Catnip can trigger a very characteristic reaction in cats because it contains nepetalactone—an aromatic compound that affects the feline olfactory system. After contact with the plant, a cat may rub against things, roll around, purr, run, or clearly relax after a while. However, not all cats react in the same way. In a study involving 100 cats, approximately 68% of the animals reacted to catnip.

Catnip may also be added to ready-made food. In this case, however, it is not only the plant's presence that matters, but above all the product's entire composition, the quality of its animal-based ingredients, and the completeness of its recipe.

What is catnip?

Common catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a plant from the mint family. Its characteristic scent results, among other things, from the presence of nepetalactone.

In susceptible cats, contact with catnip may cause:

• rubbing their head and cheeks,
• rolling around,
• intense sniffing,
• licking or nibbling the plant,
• brief excitement,
• a greater desire to play,
• followed by calming down.

The reaction is usually brief and depends on the cat's individual sensitivity.

Why do cats like catnip so much?

The scent matters most, not the plant's taste. Compounds found in catnip stimulate olfactory receptors and may trigger characteristic behaviors involving rubbing, rolling, and excitement.

Studies confirm that the reaction to catnip has a biological basis, but its intensity varies between cats.

Therefore, one cat may react to it very energetically, while another may simply sniff it briefly.

Does every cat react to catnip?

No. Not reacting is completely normal.

In one study, approximately 68% of cats reacted to catnip, while some of the remaining animals showed interest in other plants, such as silver vine.

If a cat ignores catnip, this does not indicate any health problem.

Is catnip safe for cats?

In typical use, catnip is widely used to enrich a cat's environment—for example, in toys, scratching posts, or as dried herb.

Moderation is important, however. Do not give your cat large amounts of concentrated oils or preparations with an unknown composition on your own.

If catnip is present in ready-made cat food, its amount is part of the product's formulated recipe.

Can catnip be an ingredient in food?

Yes. It can serve as a plant-based addition, but it should not be the main criterion when choosing food.

The most important factors remain:

• proportion of animal-based ingredients,
• source of protein,
• the presence of taurine,
• appropriate moisture content,
• completeness of the recipe,
• no unnecessary additives.

Catnip may therefore distinguish the product, but the entire composition determines its nutritional value.

Catnip in BULTI food – what distinguishes this recipe?

BULT offers BULTI Superfood – beef with cranberry and catnip  . This is a complete and balanced wet cat food in which catnip is an addition to the meat-based recipe, not its main component.

This is important from the perspective of a pet owner looking for something more interesting than a regular flavor variant while still wanting to give their cat a complete and balanced meal.

This food may attract attention especially because it:

• is based on animal-based ingredients,
• contains a moist, aromatic form of food,
• is complete and balanced,
• contains cranberry and catnip,
• is an interesting alternative to classic flavors,
• may be a good solution for a pet owner who wants to diversify their cat's daily diet without giving up a complete and balanced formula.

Can food with catnip interest a picky cat?

It may, but there is no guarantee that every cat will react in the same way.

The palatability of food is influenced not only by catnip but also by:

• type of meat,
• smell,
• consistency,
• serving temperature,
• freshness of the portion,
• the cat's previous habits.

Therefore, catnip is better treated as an interesting recipe ingredient, not a miracle solution for a lack of appetite.

If a cat refuses to eat regardless of the type of food, it is worth determining why the cat does not want to eat new art instead of testing different flavors for many days.

Can catnip also be used outside of food?

Yes. It is most often used as an element of play and environmental enrichment.

A small amount of dried catnip may increase interest:

• a scratching post,
• a toy,
• a bed,
• a tunnel,
• an activity mat.

There is no need to use it every day. For some cats, less frequent contact helps maintain greater interest in the stimulus.

Summary

Catnip works primarily through its scent and may trigger characteristic behaviors in cats—from excitement and rolling around to subsequent calming. Not every cat reacts to it, and this is completely normal.

In cat food, catnip can be an interesting addition, but it does not replace a good composition. Therefore, it is best to choose a product based on a complete meat-based recipe, with catnip serving only as a supplement.

This is the case with BULTI Superfood with beef, cranberries, and catnip  — the product combines wet cat food with a less typical plant-based addition, making it an interesting choice for owners looking to diversify their cat’s daily menu.

Frequently asked questions

What does catnip do to cats?

It may cause rubbing, rolling around, excitement, increased willingness to play, or subsequent relaxation.

Does every cat react to catnip?

No. Studies observed a reaction in approximately two-thirds of cats.

Is catnip safe?

In typical amounts and products intended for cats, it is widely used. Caution should be exercised with concentrated oils and preparations of unknown composition.

Can catnip be included in cat food?

Yes. It can be a plant-based addition to complete wet food.

Will every cat like cat food with catnip?

No. Food acceptance also depends on flavor, meat, aroma, texture, and individual preferences.

Is catnip addictive for cats?

There is no evidence that typical contact with catnip leads to addiction.

At what age can a cat react to catnip?

Young kittens often react weakly or not at all. Sensitivity may develop with maturity.

Elżbieta Górnik – dog and cat nutrition specialist | BULT Educational content writer at BULT dedicated to nutrition and everyday dog care