Best Catnip Products for Cats

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If you want something to keep your kitty healthily excited, catnip or cat weed, as some like to call it, is the way to go. It’s fun to see how some cats go crazy when they inhale the stuff.

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Considering the different products and brands in the market, choosing the best catnip can be a daunting task. But there is no need to worry.

We reviewed five of the best catnip products to make your decision easier. If you would like to go and check them out right away, our list is below.

We also answered the most common questions about catnip such as:

  • What are the effects of catnip on my cat?
  • What is the best way to use catnip?
  • Where to buy catnip?
  • What to look for in a catnip product?
  • Precautions to take when using catnip

What is Catnip?

Catnip is a herb from the same family as mint, lavender, oregano and basil. The scientific name in Latin – Nepeta cataria – indicates that the herb has been associated with cats for a long time.

Effects of Catnip on Cats

Studies have shown that catnip produces certain behavioral effects in two-thirds of the feline population, including wild felines such as lions and tigers.

When your furry friend inhales catnip, for the next 5 to 10 minutes you may observe behaviors like playing, relaxing, licking, and rolling on the floor.

Because of these behaviors, some think of catnip as a cat aphrodisiac.

The great news about catnip is that cats don’t overdose on it because it is not addictive.

Some cats may show signs of hyperactivity like excessive hunting, playing, and meowing. In rare cases, cats may also display aggression trying to prevent other cats from accessing the catnip.

Fun fact: Catnip is also safe for dogs, but interestingly it has the opposite effects on them. It completely calms them down.

Is Catnip Safe? Precautions to take

Yes, Catnip is safe and non-toxic for cats and kittens to smell and ingest. As we mentioned it is also non-addictive, so if you stop giving catnip to your cat you won’t notice any weird effects.

As with anything though it’s best to not exaggerate and to limit your cat’s access to the herb.

When you buy dry catnip though, inspect the product to make sure that there are no splinters from the stems of the plant. A good dry catnip will only contain catnip leaves and not anything else.

Best Ways to Use Catnip

If your kitty is one of those cats that will “roll” under the influence of catnip, some productive uses of catnip include:

  • As treats during training.
  • To initiate exercise by placing a small wrap of catnip inside or on toys.
  • To reduce anxiety during car trips by placing some inside the carrier or crate.
  • To encourage the use of scratching posts or cat trees by rubbing some cat weed on it.
  • To introduce cats to new environments by sprinkling some around the new area. This is a great way to get them to accept their new environment as home in no time.

If you want to get the best results from catnip, it is recommended to give your cat a break between exposures. That will ensure maximum enjoyment each time and prevent the effects from wearing off.

Photo of a cat high on catnip

Where to buy catnip?

Catnip can be found pretty much anywhere.

You usually can find more varieties and brands in online pet stores like Amazon and Chewy. But local pet stores are also an excellent place to get catnip as they usually carry at least a few catnip products.

Can You Grow Catnip?

As for growing catnip, you don’t need to be an experienced gardener to do it. Catnip is easy to grow and take care of.

You can readily purchase the plant or the seed from most nurseries in the herbs section. This is a great resource if you’re looking to learn more about growing catnip.

Which type of Catnip is best? Dry or Liquid Catnip?

There are two types of catnip products; dry catnip and liquid sprays.

Both varieties have their use, and knowing which one is best for a particular application is essential.

If you are training your kitty to use a scratch pad, liquid sprays will do a better job. You can control the spray more easily by applying it as needed. Liquid sprays can also be recommended when getting a cat familiar with a new environment. Doing that will save you from sprinkling grounded leaves here and there, causing a mess.

For when you want to reward your furry friend for good behavior (such as in training your cat), dry catnip will be a perfect treat. Just sprinkle some dry grounded catnip on a clean surface for your kitty.

If you are looking for catnip toys, check out our reviews of the best teething toys for kittens, which features several catnip toys, including the famous organic catnip banana yeowww

Best Catnip Products Reviews

Catnip Spray Rejuvenator

Catnip Spray Rejuvenator

This US-made catnip spray is a cats favorite.

Applicable to scratching posts, toys, and teasers, you can also spray the liquid on your kitty’s bed to make it more welcoming. If you want to rejuvenate your cat’s old toys, Catnip Spray Rejuvenator is an option to consider.

This spray is made from a simple combination of Catnip essential oil and water. Catnip Spray Rejuvenator is also more affordable relative to most of the other products.

Pros ✔️Cons 
Rejuvenates old cat toysSome cats may not like the smell
Easy to apply 
Does not leave any mess 
Training tool for beds and scratching post 
No preservatives added 



SmartyKat Catnip Compressed Catnip Ball

SmartyKat Catnip Compressed Catnip Ball

This compressed ball of catnip is a good one to keep your cat busy.

Made of 100% natural catnip, the ball keeps your cat fit as it rolls around, prompting a chase.

SmartyKat guarantees 100% satisfaction. If a customer is dissatisfied with a product for any reason, it will be replaced or refunded.

Pros ✔️Cons 
Good for keeping cats fitBall may not do well with moisture
Easy to use and store Not all cats like it
Replacement or refund for dissatisfied customers 
Most affordable 



Cat Weed Catnip

Cat Weed Catnip

Cat weed catnip is a Canadian product that guarantees the highest quality with zero preservatives or artificial ingredients.

They ensure to harvest the plants at the peak of the season to obtain the highest quality essential catnip oil. This proprietary herb blend lasts longer and stays fresh to give your furry friend a long-lasting experience each time.

Pros ✔️Cons 
Effects may last longerMay cause a mess
Best quality of essential oilQuite expensive
May even excite older cats 
100% natural Canadian brand 



OurPets Cosmic Catnip

OurPets Cosmic Catnip

This 100% natural catnip from North America is specially grown to delight your feline friends.

Cosmic Catnip has a highly tempting fragrance and enticing aroma that attracts cats, encouraging exercise in the most docile ones. Watch your furry friends scratch and roll around for hours.

Packaged in Ohio, Cosmic Catnip serves as a great alternative to catnip sprays.

The company that produces it, OurPets claims to have 30 years of customer satisfaction under its belt. However, be careful if buying this product. A few customers reported to have some issues with the packaging and even found some splinters in the product.

Pros ✔️Cons 
Strong aromaMay not be packaged properly
Very affordableHas been reported to contain splinters
Encourages exercise in old cats 
Alternative for catnip sprays 
Usable with other toys 



KONG – Naturals Catnip Spray for Cats

KONG - Naturals Catnip Spray for Cats

This catnip spray is reported to be effective for 70% of cats from six months and older.

It is made of natural catnip essential oil that produces an irresistible, highly potent scent to attract the attention of its targets. With KONG spray, you don’t have to worry about making a mess with dried catnip.

Pros ✔️Cons 
Easy to useNot all cats will like it (30% won’t)
Strong scent to attract cats easily 
100% natural ingredients 
Perfect for training cats 



The Winner is…

If I were to pick a winner, my choice would be SmartyKat Catnip Kiss Cat Toy Compressed Catnip Ball

Apart from the fact that it serves as a toy that helps your cat get the necessary exercise, it also provides the usual catnip excitement. The product is unique and effective. Besides, it is the most affordable of the five products we reviewed.

If you are concerned about the mess that dry alternatives may leave, you may want to consider a spray like Catnip Spray Rejuvenator.

Please let us know your experience in the comments below or by emailing me at kitty@meow101.com

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