Brewing Catnip Tea for Cats: Recipe, Benefits, and How to Serve It

Are you in the mood to make a delicious cup of tea for your beloved cat? Catnip tea (cat mint) is a tasty drink your feline will love, and it even helps improve their mood. The best part is that it's very easy to brew at home. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare catnip tea and serve it to your cat. Keep reading!

Boil 2 cups (480 ml) of water on the stove. Pour the water into a pot or kettle, then place it on the stove and turn the heat to high.

Place 3 teaspoons (15 ml) of 100% organic dried catnip into a cup. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare the catnip. If you prefer, you can use a strainer to brew the tea, or simply place the catnip directly in the cup.

• Choose 100% organic dried catnip to ensure it’s free from pesticides or chemicals. This variety is also much stronger!
• You can use a strainer to remove the tea leaves after brewing or leave the catnip floating in the water to allow the tea to be more flavorful. Both methods are safe for your cat.

Pour hot water into the cup and steep the tea for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat once the water is boiling. Let the water settle briefly, then pour it through a strainer (or directly into the cup if you're not using a strainer). Let the tea steep for 3 minutes.

• Allow the tea to steep for 3 minutes to achieve a rich flavor for your cat. If you're using a strainer, remove it after 3 minutes.

Let the tea cool to room temperature before offering it to your cat. To prevent your cat from burning its tongue, don’t let it drink the tea while it’s still hot. Allow it to cool naturally, add a bit of cold water, or refrigerate it for a few minutes to chill.

• Check the temperature of the tea carefully before offering it to your cat. For extra reassurance that the tea isn’t too hot, you can taste it yourself (catnip tea is safe for humans too).

Pour the tea into a bowl for your cat and wait to see if it takes a sip. Place the tea bowl near your cat to encourage it to drink. At first, your cat might hesitate, but it will likely give it a try once it smells the enticing aroma of the tea.

• If your cat doesn't drink, try another method. You could drop a few ice cubes in to see if it prefers iced tea.
• Your cat might not drink the tea but may enjoy the smell. Don’t be disappointed, because even just inhaling the catnip will boost your cat’s mood and provide a delightful experience.

Give your cat catnip tea only once a day. Although catnip overdose is rare, excessive consumption may cause stomach upset. Additionally, prolonged overuse of catnip can diminish its relaxing effects. To get the most benefits, it's best to limit your cat's intake to a small amount throughout the week or once per day.

Store catnip in the freezer for up to 6 months. While catnip doesn’t have a specific expiration date, it can lose its potency over time. Keep catnip in an airtight container and freeze it to preserve its effects.

• Replace your catnip every 6 months. Although expired catnip is not harmful to your cat, it will no longer be effective.
• Catnip will spoil if exposed to moisture as mold can develop. Always store it in an airtight container to prevent water contact.
• The quickest way to a cat’s heart is through their stomach.
• Feeding your cat daily and allowing them to approach you when they feel comfortable helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
• Another way to encourage your cat to stay close is to grow catnip plants and set up a cozy bed for them during the winter.