What Does Catnip Do to Cats? Catnip vs Matatabi vs Valerian Explained
Short answer: catnip contains a natural compound called nepetalactone. When a cat sniffs it, the scent triggers a short burst of happy, playful behaviour: rolling, rubbing, chin-flicking, kicking and sometimes zoning out. It usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, it isn't addictive, and around two in three adult cats react to it. Cats that ignore catnip often love matatabi (silver vine) or valerian instead.
What does catnip do to cats?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family. Its leaves and flowers hold an oil called nepetalactone. When your cat breathes it in, it binds to scent receptors in the nose and sets off a response in the brain linked to feeling good.
What you'll usually see:
- sniffing, licking or chewing the toy
- rubbing cheeks and chin all over it
- rolling on the back, stretching, flopping over
- bunny-kicking the toy with the back legs
- a sudden burst of zoomies, or the opposite: a dreamy, relaxed stare
The effect wears off after around 10 to 15 minutes. Most cats then need a break (often an hour or more) before catnip works on them again. That's completely normal, and it's one reason catnip toys feel "new" again later in the day.
Does catnip work on every cat?
No. Reacting to catnip is inherited, and roughly a third of cats simply aren't bothered by it. Very young kittens (under about three to six months) rarely react at all, so don't worry if your new kitten just looks puzzled.
The good news: a 2017 study of 100 cats by Bol and colleagues found that almost 80% reacted to silver vine (matatabi), compared with around 67% for catnip. Roughly half reacted to valerian root. And nearly three out of four cats that ignored catnip did respond to silver vine. So if catnip is a flop in your home, it's well worth trying something else.
Catnip vs matatabi vs valerian: what's the difference?
| Catnip | Matatabi (silver vine) | Valerian | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | Nepeta cataria, mint family | Actinidia polygama, a climbing plant related to kiwi | Valeriana officinalis, a flowering herb |
| Main active compound | Nepetalactone | Nepetalactol (plus related compounds) | Actinidine and valerenic compounds |
| Cats that react (Bol et al. 2017) | About 2 in 3 | About 4 in 5 | About 1 in 2 |
| Typical forms | Dried leaves, filled toys | Chew sticks, powder, fruit galls | Dried root, filled toys |
| Smell to humans | Fresh, minty, grassy | Woody, mild | Strong, earthy (some say "old socks"!) |
| Good for | Classic play, kicker toys, refreshing old toys | Cats that ignore catnip, cats that like to chew | Cats that ignore catnip, long-lasting scent |
Matatabi (silver vine)
Matatabi has been used for cats in Japan for centuries. The sticks are pieces of the dried vine, and many cats love to lick, chew and rub against them. Because most catnip "non-responders" still react to silver vine, it's often our first suggestion for cats that seem uninterested in everything. You'll find our natural matatabi sticks and jute-wrapped matatabi sticks in the shop.
Interesting side note: in 2021, researchers in Japan (Uenoyama and colleagues) found that when cats rub silver vine on their faces, the plant's compound transfers to their fur and helped keep mosquitoes away in lab tests. That's an early research finding, not something a toy should promise, but it does suggest the famous cheek-rubbing has a purpose.
Valerian
Valerian root smells strong to us, but to many cats it's irresistible. It tends to work on a different group of cats than catnip, so it's a good one to have in the toy basket. Our wool fish set is available filled with either catnip or valerian, so you can test which one your cat prefers.
Is catnip safe for cats?
For healthy adult cats, catnip is widely considered safe and it is not addictive. A few common-sense points:
- Little and often. A pinch is plenty. If a cat eats a large amount of dried catnip it can cause a mild upset tummy.
- Watch the play. Some cats get very excited. If you have two cats, give each their own toy so nobody gets grumpy.
- Supervise chewing. Matatabi sticks are made for chewing, but always stay nearby and take sticks away once they splinter or get small enough to swallow.
