Catnip doesn’t work on every cat—and that’s normal.This guide explains what catnip actually does, why some cats react strongly while others don’t, when it’s best to use it (and when not to), and how to choose and store catnip so it stays effective.
At MoriCat, our approach to enrichment starts with understanding how cats perceive their environment.
Humans are primarily visual creatures, but a cat’s world is guided by scent. For indoor cats especially, scent-based enrichment adds novelty, encourages exploration, and creates moments of engagement within an otherwise familiar environment.
Catnip is one of the most widely discussed forms of scent enrichment for cats. Around 50–75% of domestic cats, as well as some large wild cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and panthers, show sensitivity to catnip, while others show no reaction at all. Many cat parents wonder: Does catnip actually help my cat? How long does it last? What makes good-quality catnip? This article answers those questions in a clear and practical way.
3 Key Takeaways
Catnip affects roughly 50–75% of cats, and responsiveness is largely determined by genetics.
A typical catnip response lasts 5–15 minutes and ends naturally as the cat becomes temporarily desensitized.
Freshness and form—such as whole leaf versus crushed, toy versus spray—matter far more than the amount used.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip is a plant scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, a member of the mint family. Its leaves contain a naturally occurring compound called nepetalactone.
To humans, catnip smells mildly herbal or mint-like. To cats, the scent functions very differently. While we cannot perceive it the same way they do, nepetalactone acts as a specific scent signal that activates reward-related pathways in a cat’s brain.
Sensitivity to catnip is largely inherited. Some cats simply lack the genetic traits needed to respond to nepetalactone. If your cat shows no interest in catnip, it does not mean they lack curiosity or enrichment needs—it only means this particular scent is not a good match. Other natural alternatives include silvervine [silvervine link] and valerian root [valerian roots link].
What Happens When a Cat Smells Catnip?
When catnip is opened or played with, nepetalactone is released from tiny structures on the surface of the leaves and carried through the air into a cat’s nose.
This scent is processed through the main olfactory system and then relayed to brain areas involved in emotion and reward. Catnip works through scent alone; eating catnip does not produce the same effect, which is why sniffing and rubbing are the most common responses.
The scent can trigger the release of natural feel-good chemicals in the brain, creating a short-lived sense of pleasure or relaxation. This helps explain why some cats roll, rub their faces, purr, vocalize, or become intensely focused after encountering catnip.
Cats may rub against the plant, roll on the ground, paw at it, lick or chew it. Some cats may drool, appear sleepy, become briefly overexcited, or purr more intensely.
For most cats, the effects last 5–15 minutes. After that, cats naturally lose interest for a period of time. This pause is a built-in and healthy part of the response.
Is Catnip Safe?
Catnip is considered safe for cats when used occasionally and appropriately. Cats naturally disengage once the sensation peaks, which helps prevent overstimulation.
Some people worry that catnip works like a drug. In reality, the experience is closer to how cat lovers feel when scrolling through especially delightful cat photos—brief, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable, with no lingering effects. When used thoughtfully, catnip simply adds short moments of pleasure to a cat’s daily life.
When Should You Skip It?
Kittens under three months of age typically do not respond to catnip and are not recommended to use it.
There are also situations where skipping catnip is the more cat-aware choice:
When a cat has just arrived in a new home
After a veterinary visit or medical procedure
During periods of high anxiety or defensive behavior
In these moments, a cat’s priority is safety and predictability, not stimulation. Catnip works best when a cat already feels calm and secure.
How to Use Catnip (Form Matters)
Catnip is available in several forms, including fresh plants, dried leaves or flakes, catnip-filled toys, and sprays. Each form differs in strength, stability, and how long its effects last.
Fresh catnip is often grown as a garden plant and can trigger a strong, immediate response in some cats because nepetalactone is present in its most intact form. However, fresh catnip is also highly unstable. Once cut or bruised, the active compounds dissipate quickly, often within hours or days, making it difficult to use consistently for enrichment.
For this reason, dried catnip is more commonly used. It is easier to store, more consistent in strength, and far more practical for toys and long-term enrichment. When properly dried and stored, it provides a more controlled and repeatable scent experience for most cats.
Among dried options, whole or minimally broken leaves tend to remain effective the longest. Nepetalactone is stored in delicate structures on the surface of the leaf, and intact leaves help protect these structures, allowing the scent to release more gradually over time.
Under ideal storage conditions, whole-leaf catnip can remain effective for several months. In real-world use, factors such as shipping, handling, and repeated exposure to air typically shorten this window to about 3–6 months after opening.
Crushed or powdered catnip loses strength more quickly. The increased surface area speeds up evaporation, causing the scent compounds to dissipate at a faster rate.
Catnip toys vary widely in lifespan. Toys filled with whole leaves and made from less breathable fabrics tend to retain scent longer. Frequent chewing and saliva exposure accelerate scent loss, so most toys benefit from replacement every 1–3 months, depending on use and storage.
Catnip sprays are the least stable form. Because the active compound is already released into liquid form, sprays typically weaken within 2–8 weeks after opening.
When Should You Replace Catnip?
In practice, catnip effectiveness declines over weeks to months depending on its form, exposure, and storage.
Catnip products made with whole dried leaves—like those used in our MoriCat products—generally remain effective for about 1–3 months once in regular use.
The main reason is that nepetalactone is volatile. If a cat frequently chews on a toy, leaves saliva on it, or if catnip is regularly exposed to air, light, or moisture, effectiveness can drop much faster—sometimes within 2–4 weeks.
A simple indicator is your cat’s behavior. If a cat that previously showed interest suddenly seems indifferent, it is often the catnip that has aged, not the cat that has changed.
Regular replacement and proper storage—sealed, dry, and away from light—help keep each experience effective and enjoyable.
How Much Catnip Is Too Much? (Q&A)
With catnip, frequency matters more than quantity. Offering it once or twice a week is usually enough. A small amount goes a long way, and observing your cat’s response is more important than following a fixed dose.
If reactions weaken over time, taking a short break—typically 5 to 7 days—often restores interest by allowing the cat’s sensory response to fully reset.
If Catnip Doesn’t Work, What Else Can You Try?
If your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, it doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy scent enrichment—it usually means a different stimulus suits them better.
How to Choose Good Catnip (Freshness, Form, and Quality)
High-quality catnip usually contains more leaves than stems, with leaves that remain mostly intact rather than fully powdered. Packaging should be sealed and protect the contents from light.
A strong smell to humans does not automatically mean better results for cats. Cats respond to specific scent molecules, not overall fragrance strength.
How to Store Catnip Properly
Catnip is most affected by air, light, heat, and moisture. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving it exposed when not in use.
A Thoughtful Way to Use Catnip
Catnip works best as a moment, not a habit. When used occasionally and stored with care, it can add a gentle layer of enrichment to a cat’s everyday life.
At MoriCat, we design our catnip with this mindset—prioritizing freshness, quality, and your cat’s comfort.
👉 Explore MoriCat Catnip Products
