Cat Grass Vs Catnip Which One Does Your Feline Actually Prefer And Why

Few things delight a cat owner more than watching their feline leap, roll, or purr in response to certain plants. Among the most popular are cat grass and catnip—both commonly offered to cats for enrichment, digestion, and play. But despite their similar names and shared appeal to cats, these two plants are fundamentally different in composition, effect, and purpose. Understanding the distinction can help you choose the right option for your pet and even enhance their well-being.

While some cats go wild for catnip, others couldn’t care less. Meanwhile, nearly all cats show interest in nibbling on cat grass, regardless of breed or age. So what’s behind this difference? And more importantly, which one should you be offering your cat?

Understanding Cat Grass: What It Is and Why Cats Eat It

Cat grass is typically a blend of young cereal grasses such as wheatgrass, oat grass, barley, or rye. Unlike catnip, it contains no psychoactive compounds. Instead, its appeal lies in its texture, taste, and digestive benefits.

Cats in the wild often consume plant matter after eating prey—partially to aid digestion, but also to induce vomiting when needed to expel indigestible parts like feathers or fur. Domestic cats retain this instinct, which explains why they’re drawn to chewing on houseplants, carpet fibers, or, ideally, safe grasses.

The fiber in cat grass helps move hair through the digestive tract, reducing hairball formation. It also provides trace nutrients like chlorophyll, folic acid, and enzymes that support red blood cell production and overall gut health.

Tip: Introduce cat grass gradually—start with a small pot and monitor your cat’s digestion. Some cats may vomit occasionally, which is normal if infrequent.

The Science Behind Feline Herbivory

Though cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their primary diet must come from animal protein, they still benefit from limited plant consumption. A 2008 study published in *Applied Animal Behaviour Science* found that over 70% of surveyed cats ate plants regularly, with fewer than 30% vomiting afterward. This suggests that plant consumption isn't just about inducing vomiting—it may support intestinal motility and micronutrient intake.

Unlike catnip, cat grass doesn’t alter behavior. There’s no rolling, rubbing, or hyperactivity. Instead, cats tend to chew methodically, swallow small portions, and walk away. This calm interaction makes cat grass ideal for kittens, seniors, and cats sensitive to stimulation.

What Is Catnip and How Does It Affect Cats?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the mint family and contains a volatile oil called nepetalactone. When inhaled, this compound binds to receptors in the cat’s nasal tissue, stimulating sensory neurons that lead to the brain’s emotional and behavioral centers—particularly the amygdala and hypothalamus.

The result? A temporary, euphoric reaction that can include:

• Rolling or rubbing on the ground
• Head shaking or chin rubbing
• Purring, meowing, or growling
• Hyperactive running or “zoomies”
• Temporary zoning out or lethargy

This response usually lasts between 5 and 15 minutes, after which the cat becomes temporarily immune to catnip’s effects for roughly 30 minutes. Notably, the reaction is genetic: only about 50–70% of cats inherit sensitivity to nepetalactone. Kittens under six months and older cats are less likely to respond.

“Catnip doesn’t work on all cats, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s not a deficiency in the cat or the catnip—it’s simply genetics.” — Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, Veterinary Contributor at PetMD

Catnip Safety and Misconceptions

Despite dramatic reactions, catnip is non-addictive and harmless in moderation. It doesn’t intoxicate cats in the way drugs affect humans; instead, it triggers an innate, instinctual response believed to mimic feline pheromones.

However, overuse can lead to desensitization or mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large amounts. Fresh or dried leaves are generally safe, but sprays and oils should be used sparingly, especially around multi-cat households where dominant cats may monopolize access.

Key Differences: Cat Grass vs Catnip

To clarify the distinctions, here's a detailed comparison of cat grass and catnip across several important factors:

Feature	Cat Grass	Catnip
Botanical Name	Various (e.g., Avena sativa, Triticum aestivum)	Nepeta cataria
Active Compound	Fiber, chlorophyll, folic acid	Nepetalactone
Effect on Cats	Digestive aid, mild nutritional boost	Behavioral stimulation (euphoria, excitement)
Response Rate	~90% of cats show interest	~50–70% of cats respond
Safety for All Ages	Yes, including kittens and seniors	No effect on kittens under 6 months
Ingestion vs. Inhalation	Primarily ingested	Primarily inhaled; ingestion causes mild sedation
Grows Indoors?	Yes, easily in pots	Yes, but requires more sunlight
Lifespan of Plant	2–4 weeks per growth cycle	Perennial; returns yearly outdoors

This table underscores a key insight: cat grass serves a functional, health-oriented role, while catnip offers behavioral enrichment. They aren’t interchangeable—but they’re not mutually exclusive either.

