Why don't my cats like catnip?

Question

I bought some catnip on eBay and showed it to my 4 cats today; Tina had no reaction whatsoever and was quite offended that what I was offering her was not edible, Toby took one sniff then ran out the window and across the street, Sophie chewed some and has been under my bed ever since and Ewok rolled on it a little bit then went to sleep! On YouTube cats go crazy for this stuff! Why not my cats? :( How do I make them like it?

Answer 1

First, I hope it was catnip and not something else.
I have multiple cats and they all respond differently to it. Some get very aggressive, some playful, and others turn their nose up as if to say, "I don't do drugs."
I honestly don't think catnip is a good thing for them unless it's fresh and growing in the garden or a pot. If you want to have a playful kitty, buy a laser pointer pen. Of course don't let it shine into their eyes or may cause damage.

EDIT: @ Sammy: You've got to be joking! It's no different than a toy on a string or chasing a flying bug. It gives them exercise and sharpens their skills. Sheesh...hardly deserving of a thumbs down.

Answer 2

Not all cats respond to catnip and like it. I have three cats and 2 of my 3 cats love it and 1 acts really aggressive and mean.

Blb 1313: laser pointers tease cats and it is a cruel thing to do to them

Edit: Blb1313 I did not TB it must of been someone else who agrees with me. I was told by my vet that laser pointer are bad.

Answer 3

I have found some cats just don't like it.  I don't think it would be the catnip itself.  I also don't think it has to do with the breed of the cat...it is just kind of random.
Try catgrass.  You can buy seeds for it at a local hardware or garden center, and grow it indoors.  Kitties love it, but watch out because too much will make them sick!

Answer 4

Believe it or not, susceptibility to catnip is genetic.
If a cat doesn't have the gene, catnip does not affect them.
I have 4 cats, and 2 of them couldn't care less about it.

Answer 5

You can't make them like it. It's not the best thing for them anyway. If you want to make your kitty go crazy, try using toys. Bouncy balls, laser pointers, string, and cat teasers work pretty well.

Answer 6

Sorry, nothing you can do to "make" them like it.  They either do, or they don't.  Apparently 50% of cats aren't affected by it: http://www.cat-world.com.au/all-about-ca…

Answer 7

Maybe there's something wrong with the catnip. Buy some at the pet store