Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is one of four plants known to trigger a catnip-like response in cats. In the largest study comparing them, Bol et al. (2017), about half of the domestic cats tested responded to valerian, compared with about two in three for catnip and about four in five for silver vine. It is a useful option for some catnip non-responders, but silver vine reaches more of them.
How the four cat-attractant plants compare
| Plant | Share of cats that responded (Bol et al., 2017) | Active compounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver vine (Actinidia polygama) | About 4 in 5 | Several iridoids, including nepetalactol and actinidine | Reaches almost 75% of catnip non-responders |
| Catnip (Nepeta cataria) | About 2 in 3 | Nepetalactone | The best known; response is partly inherited |
| Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) wood | About half | Actinidine among others | Use the wood only; the berries are not for cats |
| Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) | About half | Actinidine among others | Very strong smell to humans |
What does valerian do to cats?
The reaction looks like a catnip reaction: sniffing, licking, chin and cheek rubbing, rolling and a burst of play, usually lasting a few minutes before the cat loses interest. In people, valerian is taken as a mild sedative; in responsive cats, the effect is the opposite in the short term: playful excitement, followed by calm.
Is valerian safe for cats?
Dried valerian root in a toy is generally considered safe. Do not give cats valerian supplements, tinctures or capsules made for people: these are concentrated, may contain alcohol or other ingredients, and are not intended for animals. As with any herb, eating a large amount can upset the stomach.
How to offer valerian
Valerian is usually sold as dried root, either loose or inside toys. Its smell is strong and, to most people, unpleasant, so a sealed toy is easier to live with than loose root. Test your cat with a small amount and watch for a reaction within a minute or two.
Valerian or silver vine for a cat that ignores catnip?
Start with silver vine. In Bol et al. (2017), almost 75% of the cats that did not respond to catnip responded to silver vine, which makes it the most reliable alternative. Valerian and Tatarian honeysuckle are worth trying for cats that ignore both.
Frequently asked questions
- Do cats like valerian more than catnip?
- Fewer cats respond to valerian than to catnip: about half, compared with about two in three for catnip (Bol et al., 2017). Individual cats may prefer either.
- Is valerian safe for cats?
- Dried valerian root in a toy is generally considered safe. Do not give cats human valerian supplements or tinctures.
Sources
- Bol S, Caspers J, Buckingham L, et al. (2017). Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). BMC Veterinary Research 13:70.