If you've ever watched a calm, dignified cat roll on the floor, drool and bunny-kick a toy after one sniff of catnip, you've probably wondered what on earth just happened. Here's what catnip actually does, why some cats ignore it completely, and how matatabi (silver vine) and valerian compare, from someone who fills cat toys with all three every week.
Key takeaways
- Catnip contains nepetalactone, a scent that triggers 10 to 15 minutes of rolling, rubbing and playing.
- About two in three adult cats react to catnip. Kittens under 3 to 6 months usually don't react yet.
- Catnip is not addictive and is considered safe for healthy cats in small amounts.
- Around four in five cats react to matatabi (silver vine), including most cats that ignore catnip.
- Keep dried catnip airtight, cool and dark, and refresh toys instead of throwing them away.
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. It works through smell, so a cat doesn't need to eat catnip to react to it.
What you'll usually see:
- sniffing, licking or chewing the toy
- rubbing cheeks and chin all over it
- rolling on the back, stretching and flopping over
- bunny-kicking the toy with the back legs
- a 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 of 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 adult cats simply aren't bothered by it. Very young kittens 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.
Catnip vs matatabi vs valerian: what's the difference?
All three plants set off a similar happy reaction, but they come from different plants, use different compounds and work on slightly different groups of cats.
| Catnip | Matatabi (silver vine) | Valerian | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | Nepeta cataria, mint family | Actinidia polygama, a climbing plant related to kiwi | Valeriana officinalis, a flowering herb |
| Active compound | Nepetalactone | Nepetalactol and related compounds | Actinidine and valerenic compounds |
| Cats that react | 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 and earthy ("old socks") |
| Best for | Classic play, kicker toys, refreshing old toys | Cats that ignore catnip, cats that love 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 usually our first suggestion for cats that seem uninterested in everything.
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.
Try silver vine
Natural matatabi chew sticks, or jute-wrapped sticks for cats that like to grab and kick.
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 handmade wool fish and corduroy kicker come filled with catnip, valerian or no herbs at all, 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. Eating a large amount of dried catnip 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 stay nearby and take sticks away once they splinter or get small enough to swallow.
- Put away string and feather toys after play and never leave them 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.
Wondering about the toys themselves? Read Are wool toys safe for cats? for what to look for and when to replace a toy.
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 and 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.
Not sure which toy suits your cat? Our guide How to choose the right toy for your cat matches toys to play style: hunters, kickers and herb lovers.
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 tube or jar
- 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 top up a refillable toy. We've written a full guide on how to refresh catnip toys and care for wool cat toys.
Premium dried catnip
25 g in an airtight, reusable tube with a cotton pouch for refreshing toys.
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. A little secret from our 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, which is a big part of why I make our toys from it, 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. Read more in why daily play matters for indoor cats.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most about catnip, matatabi and valerian.
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, and choose herb-free kitten toys in the meantime.
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, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip", 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.
