Does catnip work on all cats?

Not all cats respond to catnip, and that is perfectly normal. Sensitivity to catnip is determined by genetics — roughly 50 to 70 percent of domestic cats carry the gene that makes them react. The other 30 to 50 percent simply don't experience the effect at all.

Kittens under six months of age typically don't respond either, even if they do carry the gene. Their olfactory system is still developing and the sensitivity emerges over time — usually between six months and one year.

Interestingly, big cats like lions and tigers can also react to catnip in the same way domestic cats do. If your cat is unimpressed, they're simply in the non-responsive group. There's nothing wrong with them — and no amount of catnip will change that.