Catnip
Nepeta cataria · Lamiaceae
How it looks
Catnip is a small herb with small, toothed, grey-green heart-shaped leaves arranged opposite. The stems are square, and rubbing the leaves releases a strong minty aroma. Small white to pale purple flowers gather in spikes at the branch tips. It reaches 12-31 in (30-80 cm) tall.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Catnip contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Catnip rarely leads to serious trouble, but its nepetalactone can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Excitement, drooling, rolling (stimulant), then sedation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Details
- Scientific name
- Nepeta cataria
- Common name
- Catnip
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Nepetalactone
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Excitement, drooling, rolling (stimulant), then sedation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Lamiaceae
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