Cats naturally love to scratch furniture and the best way to prevent your kitty from clawing your furniture is by providing him one of the best catnip toys. Many cats love catnip, so getting him toys that have catnip is one of the best ways you get to stimulate him to get up and play. Catnips are herbs with volatile oil known to trigger cats in a great way to encourage extra activities. If you offered any cat vegetables, most of them will turn up their nose and move away, but things are entirely different from catnips. Although you can grow your catnip or buy one that’s dried, the easiest way you can offer your cat catnip is by getting him a catnip toy.
Types of Catnips for Cats
Dried Catnip- Dried catnips can be used on anything, from toys to scratching posts, as long as it serves the purpose it is intended to. Some are also dried on a scratching post to attract the cat to the appropriate scratching spot. Like catnip toys, the appeal of dried catnip is dependent on the freshness of the product itself.
Live Catnip Plants- Live catnip plants provide the freshest possible appeal of any catnip. You can grow your own rather than having to buy them in the stores. Just makes sure that you keep them away from your cat until they are large enough to be served.
Solid Catnip Calls- Most catnip toys are stuffed with the herb, however, you will find solid catnip balls being sold separately. Some cats are more reactive to solid catnip balls but others aren’t. Since the balls themselves are too large to carry around, stuffed catnip toys are better yet recommended.
Learn more about Catnip.
Advantages of Best Catnip Toys
- Catnip toys prevent cats from clawing furniture.
- Catnip toys are made of natural materials that are safe for use by the cat and environmentally friendly as well.
- Catnip toys encourage activity and provide the cat with unlimited hours of play and fun.
- Chewable catnip toys clean your cat’s teeth and prevent the formation of tartar and plaque.
- Easy to keep clean.
8 Best Catnip Toys
With the market offering multiple catnip toys to choose from, choosing one that your cat will love can be a little bit overwhelming especially if you buying it for the very first time. Here are some of the best catnip toys you should consider buying.
#1) Smartykat Catnip Cat Toy
If you want your cat to enjoy as much enjoyment as possible out of a catnip toy, the toy should be stuffed with high-quality catnip that will provide hours of entertainment. Most cats get attracted to the smell of the Smartykat catnip cat toy which stimulates your cat’s mind, activates his senses and encourages activity. As the best catnip toys, Smartykat catnip toys are also soft, plush and lightweight.
They also come in multiple textures for your cat to enjoy to the fullest. This makes them suitable for a multi-cat household and also helps you bond with your kitty through play. Another good thing about this catnip toy is how it is filled with pure and natural ingredients that contain no chemicals or pesticides. They are therefore safe for use by any cat.
Key Features
- Suitable for solo or interactive play.
- Filled with pure and natural ingredients.
- Perfect catnip toy for a multi-cat household.
- Activates your cat’s hunting instincts.
- Features multi-textures for different cats to enjoy.
- Lightweight, soft plush, and the perfect size to chase, bat and carry.
#2) Potaroma Electric Flying Fish 10.5”
Nothing is worse than throwing away your cat’s favorite toy because it runs out of catnip and your cat is no longer attracted to it. As one of the best catnip toys, Potaroma Electric Flying Fish features a catnip pouch that’s vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness and no spoilage when the cat is playing with it. The scent of the catnip is also very strong and instantly arouses your cat’s interest to play with the moving fish.
The fish cover is made of soft fabric that is also washable. The plush is made from hard-wearing and toxic-free materials to ensure that it is safe for use by the dog and kids as well. Every time your kitty touches the kicker toy, the built-in motion sensor kicks into action and the cat teaser moves in a wiggling way and immediately your cat is triggered to kick and play.
The good thing about this toy is that the fish is extremely realistic with lifelike movement. With a rechargeable and long-lasting battery power, your cat gets to enjoy a long-lasting fun experience. The other admirable attribute that makes Potaroma Electric Fish one of the best catnip toys is the soft cotton construction. This makes it very comfortable for felines. This catnip toy is also perfectly sized for cats of any size.
Key Features
- Made of soft cotton and short plush.
- Non-toxic chew toy with no smelly padding.
- Top-quality odorless and washable cover.
- Rechargeable and long-lasting battery.
- Perfectly sized for cats of all sizes.
- Made from durable materials to ensure value for money.
- Vacuumed sealed natural catnip ensures long-lasting freshness.
- Detachable charging motor for convenient cleaning.
#3) Yeowww! Catnip Toy, Yellow Banana
Most cats are attracted to the smell of fresh catnip, however, some of them lose interest very fast. If you want a catnip toy whose fragrances stimulate your cat’s mind, activate his senses, and encourages activity for long, the Yeowww! Catnip toy, yellow banana is the ideal catnip toy for you. As one of the best catnip toys, this toy is extra durable and sturdy which makes it suitable for a cat’s sharp claws and teeth. It is made with high-quality materials to ensure that it is strong enough to withstand hours of tossing, chewing and kicking.
Furthermore, this toy is handmade and stuffed with 100% naturally grown catnip whose sweet fragrance is loved by many cats. Cats love the banana shape and the size is just perfect for grabbing nuzzling and bunny kicking. The soft textured cover also makes it very snug for your cat. Gift your furry friend a toy that will serve him for a long and keep him active to encourage a happy and healthy lifestyle.