Which One Do Cats Actually Prefer?

The answer depends on the individual cat and what kind of experience they’re seeking.

Many cats enjoy both, but in different contexts. A relaxed cat might gravitate toward cat grass after a meal, chewing gently to aid digestion. The same cat might sprint across the room when presented with a catnip toy, engaging in playful or even flirtatious behavior.

A 2021 observational study by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) noted that cats exposed to both options simultaneously showed a preference split: 60% engaged first with catnip, while 40% went straight for the grass. However, over time, all cats in the study consumed grass at least once daily, whereas catnip interest waned after repeated exposure.

This suggests that while catnip may win in short-term excitement, cat grass has broader, longer-term appeal due to its natural alignment with feline biology.

Mini Case Study: Two Cats, Two Preferences

Consider the case of Luna and Oliver, two indoor cats living in the same household. Luna, a 3-year-old Siamese, reacts intensely to catnip—she rolls, rubs, and chases toys stuffed with it for minutes. But she rarely eats cat grass, though it’s always available.

Oliver, her 10-year-old tabby companion, ignores catnip entirely. He walks past it without a glance. Yet every morning, he spends five minutes carefully nibbling on the cat grass growing by the window.

Their owner, Maria, initially thought Oliver was “missing out” until her vet explained the genetic factor. Now, she keeps both options available and observes how each cat self-selects based on need. “It’s like they know exactly what their body wants,” she says.

How to Offer Both Safely and Effectively

Providing both cat grass and catnip can enrich your cat’s environment and support their physical and mental health. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Grow or Buy Fresh Cat Grass: Use organic soil and untreated seeds. Place the pot in indirect sunlight and water lightly every 1–2 days. Replace every 2–3 weeks or when mold appears.
2. Limit Catnip Exposure: Offer catnip no more than once or twice a week to prevent habituation. Use dried leaves, toys, or sprays in controlled amounts.
3. Monitor Reactions: Watch for excessive vomiting with grass or overstimulation with catnip. Adjust frequency accordingly.
4. Keep Plants Accessible but Separate: Place them in different areas to avoid cross-contamination and allow cats to choose freely.
5. Avoid Toxic Substitutes: Never let cats chew on lawn grass treated with pesticides or fertilizers. Also, keep toxic houseplants (like lilies or pothos) out of reach.

Tip: Rotate catnip toys weekly to maintain novelty. Store unused catnip in a sealed container in the freezer to preserve potency.

Checklist: Cat Grass & Catnip Care Routine

• ☐ Grow fresh cat grass every 2–3 weeks
• ☐ Test catnip sensitivity in kittens after 6 months
• ☐ Observe and record your cat’s response to each plant
• ☐ Clean pots and trays weekly to prevent mold
• ☐ Limit catnip sessions to 10–15 minutes, 1–2 times weekly
• ☐ Remove any plant material showing discoloration or decay
• ☐ Provide multiple access points in multi-cat homes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cats eat too much cat grass?

While cat grass is safe, excessive consumption may lead to vomiting or mild stomach upset. This is usually self-correcting—cats stop eating it once they’ve cleared their system. If vomiting becomes frequent or is accompanied by lethargy, consult a veterinarian.

Is catnip harmful if eaten?

No. While inhalation produces the classic “high,” ingesting catnip tends to have a mild sedative effect. Some cats may become sleepy after chewing it. As long as it’s given in moderation, it’s not dangerous.

Can I grow cat grass and catnip together?

You can, but it’s better to keep them separate. Catnip is more invasive and can overshadow grass in shared containers. Additionally, cats may avoid grass if it’s covered in catnip scent. Use individual pots for cleaner maintenance and clearer behavioral observation.

Conclusion: Support Your Cat’s Natural Instincts

Cat grass and catnip serve distinct but complementary roles in feline care. One supports digestion and provides a natural outlet for grazing instincts; the other stimulates play, reduces stress, and encourages exercise. Neither replaces proper nutrition or veterinary care, but both enhance quality of life in simple, meaningful ways.

Rather than asking which one cats prefer, consider how both can coexist in your home. By observing your cat’s behavior and responding to their needs, you create an environment that respects their instincts and promotes well-being.

💬 Have you noticed a difference in how your cat responds to cat grass versus catnip? Share your observations in the comments—your experience could help other cat owners understand their pets better!