Is catnip toxic to cats?
Catnip is mildly toxic to cats (S1 Caution): the ASPCA notes that while many cats love it, nepetalactone can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and it leaves some cats sedated and others stimulated — an upset stomach at worst, not a poisoning.
S1CAUTION
- TOXINnepetalactone
- WHAT TO EXPECTvomiting; diarrhea; sedation in some cats
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists or worsens, or your cat stops eating or drinking.
S0S1S2S3S4
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| vomiting |
| diarrhea |
| sedation in some cats |
| stimulation in some cats |
If your cat just ate it
1
Take the plant or dried catnip away if your cat has eaten a lot of it and move the pot out of grazing reach. If you're unsure, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
2
When to call the vet: Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists or worsens, or your cat stops eating or drinking.
Care at a glance
Lightdirect
Waterevery 4–7 days
Humiditylow
Difficulty●○○