At What Age Can Cats Have Catnip – Things To Consider

If you’ve just purchased a cat toy that you didn’t realize had catnip in it, you may be wondering if your cat is old enjoy to enjoy it. At what age can cats have catnip?

For best results, you should introduce catnip to your cat when they are between 6 months and a year of age. Although not harmful to kittens younger than six months, you typically won’t get a reaction from cats younger than that. 

So no need to return that toy as they can play with them at any age; just don’t expect the catnip to affect your cat if it’s younger than six months. Now that you know when cats can have catnip, you likely have more questions relating to catnip. Let’s answer some of those questions for you so you can understand everything you’ll need to know about your cat and catnip. 

Why do cats like catnip?

Cats like catnip because of the nepetalactone found in it. Smelling nepetalactone releases endorphins similar to that of a female cat in heat which is why a cat playing with catnip acts so similarly to a female cat in heat. To put it simply, cats like catnip because it makes them relaxed and happy.

Catnip also offers a variety of health benefits which will be talked about next. 

What are the benefits of catnip?

There are an incredible amount of health benefits associated with smelling and ingesting catnip. Catnip has the properties when ingested to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in your cat. It also can reduce stomach pain and bloat. 

Catnip is a great way to trick a cat into a bath if they have irritated or inflamed skin. Simply dissolve a tablespoon of catnip in hot water, then add it to a warm bath and watch your cat hop right in!

Catnip also provides excellent training options. Since cats are finicky about their toys by playing with them for a mere hour after you’ve gotten it for them, then proceeding to forget all about them, they may start scratching at furniture if they get bored of their toys. However, with catnip, boredom is not an option. Your cat will be so happy every time they get a whiff of catnip, and your furniture will thank you. All you need to do is sprinkle a bit of catnip on those old forgotten toys or a scratching post, and it all becomes brand new again.

What does catnip do to kittens?

As stated previously, it does nothing if your kitten is younger than six months. At such a young age, it is unlikely you’ll notice a behavioral reaction in your cat when in the presence of catnip. Additionally, it is not harmful to your cat either, so don’t feel like you can’t give your kitten catnip toys before the age of 6 months.

If your kitten is older than six months, then it will react to catnip the same as any other adult cat would. Adult cats either become incredibly affectionate, relaxed, and happy or very active and playful, resulting in zoomies. 

Is catnip a drug?

No, catnip is not a drug. The reaction your cat gives when exposed to catnip is a mere chemical release in its brain and nothing more. It is not harmful, nor can your cat become addicted to it. 

Does catnip make cats high?

I’m a sense, yes. Your cat experiences a natural high caused by the inhalation or ingestion of catnip which results in a chemical release in the brain, making your cat “high.”

Can cats overdose on catnip?

Your cat can not overdose on catnip and will walk away from it once they’ve had their fun. So there’s no need to worry about your cat while it’s playing with catnip as there’s no harm that can come of it. Not only will your cat be entertained, but you will be as well watching your cat reach a new level of playfulness. 

How often can cats have catnip?

Try to limit the exposure to catnip to no more than once a day. Although there aren’t any negative effects from catnip exposure, your cat can get used to its effects if exposed for too long, meaning your cat won’t experience the effects of the catnip or no effects from it at all. This is not caused for concern as it isn’t harmful in any way, but if you want to see your cat enjoy the relaxation and experience catnip’s benefits, you may want to cut back so your cat can start reacting to it. 

Is catnip safe for older cats?

Catnip is safe for any age-healthy cat. It is non-addictive, has no side effects, and even has plenty of health benefits. However, for cats with nervous system disorders, it may be best to avoid the usage of catnip to avoid overstimulation. 

How much catnip is dangerous for cats?

Catnip contains no harmful substances; therefore, it is not dangerous to your cat at all. The only symptom your cat may experience is an upset stomach if too much catnip is eaten. However, cats are very good at knowing when to walk away from catnip, so most won’t experience anything aside from pure joy and tranquility. 

Does catnip expire?

Although dried catnip will not expire, it can lose its potency over time. The lack of potency will in no way be harmful to your cat if inhaled or consumed. All the lack of potency means is that your cat will not experience the full effect intended from the catnip, or you may not notice any reaction from them at all.

However, if your catnip is not properly sealed and has been exposed to moisture, it can get moldy. If this is the case, do not allow your cat to inhale or eat this and throw it away immediately as it can harm your cat and cause it to become very ill.

Conclusion

Catnip is not limited to a specific age range, although it is recommended to wait until six months of age at least so your cat can experience the full effects of catnip. The way your cat acts on catnip is entirely normal as it’s a chemical reaction between the catnip and your cat’s brain. It is also possible for your cat to not react at all to catnip which is also normal. Catnip is also a great way to train your cat and direct their attention to something other than the furniture or any other habit you’re trying to break. It also has many health benefits for your cat with no side effects or addiction.