Are Valerian root toxic to cats?
No — safe. Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) affects cats similarly to catnip — many get euphoric and playful. It's non-toxic in the amounts cats usually ingest and is a common catnip alternative in US pet toys.
What's the full picture?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is non-toxic to cats according to the ASPCA and is actually one of a small group of plants that produce a behavioral response in cats similar to catnip. The active compound, actinidine, binds to the same receptors as catnip's nepetalactone, triggering rolling, chin-rubbing, vocalizing, and general excitement that typically lasts 5-15 minutes.
Not all cats respond to valerian — the response is genetically determined, just like catnip response. Approximately 50-70% of cats show a strong reaction; the rest are indifferent. Kittens under 6 months typically don't respond regardless of genetics. If your cat doesn't react to valerian, try silver vine (Actinidia polygama) — a higher percentage of cats respond to silver vine than to either catnip or valerian.
Valerian root and dried valerian toys are commonly sold in pet stores as catnip alternatives. They're safe for cats to interact with, roll on, and chew in normal amounts. Large ingestion of the plant material is theoretically possible to cause mild GI upset from the bulk fiber, but there's no meaningful toxicity threshold to be concerned about.
Valerian root has a distinctive, pungent smell that many humans find unpleasant — it's sometimes described as sweaty socks. The smell is caused by isovaleric acid, which is chemically related to the compounds that attract cats. If you're buying valerian toys for your cat, be prepared for the scent.
Valerian can be confused with 'lesser celandine' or other plants called 'valerian' in colloquial use. Verify you're dealing with Valeriana officinalis if you have it in your garden — red valerian (Centranthus ruber), for example, has no similar effects and is not related.
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Questions owners ask
Does valerian work like catnip for cats?
Yes — valerian produces a similar euphoric behavioral response in cats to catnip, triggered by the compound actinidine. Cats that don't respond to catnip sometimes respond to valerian, and vice versa. The effect lasts 5-15 minutes, followed by a refractory period of about 30 minutes.
Is valerian root safe for cats to chew on?
Yes, valerian root is non-toxic to cats. Chewing on dried valerian root or valerian-stuffed toys is safe. Large amounts of plant material could theoretically cause mild GI upset from the bulk, but this isn't a practical concern with normal toy interaction.
Can I give my cat the valerian supplements I take for sleep?
Don't give your cat human valerian supplements without vet guidance. The plant itself is non-toxic, but commercial supplements may contain other ingredients (like melatonin, chamomile, or additives) that aren't safe for cats. Cat-specific valerian products are the safer choice.
If you love the look but not the risk, pet-safe artificial plants are indistinguishable on a shelf and completely nibble-proof.
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About this guidance
Every entry on this site is compiled from published US veterinary toxicology sources — AAFP, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA APCC) references, AVMA-registered practice materials, and peer-reviewed feline medicine literature. Where the evidence is mixed, we err on the cautious side because cats are unusually sensitive to many common substances that are harmless to humans and even to dogs.
This is general information written for US cat owners. It is not personalised veterinary advice for your specific cat, their age, weight, medical history, or the exact exposure you're dealing with. If your cat has eaten something or is unwell, call your vet first. The ASPCA Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7 for a small fee and can tell you whether an emergency visit is needed.
Entries are reviewed and updated as new research emerges. Spotted an error? Let us know — corrections are investigated and applied within 24 hours. For more context on how we work, see about and our full disclaimer.
Last reviewed: · By the Cat Ate It editorial team