§ Toxic plants · Lamiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is catnip toxic to cats?
Yes. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is toxic to cats, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Moderate, level 2 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, overexcitement and drowsiness. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Lamiaceae plants toxic to pets
Catnip belongs to the Lamiaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about catnip and pets
Is catnip toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists catnip as toxic to cats.
Is catnip toxic to dogs?
ASPCA's list does not name catnip as toxic to dogs. That is not the same as safe: call a vet if your dog eats it and seems unwell.
What happens if my pet eats catnip?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, overexcitement and drowsiness. Plant Smart rates it Moderate, level 2 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.