How to Make Catnip Tea for Cats

Download Article
Download Article

Interested in brewing a delicious cup of tea for your kitty? Catnip tea is a yummy beverage that your cat will love, and it can even boost their mood. It's also super easy to make at home. Read on to learn everything you need to know about making catnip tea, from brewing to serving.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Brewing Catnip Tea

Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Pour the water into either a pot or a tea kettle. Then, place it on the stove and turn the heat on high. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Catnip Tea for Cats
    While you wait for the water to boil, prepare the catnip. [2] If you'd like, place a strainer over the mug and pour the catnip into the strainer. Otherwise, you can simply pour the catnip directly into the mug. [3]
    • Opt for 100% pure and organic dried catnip to ensure that there aren't any pesticides or chemicals in the catnip. This variety is also much stronger!
    • Using a strainer allows you to remove the leaves once your tea is done brewing. You also have the option of letting the catnip leaves float in the tea for a stronger beverage. Both are perfectly safe for your cat to drink.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Catnip Tea for Cats
    Once the water has come to a boil, take it off the heat. Wait for the water to cool until it's no longer boiling, then pour it over the strainer (or simply into the mug if you're not using a strainer). Then, allow 3 minutes for the tea to steep. [4]
    • Letting the tea steep for 3 minutes will ensure that the tea is strong enough for your kitty. Once that time is done, remove the strainer if you're using one.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e7\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To make sure your cat doesn't burn their tongue when they take a sip, avoid serving the tea hot. You might try waiting until the tea has cooled naturally, adding cool water to the tea, or keeping it in the fridge for a few minutes to let it chill. [5]
    • Double-check the tea's temperature before serving it. To be absolutely sure the tea is no longer too hot to serve, try the tea yourself (catnip tea is safe for humans to drink, too). [6]
    Arden Moore, Pet Expert and Author

    Preparing catnip tea can be a distinctive way to interact with your cat's innate instincts, offering them comfort and excitement. Comprehending how catnip impacts felines allows you to generate pleasant, relaxed moments for your furry companion. Keep in mind, a content cat results not solely from treats, but more so from meaningful time together. Crafting this aromatic tea is more than a cooking experiment; it's a chance to connect with your cat and indulge their natural inquisitiveness and welfare.

    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Serving Catnip Tea

Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make Catnip Tea for Cats
    Set the teacup near your cat to encourage them to drink it. They may be reluctant at first, but will likely try it once they smell the tea's enticing aroma. [7]
    • If your cat isn't going for the tea, try a different serving style. Add some ice cubes to see if they'd rather drink iced catnip tea.
    • It's possible your cat won't drink the tea, but will simply smell it. Don't fret, since even smelling catnip can boost your cat's mood and allow them to experience a moment of bliss.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Catnip overdoses are rare, but too much catnip can cause your kitty to experience an upset stomach. Excess catnip can also cause the ingredient to lose its relaxing effects over time. Give your kitty a little catnip throughout the week or once a day so your cat can keep experiencing its benefits! [8]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Catnip-Tea-for-Cats-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Catnip doesn't usually expire, but it can lose its effects over time. Keeping the catnip in an airtight container in the freezer will help it retain its potency. [9]
    • Replace your batch of catnip after about 6 months. Though it won't harm your kitty, it will likely have lost its effects by this time. [10]
    • Catnip does go bad if it gets damp, as this can cause the catnip to grow mold. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to avoid any water exposure.
    • The fastest way to a cat's heart is through its stomach.
    • Providing regular meals and allowing the cat to approach you on its independent timeframe and comfort level are foundations for a successful relationship.
    • Another way to encourage a cat to stay close is to plant catnip and provide a heated cat den in the winter.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Though catnip toys might make your cat go wild, catnip tea can have a calming effect on your feline. Give them a batch of catnip tea to help them with insomnia or anxiety. [11]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Make Tea with Tea Leaves or Tea Bags
      How to
      Make a Good Cup of Tea
      How to
      Make Green Tea
      How to
      Make English Tea
      How to
      Steep Tea
      How to
      Make Matcha Tea
      How to
      Drink Avarampoo
      How to
      Brew White Tea
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/catnip-tea.html
      2. ↑ https://nevadahumanesociety.org/news/catnip-tea-time/
      3. ↑ https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/catnip-tea.html
      4. ↑ https://nevadahumanesociety.org/news/catnip-tea-time/
      5. ↑ https://nevadahumanesociety.org/news/catnip-tea-time/
      6. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crazy-catnip
      7. ↑ https://nevadahumanesociety.org/news/catnip-tea-time/
      8. ↑ https://animalpath.org/how-long-does-catnip-last/
      9. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crazy-catnip
      1. ↑ https://animalpath.org/how-long-does-catnip-last/
      2. ↑ https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crazy-catnip

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 137,249 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement