Does your pet enjoy a little recreational catnip from time to time? That’s awesome! Catnip is a versatile plant, it can be stimulating for some cats, relaxing for others, and completely non-addictive. What’s intriguing is that if given too frequently, a cat will become temporarily ‘immune’ to its effects for at least an hour or two. It’s completely harmless, so they cannot overdose, but they just won’t reap the benefits of it at that point.

Catnip can:

  • Cause some cats to be more active and playful
  • Calm and relax other cats
  • Promote a mild pain relieving effect in cats and dogs
  • Have a relaxing effect on dogs
  • Repel pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, and mites

Wait, what? Catnip for dogs too? Yes! From the Doggijuana FAQ page, “Dogs have catnip receptors in their faces and stomachs, similar to cats. Nepetalactone, the essential oil in catnip, binds to the receptors and induces a response that is so relaxing, it’s drool worthy. Dogs don’t get “high” from catnip like cats do. Instead, it is a calming agent when eaten and a great way to encourage your dog to play longer through smell! Not all dogs react to catnip. It takes about 30 minutes to see a reaction.

So why don't dogs get that euphoric response? Well cats also have receptors in their cheeks and the roof of their mouths. This is why dogs don't get the same reaction from catnip that cats do.” 

What if your pet doesn’t respond to catnip? In that case, give Silvervine a try! Silvervine contains two compounds that react the same way in your pet’s body as catnip. Many pets who don’t respond to catnip at all go crazy over silvervine!

To read more in depth info on how catnip affects your cat, please see:

This article from Dr. Becker

This blog on the benefits of catnip and silvervine