Top 7 Catnip Alternatives You Should Consider

Some cats simply don’t have the gene responsible for the reaction to catnip. Others develop tolerance from frequent catnip use or have adverse effects that prevent them from enjoying the herb.

Silvervine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian root, chamomile, thyme, cat thyme, and Indian nettle have effects similar to catnip, but many of these alternatives don’t cause aggression and are longer-lasting.

Remember that each cat is different, so there’s no guarantee the alternatives will work on your furry friend. You may have to experiment with herbs and dosages to find the best option for your pet.

1. Silvervine

Silvervine or Actinidia polygama, a plant native to the mountainous regions of Japan and China, has been favored by Asians for its medical properties for centuries. This plant has cup-shaped white flowers with an intoxicating scent and orange egg-shaped fruits.

Silvervine is among the most potent catnip alternatives – nearly 80% of felines are responsive to its effects compared with only 50% to 75% of cats responsive to catnip.

The reason for such a difference in potency is the number of active ingredients. While catnip only has one, the silvervine has two.

Similar to catnip, silvervine has a euphoretic and mildly hallucinogenic effect on cats. The effect begins immediately after a cat sniffs or ingests silvervine and lasts for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the dose.

The effect of silvervine on cats depends on whether it was ingested or inhaled and a cat’s peculiarities. Like catnip, inhaled silvervine has a stimulating effect, making cats roll on the ground, rub against surfaces, and zoom around the room.

Ingested silvervine may have similar effects or act as a sedative, making a cat sleepy and mellow. Some cats start licking themselves excessively or have an increased appetite.

Pregnant felines and kittens under approximately six months old are unresponsive to silvervine because, like catnip, it mimics feline mating pheromones.

Silvervine comes in different forms, including loose dry herb, chew sticks, powder, treats, and sprays. The best thing about silvervine is that it doesn’t cause aggression in cats as catnip does.

2. Tatarian Honeysuckle

Tatarian honeysuckle is a plant from the honeysuckle family native to Siberia and the Himalayas. This invasive bushy shrub can be recognized by its gorgeous blush-pink blossoms and red berries.

However, the beautiful flowers, berries, and leaves are toxic to cats and should not be given to them in any form.

Cat treats and toys are made from the woody part of the shrub. There are no adverse reactions to the wood reported other than mild gastroenteric upset.

We still need more research to determine how many cats are responsive to Tatarian honeysuckle, but current data suggests the numbers exceed 80%.

Like catnip, Tatarian honeysuckle has a mild stimulating effect, causing cats to become hyperactive, rolling on the floor, grooming themselves, jumping on walls, and otherwise behaving oddly.

Occasionally, Tatarian honeysuckle may make a cat aggressive, but the adverse reaction is less likely than with catnip.

If a cat hisses or attacks the owner after ingesting Tatarian honeysuckle, it should be left alone and will return to the norm in some minutes.

The primary difference between catnip vs. Tatarian honeysuckle is that the latter doesn’t mimic feline mating pheromones, so it also affects cats that haven’t yet reached sexual maturity.

Tatarian honeysuckle can be found dried and crushed like loose catnip or in sprays, oils, toys, and cushions.

3. Valerian Root

Valerian root is the most popular alternative to catnip. You may be familiar with the plant because humans have used it as a medicinal herb since the ancient Greek era. Valerian root is known for its calming, slightly sedative effect.

However, the plant has a different effect on felines, resembling the effects of catnip. Immediately after ingesting or inhaling valerian root, cats start rolling, meowing, rubbing, licking, and drooling.

Like many catnip alternatives, valerian root mimics cat pheromones and only affects felines that have reached sexual maturity. Kittens are likely to ignore the plant entirely or sniff it without visible excitement.

Valerian root helps relieve anxiety and stress in cats and promotes exercise in lazy felines. It has no known adverse effects, and cats have an innate knowledge of how much valerian root is too much, so they are unlikely to overdose.

