Indoors and out
Is Catnip toxic to cats and dogs?
Nepeta cataria · also called Catmint
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicCatnip is safe for cats to sniff, roll in and nibble. Eating a large amount can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, and the ASPCA lists it as mildly toxic for that reason.
By Maya Hart
If your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Wobbliness after eating a lot
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves and flowers in large amounts
- Substance
- Nepetalactone and volatile oils
The details
About two-thirds of cats respond to catnip, usually for ten minutes of rolling, rubbing and zooming, followed by a quiet spell. Kittens under about six months and some adults don’t react at all. The effect comes from smelling it; eating it makes some cats mellow rather than excited.
Pet-safe alternatives
- Cat grass
- Silver vine
- Valerian root toys
Questions owners ask
Is Catnip toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves and flowers in large amounts.
Is Catnip toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves and flowers in large amounts.
What happens if a pet eats catnip?
vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbliness after eating a lot.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
What are pet-safe alternatives to catnip?
Cat grass, Silver vine, Valerian root toys.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