- Toys with strings or feathers should be put away after play and never left out unattended.
- No essential oils. Stick to the dried plant. Concentrated oils are not the same thing and are not suitable for cats.
- If your cat is pregnant, unwell or on medication, check with your vet first.
How to use catnip, matatabi and valerian
- Start small. Rub a pinch of dried catnip between your fingers to release the scent, then sprinkle it on a toy, scratcher or blanket.
- Use refillable toys. A refillable kicker lets you top up fresh catnip whenever the scent fades, so one toy lasts for years.
- Rotate. Put toys away for a few days and bring them back out. They'll feel new again.
- Mix it up. Try catnip one day, matatabi or valerian another, and see what gets the best reaction.
- Use it as a helper. A little catnip on a new scratching post or bed can help your cat take an interest in it.
How long does catnip last, and how should you store it?
Dried catnip slowly loses its scent once it's exposed to air and light. Stored well, it stays at its best for several months. To keep it fresh:
- keep it in an airtight jar or the resealed bag
- store it somewhere cool, dark and dry (a cupboard is ideal, a sunny windowsill is not)
- keep it out of reach, because determined cats will find it (and tear the bag open!)
Catnip toys fade too. If a toy has lost its magic, pop it in a jar with some dried catnip for a day or two, or choose a refillable toy. Our dried catnip comes in a resealable bag, perfect for topping up.
What if my cat doesn't react to anything?
Some cats really aren't interested in any of these plants, and that's fine. Play doesn't need a scent to be fun. Here's a little secret from our own home: when I first brought back a bag of washed sheep's wool from England, Pancake chewed straight through the bag to get to it. Lots of cats are fascinated by the natural smell and feel of real wool. That's a big part of why I make our toys from wool, like our needle-felted catnip sardines.
For cats that ignore scents completely, interactive play usually works best: a wand toy moved like prey, a short chase, then a "catch". Ten to twenty minutes a day can make a real difference to an indoor cat. (We'll write more about this in our post on keeping indoor cats busy.)
Frequently asked questions
What does catnip do to cats?
The scent of catnip (nepetalactone) triggers a short, happy reaction: rolling, rubbing, kicking and playing, sometimes followed by a relaxed, dreamy mood. It lasts around 10 to 15 minutes.
Why doesn't my cat react to catnip?
Sensitivity to catnip is inherited, and about one in three adult cats doesn't react. Kittens under around three to six months usually don't react yet either. Try matatabi (silver vine) or valerian instead.
Is catnip addictive or harmful to cats?
Catnip isn't addictive and is considered safe for healthy cats. Eating a lot of dried catnip can upset the stomach, so offer small amounts.
What is the difference between catnip and matatabi?
They come from different plants. Catnip is a mint-family herb containing nepetalactone. Matatabi (silver vine) is a climbing plant containing nepetalactol. In one study, more cats reacted to silver vine (about 80%) than to catnip (about 67%).
Is valerian or catnip better for cats?
Neither is "better". They work on slightly different groups of cats. Catnip works on more cats overall, but some cats that ignore catnip love valerian. Trying both is the easiest way to find out.
How often can I give my cat catnip?
A few times a week is a good rhythm. Cats need a break of an hour or more between sessions for catnip to work again, and keeping it special helps it stay exciting.
How long does dried catnip last?
Stored airtight, cool and dark, dried catnip keeps its scent well for several months. Rub it between your fingers before use to release the oils.
Can kittens have catnip?
It won't harm them, but most kittens under three to six months won't react. Wait until they're a bit older and try again.
Are matatabi sticks safe to chew?
They're made for chewing, but always supervise. Take sticks away once they splinter or become small enough to swallow.
This article is general information about cat behaviour and is not veterinary advice. If you're worried about your cat's health, please talk to your vet.
Sources: Bol S. et al. (2017), "Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria)", BMC Veterinary Research. Uenoyama R. et al. (2021), "The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes", Science Advances.