Some cats (usually males) become so excited around it they can become aggressive. It is fun and safe for a cat,  but should be used in moderation.

Does catnip have any benefits?

Cats seem to love the effect of catnip and so it can be used to reinforce behaviour, if you're trying to train your cat. It can also be used as reward after grooming or nail trimming. If your cat is a little lazy or overweight, exposure to the herb will encourage them to run around, playing and being more active.

The effects of catnip last approximately 10-15 minutes and although cats enjoy it, it should only be given to them about once a week to avoid over-indulgence.