On rare occasions, cats may behave aggressively towards the owner or other pets, but the adverse effects disappear shortly.

The best way to give valerian root to a cat is to chop it coarsely into tiny pieces and let the cat sniff it. However, cats can also ingest valerian root powder or inhale valerian root sprays.

Some manufacturers produce valerian root chew sticks that are great for cats with a biting habit. Note that not every cat is responsive to valerian root, same as not every cat goes crazy over catnip.

The most significant difference in valerian root vs. catnip is the strength and length of the effect. Valerian root is more potent, and its effect lasts for 30 minutes to several hours.

4. Chamomile

Chamomile is a lesser-known catnip substitute for cats. These white flowers with yellow centers grow all across the Temperate climate zone and are known for their calming, soothing effect on humans.

The effects of chamomile on cats are still debated. In large doses, some chamomile varieties are toxic to felines. However, chamomile of the Matricaria Chamomilla variety has a light sedative and anti-inflammatory effect on cats.

Unlike catnip, chamomile has the same effect on all cats regardless of their age and doesn’t cause aggression, but a gastroenteric upset is possible in some felines.

The safest way to give chamomile to cats is weak tea. A cat doesn’t have to drink a cup of tea – a few drops are sufficient. A larger dose can cause diarrhea or vomiting.

A more potent chamomile form is essential oils that can be inhaled. Chamomile essential oil for cats relieves anxiety and stress. Dry chamomile flowers have a similar effect yet are not as strong.

The most significant difference between chamomile vs. catnip for cats is the dosage. Cats cannot overdose on catnip and know when to stop consuming it, but they can become sick from large doses of chamomile, so stick with prescribed amounts.

Most cats don’t find chamomile as appealing as catnip, and it doesn’t have a stimulating effect, but it’s a great solution to calm down a cat during car trips or when introducing a new pet into the family.

5. Thyme

Many cat owners don’t suspect that thyme, a popular aromatic perennial plant found on their spice racks, can substitute catnip. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the plant is non-toxic to felines.

Thyme benefits for cats aren’t limited to a soothing effect as that of catnip. The herb also cleans the digestive tract, kills parasitic worms, improves digestive health, and suppresses fungal growth.

However, each cat is unique, and some felines may have mild adverse reactions to thyme, including vomiting and diarrhea. If you choose to try the herb on your cat, start with a small dose.

Cats can safely inhale and ingest thyme, but the herb isn’t as popular as a catnip alternative, so finding cat treats or toys with thyme is challenging. Fortunately, anyone can grow thyme in their garden or on the windowsill.

6. Cat Thyme

Cat thyme or Teucrium marum isn’t thyme but resembles one. As the name suggests, this plant is known for its sedative effect on cats, like that of catnip, and many cats prefer its scent over catnip.

Cat thyme has a minty smell. Like catnip and many of its alternatives, cat thyme doesn’t have adverse effects other than gastroenteric upset from ingesting large doses. There are no fatal cases reported from ingesting cat thyme.

Cat thyme can be found in dried loose form, tinctures, teas, sprays, and toys. It can be grown at home, but it doesn’t grow as fast as catnip.

7. Indian Nettle

Indian nettle is also known as cat grass. This medicinal plant native to South Asia and Africa has long been used in medicine but is equally beneficial for pets, both dogs and cats.

The plant has a stimulating effect on cats, making them roll on the floor, meow, run against surfaces, and run around, but only the root is a feline attractant.

Indian nettle leaves don’t affect the feline nervous system. However, other parts of the plant are often used in pet dietary supplements be cayuse they are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.

Ingesting too much Indian nettle can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and flatulence in cats, but inhaling the plans is generally safe. Indian nettle is more potent than catnip, so the dosage is lower.

Because the plant is more potent, its effects last longer, up to several hours, depending on a cat’s peculiarities and dose. The plant can be found in tinctures, sprays, treats, or dry.

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