Many cat owners have seen the hilarious reactions cats can have to catnip — rolling, zooming, rubbing, purring, or suddenly becoming extra playful. But interestingly, not every cat responds the same way!
At Cats’ Castle Cat Hotel, we love incorporating safe and enriching activities like catnip into our luxury cat boarding experience to help keep our feline guests happy, engaged, and comfortable during their stay.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip is a natural herb from the mint family that contains a compound called nepetalactone. This compound interacts with a cat’s sensory receptors and can trigger playful, energetic, affectionate, or relaxed behaviour in many cats.
For some cats, catnip leads to:
- playful zoomies
- rolling and rubbing
- increased activity and exercise
- purring and relaxation
- curiosity and mental stimulation
The effects are temporary and typically last only a short period of time.
Why Don’t All Cats React to Catnip?
One of the most interesting things about catnip is that sensitivity to it is genetic. Not every cat experiences the same reaction.
In fact, approximately 30–40% of cats show little or no response to catnip at all. Kittens under a few months old may also not react yet, as sensitivity often develops with age.
Whether a cat becomes energetic, relaxed, or completely uninterested simply depends on their individual genetics and personality.
Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Yes — catnip is considered completely safe for cats when used appropriately. Many veterinarians and feline care professionals use catnip as a form of environmental enrichment because it can encourage:
- exercise
- play
- mental stimulation
- stress reduction
- positive engagement
For indoor cats especially, enrichment activities are an important part of maintaining both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Enrichment During Cat Boarding Matters
At Cats’ Castle Cat Hotel, we believe cat boarding should be more than simply providing food and a place to sleep. We focus on creating a safe, enriching, low-stress environment where cats can feel comfortable and engaged while away from home.
Depending on each cat’s personality and preferences, we incorporate safe enrichment opportunities such as:
- catnip toys
- interactive play
- climbing and exploration
- cozy resting spaces
- individualized attention and affection
Our goal is to help every cat enjoy a positive boarding experience tailored to their comfort level and needs.
Luxury Cat Boarding Serving the GTA & GTHA
Families searching for:
- luxury cat boarding in Oakville
- cat boarding near Toronto
- trusted cat hotel services in Hamilton and Burlington
- long-term cat boarding in the GTA
can trust Cats’ Castle Cat Hotel to provide compassionate, professional feline care in a clean, comfortable, cat-focused environment.
We proudly serve cat owners across:
- Oakville
- Burlington
- Hamilton
- Stoney Creek
- Mississauga
- Toronto
- Brantford
- the GTA and GTHA
Ready to book your kitty’s next stay with us? Visit Cats’ Castle Cat Hotel to learn more about our luxury cat boarding services and accommodations.