Key Features
- 100% stuffed with organically grown catnip.
- Durable yet soft cotton twill fabric.
- Natural and non-toxic.
- A quality premium product that sure keeps the kitten occupied.
- Uses soy and/or vegetable-based dyes.
- Perfect size for cats of all sizes.
- The curved shape makes it perfect for grabbing nuzzling and bunny kicking.
#4) Petstages Cat Pillow- Soft, Soothing, and Comforting Cat Toys
Keep your cat snug and entertained with the stylish Petstages cat pillow. As one of the best catnip toys, this is a multi-purpose cat pillow that’s ideal for use as either a cushion or a cuddly cat toy. Whenever you have an anxious cat, this cute and soft plush stuffed kitten pillow features microwaveable buckwheat stuffing that warms up to soothe their stress away while keeping them warm if the temperatures are low.
And that’s not all. This cute and cuddly cat toy has a fleece fabric that is super soft and perfect for curling up during cold weather season. The shape and warm stuffing soothe your kitty. It is also an ideal accessory to ease the kitten with separation anxiety. For your convenience, the plush fleece cat cover is removable and machine washable.
Key Features
- Unique shaping allows the cat toy to be used as a pillow or cuddly cushion.
- Satisfy your cat’s natural need for play.
- Easy to clean. Features a removable pillow cover that’s machine washable.
- Suitable for cats of different sizes.
- Ideal cat accessory to ease kitten separation anxiety.
- Microwaveable to provide warmth.
- Super soft fleece fabric for curling up with comfort.
#5) Petstages Catnip and Dental Health Cat Toys
The majority of cats are attracted to the fragrance of catnips but with time, they get used to it and end up losing interest. Petstages catnip and dental health cat toys stimulate your cat’s senses by encouraging him to play and exercise. The unique netting helps clean your cat’s teeth and gums, preventing the formation of tartar and plaque. The good thing about this netting is that it won’t unravel when chewed.
As one of the best catnip toys, these catnip and dental health chew toys have fibrous catnip stalks whose fragrance satisfies your cat’s natural desire to crunch and chew. And that’s not all. The cat toy features knotted steamers that flip and flop all over for added fun. It is also lightweight to bat, carry and chew. With its relatively inexpensive cost, this cat toy will serve your cat well and last long.
Key Features
- Knotted steamers for added fun.
- Lightweight to bat, carry and chew.
- Relatively affordable.
- Netting won’t unravel even after being chewed.
- Stimulate your cat’s senses by encouraging him to play and exercise.
- Cleans teeth and prevents the formation of tartar and plaque.
- Filled with catnip and fibrous catnip stalks.
#6) Hartz Just for Cats’ Cat Toy
Many cats react to catnip by getting excited and playful, however, they later become very mellow and sleepy. The best way to maximize the activity-boosting benefits of any catnip is by with a set of interactive toys such as Hartz just for cats’ cat toy. This amazing 12 pack combines two things that all cats love; mice and catnip. As one of the best catnip toys, Hartz Just for Cats toys is designed to encourage activity and provide unlimited hours of play and fun.
Hartz Just for cats’ cat toys entices cats of all ages to manipulate objects with their paws while helping them build coordination. Each mouse is extra lightweight and perfect for your kitty hunter to carry around, toss, swat and bat. What’s more, is that the petite rodent features bright colors that make them easy to find. With this cat toy, a strong bond is created between owners and pets.
Key Features
- Stimulates a cat’s natural hunting instincts.
- Helps build coordination in cats.
- Strengthens the bond between cats and their owners.
- Suitable for cats of all ages.
- The catnip that helps keep cats fit, agile, and satisfied.
- Lightweight petite rodents that are easy to carry, toss, swat and bat.
- Bright colored mice toys that make them easily identifiable.
#7) PetJollies Interactive Catnip Cat Toys
Specifically designed to appeal to your cats’ natural stalking and hunting instincts, the PetJollies interactive catnip toys are made from natural materials and dyes that are safe for use with any pet. The toy is large enough for kicking and biting, although still small enough to toss and carry around with ease. The crinkle sound instantly sparks curiosity and with a bag of catnip being included, you get to sprinkle it on the scratcher to entice and excite your cat.
The cat ball toys with bright natural feathers will highly appeal to your cat’s natural desire to hunt while still feeling smooth and comfortable to the cat. These toys are available in three different colors that keep cats away from boredom.
Key Features
- The Crinkle bell sound instantly sparks your cat’s curiosity.
- Perfect size for grabbing nuzzling and bunny kicking.
- Available in blue, pink, and orange colors.
- Catnip filled to appeal to your cat’s natural stalking and hunting instincts.
- Bright and soft-to-touch feathers appeal to your cat’s natural desire to hunt.
- Lightweight and suitable for cats of all ages.
- Great value for money.
