Can kittens have catnip? It’s one of the most common questions we get at Ecopetessentials. And honestly, it’s a great one to ask. The short answer is yes, but only at the right age and in the right amount. Kittens under six months usually don’t react to it at all. Their little bodies are still growing, and their scent receptors aren’t fully ready yet. Therefore, giving catnip too early can do more harm than good. We want you to know everything before you offer your tiny fur baby this herb. So let’s get into what’s safe, what’s not, and what to watch for.
Catnip is a plant. Its real name is Nepeta cataria. It belongs to the mint family. It grows wild in many parts of the world. The plant has a chemical called nepetalactone. This is what makes cats go a little wild. When your cat sniffs it, the chemical binds to their nose receptors. It sends signals to their brain. That reaction looks a lot like a feel-good response. According to PetMD, catnip is completely non-toxic to cats. It is safe. However, that does not mean every cat, or every kitten, should have it.
So what does catnip do to kittens exactly? In adult cats, catnip causes rolling, rubbing, drooling, zoomies, and purring. The effect lasts about 10 minutes. Then they need a reset time of about 30 minutes. But kittens? It’s a very different story. Most kittens under 6 months do not react to catnip at all. Their scent receptors are not fully developed yet. The same receptors that make adult cats react? They’re still growing in young kittens. A kitten that does react too early might show signs of being overstimulated. We will cover those signs below.
No. We do not recommend catnip for 2 month old kittens. At 8 weeks, your kitten’s nervous system is still very new. Their body is not ready to process catnip’s effects. Even if you’re looking for safe catnip toys for 8 week old kittens, we suggest holding off. Instead, try soft crinkle toys or small plush mice. These are far better for teething at this stage. You can check out our list of the best non-toxic herb toys for teething kittens on our Care & Products page.
Most vets and pet experts agree: wait until your kitten is at least 6 months old. Some suggest waiting until they are closer to 1 year old. Here is a simple table to help you understand age and catnip safety:
➺ Note: Not all cats react to catnip. About 30–50% of cats are not affected at all. It is genetic.
This is really important. If your older kitten does react to catnip, you need to watch closely. A kitten overstimulated by catnip will show these signs and symptoms:
If you see any of these, remove the catnip right away. Give your kitten water and a quiet, calm space. These symptoms pass. But they are a sign you gave too much, too soon.
We also cover cat behaviour tips on Ecopetessentials that can help you read your cat’s mood better.
You may have heard of silvervine. It’s a plant from Asia. It works similarly to catnip but is stronger. About 80% of cats react to ssilvervine, even cats that don’t react to catnip. But here’s the thing: silvervine vs catnip for kittens under 6 months is not much of a debate. We do not recommend either for kittens under 6 months. Their bodies are simply not ready. For young kittens, stick to age-safe toys. Try toys that crinkle, rattle softly, or have feathers. These stimulate play without stressing out their growing nervous system.
Once your kitten hits 6 months, here is how to introduce catnip to a kitten for the first time safely:
Also, always choose organic catnip. Pesticides and chemicals on catnip can harm your cat. Look for certified non-toxic, organic options.
Yes, but only once they are old enough (6+ months). Can kittens have catnip treats is a common question. The answer is the same as for loose catnip. Age and amount matter. Catnip treats have smaller doses than loose catnip. This makes them a safer starting point. But always read the label. Make sure there are no added artificial flavors or preservatives. If your kitten is under 6 months and you want to treat them, opt for plain, freeze-dried meat treats instead. These are much safer for young kittens.
You love your kitten. That’s why you’re reading this right now. And we love that about you. At Ecopetessentials, we are always posting real, helpful pet care content. Whether it’s about cat health, behavior training tips, or product reviews, we have your back. You can bookmark Ecopetessentials right now. Save it. Come back whenever you have a pet question. We make sure our content is easy to read and always trustworthy. You and your kitten deserve that.
Also Read: 15 Pet-Friendly Flowers for Your Cat
➥ Can kittens have catnip at 8 weeks old?
No. At 8 weeks, kittens are too young for catnip. Their scent receptors are still developing. Wait until your kitten is at least 6 months old before trying it.
➥ What does catnip do to kittens under 6 months?
Most kittens under 6 months don’t react to catnip at all. Their brain receptors aren’t ready yet. Some may get overstimulated if exposed too early.
➥ Is catnip toxic or dangerous for kittens?
Catnip is non-toxic. But it’s not safe to give to very young kittens. Too much too soon can overwhelm their developing nervous system and cause distress.
➥ How much catnip can I give my 6-month-old kitten?
Start with less than ½ teaspoon. Let your kitten sniff a catnip toy first. Watch their reaction for 10 minutes and never offer more right after.
➥ What are signs my kitten is overstimulated by catnip?
Signs include aggression, confusion, drooling, shaking, and loss of balance. If you see these, remove the catnip and give your kitten calm space and water.
Maya Fields is passionate about animals and saving the earth. She writes to help pet owners make smart choices with proper Care & Products! From healthy treats to earth-safe toys, she believes every pet deserves love and care. Maya wants everyone to enjoy life with pets by choosing the right products.
