Catnip Toys

Catnip toys offer unique benefits that make them a fantastic choice for enriching your cat’s daily life:

• Stimulate Natural Play Behaviours: Catnip toys activate a cat’s instinctual reactions such as chasing, pouncing, and rubbing.
• Encourage Physical Exercise: By motivating movement and excitement, catnip toys may help indoor cats stay physically active, a common focus of owners looking to support healthy weight and overall fitness.
• Provide Mental Stimulation: The scent and texture of catnip toys may keep cats curious and mentally sharp, which can reduce boredom and associated behavioural issues.
• Reduce Stress and Promote Relaxation: For some cats, catnip has a calming effect and can relieve anxiety, making playtime therapeutic.
• Enhance Bonding Opportunities: Using catnip toys during interactive play may strengthen your relationship with your cat through positive, fun experiences.

Tip: Learn more about creating an engaging play routine and discover expert tips on keeping your cat physically active in our magazine guides.

Catnip toys may spark a wide range of playful behaviours in cats, from chasing and pouncing to rubbing and rolling. There’s a variety of catnip cat toy styles that pair well with catnip. Here are a few popular options to consider:

• Catnip Toy Balls: Perfect for bats and chases, these round toys may appeal to your cat’s predatory instincts and encourage active play.
• Dangler Poles (Toy Sticks): Also known as wand or dangler toys, these may encourage chasing and batting motions, engaging your cat’s hunting instincts and providing interactive play between you and your pet.
• Interactive and Intelligence Toys: These often incorporate puzzles or movement to keep your cat occupied, and may be paired with catnip treats as rewards.
• Plush Toys in Various Shapes: Soft toys shaped like mice, bananas, ferrets, fish, or other cute animals offer textures that may be comforting.
• Refillable Catnip Toys: Toys that allow you to add fresh catnip, often chosed by owners looking to maintain their cat’s interest longer and provide ongoing novelty.

Tip: If your cat seems less interested in toys, don’t force it. Gentle encouragement and experimentation may help rekindle their curiosity at their own pace. A few cute catnip toys or valerian cat toys are sometimes chosen by owners to re-engage their cats.

Yes. Catnip toys are generally considered safe for most cats when made from pet-safe materials and free from added chemicals or pesticides. As with any toy, it's a good idea to check for signs of wear or damage, especially with soft or refillable options.

If you're unsure whether catnip is suitable for your cat, please consult your vet for personalised advice.

Many cats may lose interest in catnip toys after around 10-15 minutes, as they naturally become less responsive to the scent for a short period. Most owners offer these toys in moderation or rotate them to keep things engaging. While occasional extended play is generally not a concern, variety and balance in playtime are always a good idea.

Many owners offer catnip toys as part of their regular play routine. While occasional play with catnip is generally well tolerated, rotating toys and offering breaks between sessions may help maintain your cat’s interest.

Catnip in toys typically stays effective for a few weeks to a few months, depending on quality and how often your cat plays with it. To keep the scent fresh for longer, store toys in an airtight container when not in use. If your cat loses interest, you can refresh the toy with loose catnip or a catnip spray to bring back the fun.