FAQ: Treats for cats

Catnip is considered safe and is not addictive. If a cat eats a lot of it, it may get an upset stomach or vomit, so give only a little dried catnip and not every day without a break.

Most kittens only start reacting to catnip at about 3–6 months of age, so it usually has no effect on very young kittens. It does no harm, but playing with a younger kitten is more useful.

Catnip works best when given occasionally, for example a few times a week, so it does not lose its effect. Used every day, it soon stops being interesting to the cat.

Dried catnip is usually stronger and can be sprinkled on a scratching post or toy. Spray is handy for refreshing an old toy or encouraging use of a scratcher, but its scent fades more quickly.

A small amount of catnip sprinkled or sprayed on a scratching post or a new bed often draws the cat to it. It is an easy way to get attention, but it also helps to put the post where the cat already likes to scratch.

Keep dried catnip in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Air and light make the aromatic substances evaporate quickly, so older catnip becomes less interesting to cats.

Yes, when a toy no longer smells, it can be placed in an airtight container with dried catnip for a few days or sprayed with catnip spray. Some toys have an opening pocket that can be refilled with fresh catnip.

Yes, catnip can be grown in a pot on a windowsill or in the garden; it is quite undemanding and likes sun. Cats often chew or flatten the plant, so keep it out of the cat's reach and only give picked sprigs.

Most cats become playful or relaxed on catnip, but some briefly get overexcited and may bite or scratch. If your cat reacts this way, give less catnip and do not play with it using your hands at that time.

Catnip can be given to several cats, but it is better to give each cat its own spot and to supervise. Excited cats sometimes start fighting, especially if their relationship is already tense.

Silvervine, also called matatabi, is a plant whose dried sticks or powder cause a reaction in many cats similar to catnip. It often works on cats that do not react to catnip too.

Silvervine sticks made for cats are generally safe to chew under supervision. When a stick splinters into sharp pieces or becomes small enough to swallow, throw it away and replace it.

The smell of valerian root attracts some cats much like catnip does, so it is used in toys. Valerian drops or tablets meant for people must not be given to a cat, because they may contain alcohol or other substances.

The ‘cat grass’ sold in pots is usually sprouted oats, wheat or barley that cats like to chew. It helps some cats bring up hairballs and draws them away from houseplants.

Sow the seeds in a pot with soil or a special growing medium, keep them moist and in a bright place, and after a week or two the grass is ready to chew. When it turns yellow or mouldy, throw it out and sow a new batch.

Sometimes a cat vomits up grass with hair after chewing it, and this is often normal. If the cat vomits often, without grass, or seems unwell, see a vet.

Lilies are especially dangerous to cats, even their pollen or the water in the vase, as are dieffenbachia, oleander and some other plants. If your cat chews plants, offer cat grass and check whether your houseplants are safe for it.

Most treats can be given from the age the manufacturer states on the pack, often from a few months. For a kitten a complete growth food comes first, and treats should stay only a small extra.

Kittens do well with smaller, softer or easy-to-chew treats, often labelled as for kittens. The pieces should be small enough that the kitten cannot choke, and new treats are best introduced a little at a time.

Treats help a kitten link people, the carrier or the brush with something pleasant. Give a small piece calmly, let the kitten come to you on its own and do not overwhelm it with attention in the first days.