Cat Grass vs. Catnip: 6 Differences Every Cat Parent Should Know

You place a pot of fresh grass beside a catnip toy and wait to see what happens.

Your cat may chew one, sniff the other, roll across the floor—or completely ignore both.

That is because cat grass and catnip are not the same plant. They look different, contain different natural compounds, and are usually offered for completely different reasons.

Cat grass is primarily a chewing plant. Catnip is better known for the temporary behavioral response its scent may produce in some cats.

Here are the six main differences every cat parent should know.

Key Takeaways

What Is Cat Grass?

Cat grass is not one specific plant species. The name usually refers to young cereal grasses grown for cats to chew.

Common varieties include:

• Oat grass
• Wheatgrass
• Rye grass
• Barley grass

These grasses are usually grown indoors in a small pot or tray. They produce thin green blades that look similar to ordinary lawn grass but are intentionally selected and grown for feline use.

Some packaged treats also use powdered or dried grass ingredients rather than fresh blades. For example, barley seedling powder may be incorporated into a crunchy treat recipe.

Cat grass is mainly offered as a chewing experience, an indoor enrichment option or a convenient way to add a small amount of plant material to a cat’s routine.

For a closer look at plant-eating behavior, read:

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

What Is Catnip?

Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a leafy herb belonging to the mint family.

It contains aromatic compounds called nepetalactones. When a responsive cat smells catnip, these compounds may trigger temporary behaviors such as:

• Sniffing and licking
• Face rubbing
• Rolling
• Playful running or jumping
• Relaxing or lying quietly

The exact reaction varies. One cat may race around the room, another may relax beside the toy, and another may show no interest at all.

Research has found that roughly one out of three domestic cats may not display the familiar catnip response. Individual preferences and genetic differences are thought to influence how cats react.

Cat Grass vs. Catnip: 6 Important Differences

1. They Belong to Different Plant Families

Cat grass comes from cereal grasses such as oats, wheat, rye and barley.

Catnip belongs to the mint family. Its soft, leafy appearance is closer to herbs such as mint or basil than to a pot of narrow grass blades.

Calling something “catnip grass” can therefore be confusing. Catnip is not actually a grass, even though both products may appear in the same section of a pet store.

2. Cats Usually Interact With Them Differently

Cat grass is primarily offered for chewing. A cat may bite the blades, pull at them or return to the pot several times throughout the day.

Catnip is more often smelled before it is eaten. Cats may sniff, rub their cheeks against it, roll on top of it or play with a toy containing dried catnip.

A small amount may also be included in treats, but the classic catnip response is usually associated with its aroma.

3. Catnip May Affect Behavior

Cat grass does not contain the same aromatic cat-attracting compounds found in catnip. Chewing grass should not normally cause the temporary excitement or relaxation commonly associated with catnip.

Catnip contains nepetalactone, which may produce a short-lived behavioral response in susceptible cats.

This is the most noticeable difference:

• Cat grass: mainly a chewing and feeding experience
• Catnip: mainly a scent and behavioral enrichment experience

4. Not Every Cat Responds to Catnip

A cat can happily chew grass while showing absolutely no interest in catnip.

Catnip responsiveness varies from one cat to another. Some immediately begin rubbing and rolling, while others sniff once and walk away.

Ignoring catnip does not mean anything is wrong. It may simply mean that the cat does not strongly respond to its aromatic compounds.

Cat grass does not depend on that same response. The deciding factor is usually whether the cat enjoys chewing the texture.

5. They Come in Different Product Formats

Fresh cat grass is commonly sold as seeds, growing kits or ready-to-chew pots.

Cat grass ingredients may also appear in:

• Crunchy treats
• Food toppers
• Complete cat food formulas
• Powdered products

Catnip is commonly available as:

• Dried leaves
• Catnip-filled toys
• Sprays
• Fresh plants
• Catnip-flavored treats

The best format depends on whether you want to encourage chewing, play, rewarding or environmental enrichment.

6. Their Main Uses Are Different

Fresh cat grass may be suitable for cats that enjoy nibbling safe plants or need more indoor activities.

Catnip is often used to encourage play, refresh an old toy or attract a cat toward a scratching post or designated play area.

Neither should replace complete daily food. Fresh grass and catnip are optional additions, while treats should remain a controlled part of the normal feeding routine.

