Many cats love catnip, from having catnip in toys to spreading it over scratchers. Because catnip is a plant, it’s fair to wonder if catnip expires. While catnip usually comes in dried and ground in a pouch or a toy, reason suggests that catnip would continue to dry and wither away.
If you have old catnip at home and you’re worried that it expired, don’t worry as there’s a small chance that old catnip is bad for your cat. That being said, old catnip might not be the best thing to give your cat as catnip does expire over time.
How Long Does Catnip Last?
Once catnip is harvested and ground up, its life span shortens to about 1-2 years, depending on where you store the catnip and your home’s conditions. Factors that affect the longevity of catnip include:
- Sunlight. Direct sunlight will make catnip expire faster as the radiation dries the plant.
- Moisture. Humid environments will see catnip last longer than drier climates. However, excessive humidity can damage catnip, so keep it stored far from sinks, piping, and faucets.
- Storage. Leaving a catnip pouch open will see it expire much faster than if you store it in an airtight container.
- Heat. Extreme heat and cold will make catnip expire at a quicker rate.
When properly stored, your catnip should retain potency for a longer period. If you cannot properly store catnip, consider buying smaller quantities at a time.
Does catnip lose its potency?
As catnip ages it loses its potency. The main agent in catnip is an essential oil called nepetalactone, and this agent breaks down over time. If your cat normally likes catnip but doesn’t react to old catnip, that’s a clear sign that the catnip has lost its potency.
Can Cats Eat Old Catnip?
It’s perfectly safe for cats to eat old catnip, but don’t expect any reactions from your cat. Because the essential oils have dried out, old catnip is essentially just dried out leaves.
While eating old catnip is safe, eating large amounts could irritate your cat and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or digestive issues. Fortunately, because old catnip doesn’t cause any reactions in cats, there’s a small chance that your cat would willingly eat large amounts of catnip.
Related: Can You Give A Kitten Catnip?
What is the Best Catnip?
If you want to get the best catnip, go with something fresh. Catnip is a naturally growing plant, and you can purchase it and grow it in your home for your cat to enjoy. You can also harvest your own catnip this same way.
If you choose to buy ground catnip, consider the brand you’re buying from. Organic and pesticide-free brands minimize the chance of your cat ingesting something bad, and these catnips can also last much longer.
Finally, find out what your cat likes! You can try all different types of catnip, but it won’t matter if your cat isn’t interested. We recommend trying out different types of catnip and brands to find the perfect fit for your cat.
FAQs for Does Catnip Expire
Yes, as long as the catnip isn’t moldy. However, old catnip has lost its potency, so your cat isn’t likely to be interested in the catnip.
When stored properly, catnip can last well over a year. When shopping for catnip, try to avoid anything that’s older than six months old.
No, your cat cannot become addicted to catnip, though you should limit how much catnip they get as too much can cause adverse health effects like vomiting or upset stomachs.
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