🔄

Catnip: 5 Things You Didn't Know

Author: K. Marie Altoby K Marie Alto Updated 2 min read

Catnip: 5 Things You Didn't Know by toe beans

Anyone with a kitty at home knows about catnip.

It comes in sprays, plant form, dried, and stuffed in toys! Below are a few fun facts about catnip that you may not know. Check them out and share any other fun facts in the comments.

1. It attracts cats but repels mosquitos!

The main chemical in catnip, nepetalactone is a great mosquito repellent!

Growing some of this plant in your garden should help keep those itchy pests at a distance, but it may attract some neighborhood kitties!

2. It can make your cat sleepy or super active!

When your kitty inhales catnip, it typically has a stimulating and euphoric effect, whereas if your kitty takes some bites out of the catnip it has a calming, sedative effect!

While the response only lasts about 10 minutes, it takes 1-2 hours before a kitty can experience another reaction.

3. Not all cats are affected by catnip!

Response to nepetalactone is an inherited trait, which appears in about 70% of kitties!

Even big cats such as tigers and lions can be sensitive to catnip!

4. It is completely safe and non-addictive!

While catnip can cause a variety of funny behaviors, it is in no way harmful for your kitty.

Just look for an organic version to avoid those pesky pesticides which are better left not ingested.

5. Humans have been using catnip for centuries!

This mint family herb has been used in cooking and even in herbal teas to help reduce nausea, headaches, and even insomnia!

Read Further

One more thing, if you are feeling like getting a little special something for your fur baby that is unique, made right here in the USA, 100% pup and cat safe, USDA certified organic and brought to you by a US company, check out Toe Beans online pet supplies store!

Does your kitty react to catnip? What’s his/her typical response? Share your comments and reactions below.

K Marie Alto
K Marie Alto

K. Marie is an animal lover, wife, pet momma, blogger, writer, and co-founder of Toe Beans®, the premier American manufacturer of direct-to-pet-parent dog and cat wellness supplies. A company that creates certifiably better pet products proudly made in the USA.

By redefining what conscious pet households should expect from pet products — from how, where, and by whom they are made to the materials used — Toe Beans® is becoming the #1 trusted source for health-conscious pet parents seeking ingredient transparency, healthier choices, true American craftsmanship, and the highest standards for the furry family members they love most.

She loves sharing her journey through social media — follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. Read Marie’s full bio here.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Pet Parents Blog by Toe Beans

Are Puzzle Feeders Unhealthy or Cruel to Give to Dogs?
Are Puzzle Feeders Unhealthy or Cruel to Give to Dogs?

by K Marie Alto August 27, 2026 8 min read

Discover if puzzle feeders are unhealthy or cruel for dogs, how you can use them to slow down meals, and when we suggest a normal bowl for safer eating habits.

Continue Reading
Why Do Cats Puff Out Their Tails (Vet Explanation)
Why Do Cats Puff Out Their Tails (Vet Explanation)

by K Marie Alto August 20, 2026 8 min read

We explain why cats puff out their tails, what this body language means, and how you can use clear vet advice when your cat feels scared, playful, or upset.

Continue Reading
How to Play Tug of War with Your Dog the Right Way
How to Play Tug of War with Your Dog the Right Way

by K Marie Alto August 13, 2026 8 min read

Learn how to play tug of war with your dog the right way, build trust, teach safe rules, pick good toys, and keep each game fun and calm for better training.

Continue Reading