Catnip - Toys and Treats

What is Catnip?

Catnip is a plant, and is part of the Lamiaceae plant family. The scientific name for catnip is Nepeta cataria, and it is sometimes also called catswort or catmint. Catnip contains a chemical that attracts cats, and has a varied effect on them. Catnip works through the olfactory system, which is the sensory system for smell. Cats will eat catnip, as the breaking up of the catnip releases the chemicals into the air.

The effect that catnip has on individual cats varies. The reaction may include rubbing, drooling, rolling, sleepiness, aggressiveness, sniffing, or licking. The reaction lasts for minutes, and will not happen again until an hour or two have passed. It is genetically determined whether your cat will respond to catnip, and some cats will have no reaction to it. Kittens do not react to catnip and will not until they are fully grown. Older cats may stop reacting to catnip as they age.

Catnip is non toxic and is not harmful to your cat. Eating excessive amounts of catnip may result in your cat being sick, so limit the amount that is eaten at one time. Catnip can be sold in an oil or herb form. Catnip can be stored in the freezer in order to keep it fresh. It is available in a large variety of toys, which will provide an exciting play time for your cat

Catnip & Catnip Treats

Catnip is available in a variety of forms and containers for you to add to your existing toys. The catnip can also be added to scratching posts and bedding. Catnip is sold in a spray, which allows for easy application. It is also produced in sachets, which can be placed inside toys. Tubs, jars and packets of catnip are also on the market. Treats containing catnip are probably going to be your cat’s favourite choice of packaging.

Soft Toys

There is a wide range of plush toys available, and these are infused with catnip for extra appeal for your cat. Some of the soft toys are machine washable. Different animal shaped soft toys are popular, including mice shaped toys. Other shapes such as rectangle or cigar shapes are also sold. The stuffing for these toys can be catnip alone or can include a cushion filling. Bags of catnip with bells attached are also tempting toys. The kickeroo is a soft toy with a tail that is made to look like prey for the cat, and is the right size and shape to encourage your cat to wrestle the toy and kick it with their hind paws.

Balls

Balls infused with catnip make excellent toys for cats, as they are fun to play with and will encourage exercise. Catnip sisal balls are made out of the perfect material for clawing and carrying as well as chasing around. Crinkle balls are made with a cotton fabric, and can come with feathers attached. Straw balls also have attached feathers which encourages your cat to hunt and chase. More exotic ball toys include a cube which has catnip balls that can be hidden inside. A boing catnip toy is a catnip ball mounted on the end of a spring which will get your cat jumping to reach the ball.

Teaser on Wand

Teasers are toys that are attached to the end of a wand or stick. The toys contain catnip, and the wand allows you to wave the toy around and play with and tease your cat. They make for fun play and interaction with your cat. The teaser toys can be fluffy or feathered, and come in shapes such as mice.

Catnip Toys with Feathers

In addition to the balls with feathers attached previously mentioned, there are other catnip toys with feathers attached. Examples are twine mice with feathered tails, and straw cones with feathers. An activity toy is available which has rings, feathers and catnip. Feathers help to bring out the hunting instinct in your cat.

Other Catnip Toys

The Kong Cat Wubba Animal is a toy that is shaped as different animals, such as ducks and rabbits. In addition to containing catnip, these toys rattle and make a crackling sound when played with.

Senses scratch pads are a type of scratch pad, but with holes in which catnip or treats can be hidden.

Handle dangles are soft animal toys with long dangly legs. They have a bell and are filled with catnip. Handle dangles have a handle for the owner to hold, and a rubber sucker to stick onto a door or other surface.

Eco catnip toys are made from natural materials and use recycled packaging, and are the environmentally friendly cat toy option.

Catnip toys will provide fun and excitement for your cat. Remember to monitor them for signs of wear and replace when necessary.

Buy Catnip toys & Treat - Recommended Shops

Browse the shops below for the best selection of catnip treats and toys. These shops are recommended for their choice and good value.

PetPlanet

A huge choice of catnip and catnip toy from PetPlanet. Have a look at the range now.

Seapets

Catnip sprays, toys and treats from Seapet. Browse the range now.