Cat Grass vs. Catnip Comparison

Should You Choose Cat Grass or Catnip?

You do not necessarily need to choose only one. The better starting point depends on what kind of experience you want to provide.

Consider Cat Grass First If Your Cat:

• Enjoys chewing safe plants
• Shows interest in fresh green textures
• Needs another indoor exploration activity
• Ignores scent-based toys
• Prefers edible enrichment

Consider Catnip First If Your Cat:

• Responds positively to catnip scents
• Needs encouragement to play
• Has lost interest in an old toy
• Needs help discovering a scratching post
• Enjoys rolling and rubbing against scented objects

Trying a small amount of each can help you learn whether your cat prefers chewing, scent-based play or both.

Can Cats Have Cat Grass and Catnip Together?

Yes, cat grass and catnip can appear in the same overall routine because they serve different roles.

You might keep a pot of fresh grass in an appropriate indoor location while occasionally using catnip inside a toy or around a scratching area.

Some packaged treats also combine a cat grass ingredient with catnip flavor.

JUSTTRY Cat Grass Treats are made with barley seedling powder, salmon, chicken liver and catnip powder in a crunchy bite-sized format.

This makes them particularly practical for cats that ignore fresh grass but respond enthusiastically when the treat container opens.

How to Offer Both Responsibly

Whether you choose fresh grass, catnip or a packaged treat, more is not automatically better.

• Use grass that has been intentionally selected or grown for cats.
• Keep fresh grass away from pesticides, fertilizers and household chemicals.
• Do not assume an unknown houseplant is safe to chew.
• Offer catnip in moderate amounts.
• Remove damaged catnip toys that expose loose filling or small parts.
• Serve treats according to the feeding directions.
• Do not use grass, catnip or treats to replace complete daily food.

Large amounts of catnip may cause vomiting, diarrhea or noticeable sedation in some cats, so begin with a small amount rather than covering the entire room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cat Grass the Same as Catnip?

No. Cat grass usually consists of young cereal grasses such as oats, wheat, rye or barley. Catnip is a leafy herb in the mint family.

Is “Catnip Grass” a Real Plant?

“Catnip grass” is often used as an informal search phrase, but catnip and cat grass are separate plants. A product may contain both ingredients, but catnip itself is not a grass.

Does Cat Grass Make Cats Hyper?

Cat grass does not normally cause the temporary behavioral reaction associated with catnip. Cats primarily interact with grass by chewing or pulling at the blades.

Why Does My Cat Ignore Catnip?

Not every cat responds to catnip. Individual and genetic differences may influence whether its aromatic compounds trigger rubbing, rolling or playful behavior.

Can Cats Eat Catnip?

Cats may nibble small amounts of catnip, and the ingredient is also used in some treats. Larger quantities may cause digestive upset, so moderation is important.

Can Cat Grass and Catnip Be Used Every Day?

Fresh cat grass may be left available in controlled conditions if it remains clean and healthy. Catnip is usually better offered occasionally so that it remains an interesting form of enrichment. Packaged treats should follow their specific feeding guidance.

Are Cat Grass Treats the Same as Fresh Cat Grass?

No. Fresh cat grass provides living blades for chewing, while cat grass treats incorporate a grass ingredient into a prepared snack. The experience, texture and portioning are different.

Final Takeaway

Cat grass and catnip may sit beside each other in the pet aisle, but they are not interchangeable.

Cat grass is usually a cereal grass offered for chewing. Catnip is a mint-family herb whose aroma may temporarily affect the behavior of responsive cats.

A cat may enjoy one, both or neither. The right choice depends less on which product sounds more beneficial and more on what your cat actually enjoys doing.

Choose fresh grass for plant chewing, catnip for scent-based enrichment, or a crunchy cat grass treat when a shelf-stable reward better fits your routine.

Sources and Further Reading

• What Is Cat Grass? — Iowa State University Extension
• The Evolutionary Origins of the Cat Attractant Nepetalactone in Catnip — Science Advances
• Responsiveness of Cats to Catnip, Silver Vine and Other Plants — BMC Veterinary Research
• Feline Destructive and Plant-Chewing Behavior — Cornell Feline Health Center
• Catnip Plant Information — ASPCA