Plant guide
Catnip
Nepeta cataria
Catnip is generally safe for cats during normal play and enrichment. Eating too much can cause vomiting or diarrhea, and some cats become overstimulated. Offer it in moderation and stop if your cat reacts poorly.
What this guide covers: Nepeta cataria only. Garden mints in Mentha, ornamental catmint hybrids, extracts and concentrated oils are outside this guide. No dosing or feeding advice is proposed.
Photo:
Photo details
Nepeta cataria — Nepta cataria
By Isaac Wedin
License: CC BY 2.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
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Photo:
Photo details
Nepeta cataria — Nepta cataria
By Isaac Wedin
License: CC BY 2.0
Resized and converted to WebP for display; botanical details unchanged.
Catnip seeds
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Cat safety is unresolved. This purchase link is not a cat-safe recommendation. Prevent your cat from accessing this plant.
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Look for Nepeta cataria and check the selected variety. Listings and availability can change.
Plant identity
- Scientific name
- Nepeta cataria
- Scope
- Species
- Family
- Not recorded
- Also known as
- No reviewed aliases available
Our practical recommendation
Your cat comes first.
Offer ordinary catnip in moderation and stop if your cat reacts poorly. This guidance does not cover concentrated oils or extracts. Seek veterinary advice for persistent illness.
Explore reviewed non-toxic plants ↗Sources & review
Why the source labels differ
The ASPCA species database records gastrointestinal and behavioral effects under a toxic label. Pet Poison Helpline expects no significant toxicity; ASPCA gardening and toy advice and VCA guidance support ordinary enrichment. Normal enrichment is generally safe, while excessive ingestion and individual reactions can cause problems. This use-specific interpretation preserves the differing source classifications.
Lists vomiting, diarrhea and stimulation or sedation under a toxic classification.
Source scope and date
ASPCA · Source name: Nepeta cataria. Nepeta cataria only. Garden mints in Mentha, ornamental catmint hybrids, extracts and concentrated oils are outside this guide. No dosing or feeding advice is proposed.
Accessed .
Expects no significant toxicity and discusses catnip as enrichment.
Source scope and date
Pet Poison Helpline · Source name: Nepeta cataria. Nepeta cataria only. Garden mints in Mentha, ornamental catmint hybrids, extracts and concentrated oils are outside this guide. No dosing or feeding advice is proposed.
Accessed .
Recommends considering growing catnip for cats.
Source scope and date
ASPCA · Source name: Nepeta cataria. Nepeta cataria only. Garden mints in Mentha, ornamental catmint hybrids, extracts and concentrated oils are outside this guide. No dosing or feeding advice is proposed.
Accessed .
Evidence checked . The cat-safety classification remains unresolved.
Find the right spot
How to grow this plant
Nepeta cataria only. Garden mints in Mentha, ornamental catmint hybrids, extracts and concentrated oils are outside this guide. No dosing or feeding advice is proposed.
- Light
- Sunny position or Some direct sun
Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade helps in hot conditions.
- Watering
Established plants tolerate drought; avoid poorly drained soil.
- Temperature
- Temperature range not yet established
Heat can reduce performance; no preferred numerical range established.
- Humidity
Poor tolerance of hot, humid conditions; no numerical target established.
- Potting
- Adaptable to several soil types if drainage is good.
- Through the year
- Shear flower spikes after the first bloom. A container can limit weedy spread.
Growing-guide sources
- Nepeta cataria ↗NC State Extension · Accessed 2026-10-16
Nepeta cataria only. Garden mints in Mentha, ornamental catmint hybrids, extracts and concentrated oils are outside this guide. No dosing or feeding advice is proposed.
Growing advice reviewed 2026-10-16. Plant safety is assessed separately.
Safe alternatives
No verified alternative recommendations are available for this guide.