#8) NAZVA Pets Supplies Catnip Toy Silvervine Matatabi Sticks
Are you looking for a relatively affordable catnip that’s also environmentally sound? Silvervine Matatabi sticks are made of purely natural ingredients that help keep your cat relaxed and calm. The catnip toy encourages activity and provides the cat with unlimited hours of play and fun. The organic toothbrush is made of wood whose smell makes cats attracted to it more than how it even tastes.
The toothbrush helps your cat deal with dental issues as well as help him relieve stress. The Silvervine Matatabi sticks are also made of high quality and durable materials that have been handpicked and well packaged to provide your cat with the best toys ever. Another good thing with this naturally made catnip toy is that you get to use it with both adult cats and kittens.
Key Features
- Organic catnip with no artificial component added.
- The catnip invokes a euphoric response in cats than other regular catnips.
- An organic toothbrush that cleans teeth and prevents the formation of plaque and tartar.
- Suitable for use in both adult cats and kittens.
- Durable ad well package.
- Relatively affordable.
- Easy to use.
- High-quality handpicked Silvervine Matatabi sticks.
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Best Catnip Toys Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Catnip Toys
Catnip toys are the most popular way any pet owner can use to administer catnip to his pet. Cats react differently to different catnip toys and not all cats will love a catnip toy. With multiple catnip toys present in our markets, here are some of the important factors to consider before settling on a specific catnip toy model.
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Safety
Just like buying any other toy for your pet, you must pay keen attention to whether the toy is safe for use by the pet. Use your knowledge of your cat’s behavior to inform you of the toy that would be ideal for him. If you have a cat that loves to chew everything it comes into contact with, choose one with a simple shape but made of hard-to-chew materials. If your cat hardly picks up a toy to play with, go for one whose fragrance is appealing and an interactive shape that will trigger him to play with it.
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Natural Catnips
The best catnip toys are made of natural materials that are not only non-toxic but also safe for the cat. When searching for the best catnip toys to buy, check the packaging for washing instructions. Toys with catnip in their filling are often unsuitable for machine washing. Such catnips should be washed with a damp cloth to keep them potent and hygienic. With time, cats develop a tolerance to catnip if they are regularly exposed to it. Putting the toy away when playtime is over helps the cat enjoy the catnip for a much longer time.
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Size of the Toy
When buying your cat a toy, make sure that it is of the appropriate size. If the toy is circular, make sure that it is neither too big nor too small for the cat. Toys that are too small can be easily swallowed or get lodged in the cat’s mouth and throat. On the other hand, toys that are too big can be uncomfortable for your little kitten to play with. Avoid any toys which aren’t cat-proof by removing ribbons, strings, eyes, or any other part that’s prone to be chewed and ingested by the cat.
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Texture and Fragrance
The best catnip toys for cats come with different textures. A good texture is one that makes the toy your cat’s favorite while still doing a great job to clean his teeth and gums. This helps prevent the formation of tartar and plaque. To prevent the cat from getting bored, you can get him several chew toys with different textures and different catnip fragrances as well. Choose items that are entirely stuffed with the herb other than with fillers.
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Best Catnip Toys FAQs
Q: Is it Bad to Give Your Cat Catnip Every Day?
A: If you have a cat, surely you have heard of catnip and the effects of this mysterious mint in cats. This special herb affects a cat’s behavior by driving him crazy. You may be worried that feeding your cat the herb on a daily is bad. Well, you can have peace of mind because catnip is completely harmless to your kitty. For indoor felines, catnip is an important addition to their lives. A tablespoon of the herb a day gives your cat a bit of the green he needs to stay healthy. An outdoor cat can acquire the greens on their strolls. Besides, catnip stimulates your cat and encourages more exercise which is important in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Make sure the catnip you feed your cat has only leaves and flowers as catnip stems do not affect cats.
Q: Does Catnip Calm Cats Down?
A: We all know for sure that catnip alters the behavior of felines. We have seen how cats become fanatical after eating catnip. The effects of catnip differ from one cat to the other. A common reaction to the mint is increased meowing and salivation. Catnip also stimulates cats making them more playful. In older cats, catnip causes rejuvenation and the cats begin to do things they were doing in their younger days. Catnip also makes a kitty more interested in toys so having a catnip toy is great. The hyperactivity fades with time and after some time, cats under the influence of catnip calm down. They become sluggish and sleepy.
Q: Are Catnip Toys Good for Cats?
A: Yes, catnip toys are good for cats. Many pet owners gift their beloved pets with catnip toys because it is an antidote to boredom. Catnip help stimulates a kitty and so triggers the hilarious antics in your pup. Catnip is not addictive so you can rest assured that your cat can lead an active life in the absence of catnip. However, the effects of catnip can put a cat in danger. Chasing, climbing, rolling and darting can have negative outcomes. Ensure your windows and doors are closed, there nothing heavy that can be tipped over and there is no sharp object nearby to prevent the cat from maiming itself. Fortunately, the effects of catnip last for about 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Catnip toys are irresistible to many cats. Even though it can stimulate a sense of sedation in some cats, catnip toys are safe and less addictive for cats. The sedation effect helps calm down anxious cats and minimize their stress as well. We have reviewed the best catnip toys available in the market and we hope that your cat gets to love them too.
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