Can Kittens Have Catnip? What You Need to Know

Catnip is one of those things cat owners love to experiment with. You sprinkle a little on a scratching post, fill a toy with it, or even spray it on a cat bed, and suddenly, your cat is zooming around like they’ve discovered a new lease on life. But if you’ve recently brought home a kitten, you might be wondering: Can kittens have catnip? And more importantly, is it safe?

The short answer? Yes, catnip is safe for kittens—but it might not do anything for them just yet. Let’s break it down.

What Is Catnip, and Why Do Cats Love It?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family, and its magic comes from a compound called nepetalactone. When cats sniff or interact with catnip, this compound binds to receptors in their nose, triggering a response in the brain that can lead to behaviors like:

• Rolling around in bliss
• Zooming all over the house
• Purring and rubbing against the catnip source
• A general state of euphoria

Not all cats respond to catnip, though—sensitivity to it is genetic, and about 30-50% of cats don’t react at all. But what about kittens?

Can Kittens Have Catnip?

Technically, kittens can be exposed to catnip without any harm. It’s non-toxic and completely safe. The catch? Most kittens don’t react to catnip until they’re about 3 to 6 months old.

That’s because their neurological receptors—the ones that respond to nepetalactone—aren’t fully developed yet. So, if you try giving your tiny kitten some catnip and they don’t seem interested, don’t worry. It’s not that they dislike it; they just aren’t wired to respond to it yet.

Is Catnip Beneficial for Kittens?

For older kittens who do react, catnip can actually be beneficial in a few ways:

1. Encourages Play and Exercise

A little bit of catnip can stimulate playful behavior, helping kittens stay active and burn off some energy. This is especially great for indoor cats who might not get as much physical activity.

2. Helps With Stress Relief

If your kitten is adjusting to a new home, new people, or even other pets, catnip (once they respond to it) can act as a mild stress reliever. Some cats experience a sedative effect after the initial playfulness, which can help them settle down in unfamiliar environments.

3. A Fun Training Tool

Catnip can help encourage kittens to use scratching posts, cat beds, or certain areas of your home rather than others. If your older kitten responds to catnip, rubbing a little on a scratching post can help reinforce good habits.

Are There Any Risks?

Not really—catnip is completely safe for cats, including kittens. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Too much catnip can cause mild digestive upset. If a kitten eats a large amount of catnip leaves, they might experience a little nausea or diarrhea.
• Overstimulation can lead to hyperactivity. Some kittens get a little too excited with catnip and may start zooming uncontrollably or play too rough. If that happens, give them a break from it.
• Always supervise the first few times. If your kitten does respond, observe their behavior and see how they react before making it a regular treat.

How to Introduce Catnip to Your Kitten

If your kitten is at least 3-6 months old and you want to see if they react to catnip, start small. Here’s how:

• Use a toy stuffed with catnip – This is a low-mess way to test their reaction.
• Try a sprinkle of dried catnip on a scratching post or bed.
• Use catnip spray – If you don’t want loose leaves around, a catnip spray can lightly scent a toy or bed without the mess.

If your kitten shows no interest, don’t be discouraged. Some cats simply don’t have the genetic sensitivity to catnip, and others may develop a reaction later on.

Alternatives to Catnip for Young Kittens

Since kittens under 3 months old likely won’t respond to catnip, you might want to try other ways to keep them engaged and entertained:

• Silvervine – Another plant that triggers a similar response in some cats.
• Valerian root – Some cats respond to valerian when they don’t react to catnip.
• Interactive toys – Kittens get the most enrichment from playtime, so focus on toys that mimic prey, like feather wands or crinkle balls.

Final Thoughts

Catnip is completely safe for kittens, but most won’t react to it until they’re a few months old. If your kitten doesn’t show any interest, there’s no need to worry—it’s just a matter of biology. Once they’re old enough, catnip can be a great tool for play, training, and even stress relief. Looking for catnip for your kitten? Shop our Signature Catnip for a treat your cats will love.