Catnip is generally safe for kittens.
Catnip is a perennial herb, meaning it grows in more than one growing season and contains an ingredient called nepetalactone. It is to this natural chemical that kittens and cats react by becoming more active, purring and rolling, or even licking and drooling; some may also eat catnip. This is generally safe as catnip is non-toxic. It’s generally considered safe to use catnip for kittens, but it’s important to note that some cats may not be very interested in the grass, especially kittens less than two to three months old and some older cats.
Catnip contains an ingredient that many cats react to.
People often wonder if it’s safe to use catnip for kittens for a number of reasons. First, they might question whether a kitty’s system will be more vulnerable to something harmful that might be in the catnip. Second, they may wonder if any ingredients in catnip may be harmful in general. The good news is that catnip is not toxic to cats of any age, including kittens.
The reaction to catnip can vary from kitten to kitten.
One thing that is important to note about using catnip for kittens is that some may try to eat it in addition to smelling it or playing with it inside a pet toy. Eating a small amount of catnip is unlikely to harm a cat. However, if the cat eats in large quantities, it may vomit or develop diarrhea. Still, it is unlikely to cause serious or lasting effects when ingested.
Scientists believe that the chemical nepetalactone is responsible for cats’ favorable responses to catnip, as it produces the same type of reaction as sex pheromones in cats and kittens. Reactions, however, can vary from kitty to kitty. Some may seem lulled by it, while others get very excited and playful. Many cats like to rub or roll over catnip or an object containing catnip and kick or scratch it. In addition, some are very nervous and playful in its presence, and many also lick, sniff and nibble at it.
Even though using catnip for kittens is considered safe, it’s important to note that some cats may not seem as interested as others. For example, kittens less than two or three months old are often not interested in this. Similarly, older cats may not seem as interested as younger cats.