Some cats like catnip, others prefer honeysuckle

Dear Meow, I have two cats and one likes honeysuckle and the other likes catnip. Why is that?

Dear Heather, Some cats prefer catnip over honeysuckle and vice versa. It appears to be an individual preference just like humans may prefer one thing over another.

Honeysuckle comes in several forms, such as woody vine or a woody shrub. Within honeysuckle there is a chemical that is similar to the active ingredient in catnip. You will get a very similar reaction from honeysuckle as you would from catnip. Cats will rub their faces along a toy that is filled with honeysuckle, licking and rolling with the toy. Be aware that the berries of the honeysuckle are poisonous to cats and it is safest to give your cat honeysuckle wood or as sawdust covered in fabric.

Catnip is part of the mint family and comes in several different species such as Common Catnip (cats seem to like this one the best), Camphor Catnip, Greek Catnip, Lemon Catnip and Catmint. The effects of catnip can be different for each cat.

Catnip can be given to your cat in toys, just like honeysuckle or you can also crush the flowers to activate it and sprinkle it on the floor, into their cat bed or scratching post. If you are giving your cat loose catnip, look for leaves and flowers that have been finely ground but be cautious of catnip that contains the stalk as it may be a choking hazard.