What Age Can Kittens Have Catnip?

Kitten owners often wonder when it’s appropriate to give their kitten catnip for the first time. While kittens can have catnip at any age, there are some precautions you should consider before giving your kitten this popular herb.

The following guide explains when and how to give your kitten catnip and what to look out for if you’ve never given your kitten catnip before.

Is Catnip Safe For Kittens?

Catnip is not safe for kittens. Some say cats can have catnip at six months old, but it’s best to wait until they are 12 months old. Once they reach this age, you should be able to give them catnip a few times per week, if not every day.

If your kitten has a reaction to the catnip and starts vomiting or having diarrhea, it’s best to stop giving them catnips for a while and then try again in the future.

When Can Kittens Start Eating Catnip?

Kittens can start eating catnip anytime, but it’s safest to wait until they are eight weeks old. This is because the kitten’s digestive system has developed enough to handle the effects of the catnip. Ingesting too much catnip too early could upset your kitten.

So it’s best to wait a bit longer before giving them their first taste of nippy goodness. Once they reach eight weeks old, you can safely introduce them to all sorts of kitty treats and goodies!

How Much Catnip Should I Give My Kitten?

Kittens and catnip are a classic combination, but it’s essential to know how much catnip to give your kitten so as not to overwhelm them. The best way to gauge the amount of catnip a kitten can handle is by their age.

For kittens 2-4 months old, you should give them 1/4 tsp. For kittens 6-8 months old, you should give them 1/2 tsp per day. Per day, for kittens 10-12 months old, you can give them up to 1 tsp.; and for adult cats, you can give them up to 2 tbsps.

Do All Cats Like Catnip?

Cats are known to be more sensitive to catnip than other animals. This is because they have a large number of scent receptors, which means they can detect the chemical that makes up catnip more easily.

While it’s true that not all cats will react to catnip, many will get highly energized and playful when exposed to this plant. You should know a few different things about how old your kitten needs to be for them to enjoy the effects of catnip!

1. What about kittens who haven’t reached 8 weeks old yet?
2. How long does the reaction last?
3. What are the benefits of using cat nip with kittens?
4. What about cats over 18 months old?

How Long Does The Effect Of Catnip Last?

The effects of catnip last for about 10 minutes but can last up to 15 minutes. The effects of the plant are more potent on kittens than on adult cats. This is because kittens still have a sensitive nervous system that responds more to the chemicals in catnip.

Like other animals, a kitten’s weight affects how long it will react to catnip. Lighter cats react quicker and stay under the effects of catnip longer than heavier cats. The time a kitten reacts to catnip also depends on age and how often they’ve been exposed to it.