Why Do Cats Like Catnip?
Why cats react to catnip: the nepetalactone in its leaves, what the 5 to 15 minute response looks like, why about a third of cats ignore it, kittens under six months, and the plants that work for some of those cats.
AI illustration The short answer: catnip (Nepeta cataria), a member of the mint family, contains a chemical called nepetalactone that many cats find irresistible. When a cat smells the bruised leaves or stems, it typically rubs on the plant, rolls on the ground, paws, licks and chews it, and some cats growl, meow or bite at the hand holding it. The main response lasts about 5 to 15 minutes, after which the cat’s sense of smell tires of it (Wikipedia).
How It Works
Cats detect nepetalactone through the smell-sensing lining of the nose, the olfactory epithelium, where it binds to smell receptors. A 2021 study suggests cats are attracted specifically to nepetalactone in catnip and to a related chemical, nepetalactol, in silver vine. Big cats respond too: tests found that leopards, cougars, servals and lynxes often react strongly, much as house cats do.
Why Some Cats Ignore It
About a third of cats are not affected by catnip, and the response is inherited. Kittens younger than about six months may not react at all. Cats that ignore catnip may still respond in a similar way to other plants: valerian root and leaves, silver vine (matatabi) and Tatarian honeysuckle wood.
Using Catnip
Catnip is sold dried, in sprays and inside toys, and some owners grow their own. Because the main reaction wears off after a few minutes and the nose then tires of it, short sessions with time in between keep it interesting. It is a good fit for play: veterinary behaviorists suggest stuffing toys with treats or catnip to keep a cat’s interest in active play (see why does my cat bite me).
Do not confuse catnip with cat grass: catnip is a mint, while cat grass is usually oat, wheat, barley or rye. See why do cats eat grass.
