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.
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.
- Catnip Spray Rejuvenator (also available on Chewy.com!)
- SmartyKat Catnip Kiss Cat Toy Compressed Catnip Ball (also available on Chewy.com!)
- Cat Weed Catnip
- OurPets Cosmic Catnip (also available on Chewy.com!)
- KONG – Naturals Catnip Spray for Cats (also available on Chewy.com!)
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.
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
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 toys | Some 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
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 fit | Ball 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 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 longer | May cause a mess |
| Best quality of essential oil | Quite expensive |
| May even excite older cats | |
| 100% natural Canadian brand |
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 aroma | May not be packaged properly |
| Very affordable | Has been reported to contain splinters |
| Encourages exercise in old cats | |
| Alternative for catnip sprays | |
| Usable with other toys |
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 use | Not 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
Resources
- The evolutionary origins of the cat attractant nepetalactone in catnip; Benjamin R. Lichman et al; May 13, 2020. ScienceAdvances website https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/6/20/eaba0721
- What is catnip? Purina website https://www.purina.com.au/cats/care/what-is-catnip
- Catnip; How catnip works in Cats. VetWest website https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/catnip