Catnip is a plant, and cat treats are edible food items. Catnip is often dried and sprinkled onto surfaces to attract your cat. If your cat consumes it or smells it, it may cause it to act excited or exhibit other behaviors. Catnip should not be used in place of a treat but rather more as an occasional cat toy. Cat treats, on the other hand, are edible and used to train, reward, or motivate a cat. They can both be used as attractants, but catnip should not be given regularly like a treat.