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Catnip is a huge favorite in my household. It turns my three senior cats into playful kittens again! But not all catnip toys are created equal. Two of my cats are partial to their catnip banana, while the third prefers to roll around in the actual leaves. The good news is, you can get catnip toys to serve all your kitties’ different preferences! We’re here to narrow down the choices.
What Is Catnip, Anyway?
Catnip is an herb from the mint family. It contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone that attracts kitties and causes a euphoric response in them. When cats smell catnip, they may roll around, gallop through the house, and get extra lovey-dovey. (Read more here about what catnip does to cats, and why.)
It turns out that only about 50% of cats respond to catnip. (For some felines, eating catnip has a sedative effect.) But if your cat is one of those partial to the ‘nip, they’ll love the following catnip toys.
The Best Catnip Toys
We’ve scoured online shopping sites for top-rated toys to suit any feline personality. The more expensive toys are from companies renowned for product durability. These include big, tough suede mice from Ocheltree and sizeable cloth toys from Kong that can be opened and refilled with fresh catnip. Since cat toys have a way of disappearing around the house, we’ve also included some affordable packs with 10 or more toys. If your cat likes catnip but isn’t big on toys to toss, chase, and chew, they might try one of the big scratch boxes.
Kong Beaver Refillable Catnip Toy
This cute little beaver is a huge hit in my household. The secret: it’s refillable, so you can add fresh catnip! Catnip goes stale after a while, so refillable toys are a smart pick.
Shop on AmazonYeowww! My Cats Balls
Does your cat enjoy chasing balls around the house? These soft, bouncy, lightweight balls are filled with super-strong organic catnip. Sold in sets of three for extra fun!
Shop on AmazonCatnip Mice by Petstages
Does your cat go crazy for textures? These colorful catnip mice are made with durable netting for a satisfying chew that also helps clean teeth and massage gums while your cat plays.
Shop on AmazonFat Cat Big Mama’s Scratchy Box
This corrugated cardboard scratcher comes with a packet of 100% organic, finely-ground catnip. Just sprinkle the catnip over the scratcher, and watch your kitty go to town.
Shop on ChewyYeowww! Banana
Full disclosure: this catnip toy is “top banana” in my household. My three cats have gone through several over the years! It’s a durable cotton banana stuffed with top-grade organic catnip, perfect for grabbing, nuzzling, and bunny kicking.
Find on AmazonSmartyKat Catnip Caves
It may look like an ordinary brown paper bag, but it has a secret: it’s infused with catnip that releases with touch, just like a scratch ‘n’ sniff sticker! Each package comes with two Catnip Caves for your smart cat to rustle around in.
Find on AmazonKitty Stick Catnip Toys
My cats love this kind of toy: a long, plush, catnip-stuffed pillow they can grip, lick, and kick. Handmade in the U.S. and filled with organic catnip, these durable toy sticks come in a four-pack.
Find on AmazonNatural Leather Mouse
The extra-large, catnip-filled mice from Etsy shop Ocheltree are huge favorites! They’re made from thick re-purposed suede and they come in a choice of convincingly mouse-like colors. These rodents are not cheap, but they won’t fall apart! (In fact, the shop guarantees their durability.)
Shop on EtsySmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice
Fuzzy and lightweight, these tiny mice will drive your catnip-loving kitty wild. There are 10 of them in a package, so if two or three get lost under the sofa, your cat will still have plenty of entertainment. Be assured, the quality catnip in these mice is free of chemicals and pesticides.
Find on AmazonKong Refillable Feather-Top Carrot Catnip Toy
You’ll have no trouble getting your kitty to bite into this carrot. This plush catnip veggie by Kong is one of the most-loved playthings we’ve come across. It’ll last for quite a while—just refill it with fresh catnip!
Shop on ChewyFurther Reading
- Good Stuff: The Best Catnip and Catnip Toys for Cats
- What the Heck Does Catnip Do to Cats?
- How and Why to Grow Cat Grass for Your Kitty
