| Verdict for cats | Generally safe |
| Severity | 1 / 5 — Low risk — fine in moderation for a healthy pet. |
| Safe amount | Small amounts |
| Category | Plants |
| Source | ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database; VCA Animal Hospitals — pet health library · reviewed 2026-08-07 · confidence: high |
Catnip is non-toxic and safe for cats. Some go blissful, some go boisterous, and about a third are genetically unaffected. Too much fresh catnip can cause vomiting or loose stools, so a pinch is plenty.
Serve it plain, in small pieces, as an occasional treat. Keep all treats to under about a tenth of daily calories, and introduce anything new in a small amount so you can spot a sensitive stomach.
Never induce vomiting and never give any medicine unless a vet tells you to — it can do more damage than the poison. What we will and won't tell you.
If you're sharing food because you want to treat them, a treat formulated for cats does the job without the guesswork.
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Can dogs eat catnip? — Feed with caution to dogs.
Yes — catnip is generally safe for cats in moderation, plain and in small pieces. Catnip is non-toxic and safe for cats. Some go blissful, some go boisterous, and about a third are genetically unaffected. Too much fresh catnip can cause vomiting or loose stools, so a pinch is plenty.
Usually nothing — in moderation this is a safe treat. If they had a large amount, watch for: Most pets are fine after a small amount; Vomiting, loose stools or a skipped meal if they had a lot; Any new food can upset a sensitive stomach — introduce it in a small amount. Some signs lag by a day — call, don't wait.
The safe amount is small amounts, as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. Large amounts mainly cause stomach upset; if that doesn't settle within a day, call your vet.