What Does Catmint Do to Cats?

Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone. This is what cats love and what induces them to eat the leaves that give them a euphoric high. Nepetalactone also repels insects, so it's not bad to have around the house. Some people report that their cats show some interest in catmint.

Is it OK for cats to eat catmint?

Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten. ... This is the mint that is often cultivated for use as a culinary herb. Most mint plants have wrinkled leaves that grow in an ovular shape.

Can catmint make cats sick?

There's no evidence that catnip is harmful to cats or young kittens. However, if they eat a lot of the fresh or dried catnip leaves, they can get an upset tummy along with vomiting or diarrhea.