The Best Cat Nips
If you're looking for an irresistible treat for your cat, we suggest getting them some catnip. Sourced from a plant in the mint family, catnip makes cats happy in all sorts of ways. Some cats purr, some roll around on the floor, and others get super sleepy. Regardless of how your cat might respond to it, catnip is safe, enjoyable, and fun. If you are on the hunt for some for your feline, here are our favorite options on the market today.
Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats
Flavor saver
Pros:
Edible catnip treats are well-loved by many cats, and the treats’ small size means that a little can go a long way. Each treat is less than two calories, which is ideal as too many pet treats can make a cat unhealthy. If your cat is on a diet, they can still enjoy this product. The secure container also makes it easier to store the catnip, as curious cats can easily open bags. The box also helps keep the product fresher for longer. And for such an affordable price, it’s a great value.
Cons:
This catnip is difficult to fault, but it does contain some artificial colors and ingredients. Still, it’s fortified to include other essential nutrients and vitamins to offset this slight disadvantage.
OurPets Catnip-Filled Cat Toy
Toying with the idea
Pros:
Cats love their toys, especially if it involves a game or puzzle. As this toy has catnip hidden within it that is released with applied pressure, it will keep them curious about the scent. The product is pre-filled with catnip, meaning you don’t have to buy this separately or top it up.
Cons:
The fact that this toy is not refillable means less hassle for you, but it also means that if your cat finds that the toy’s scent is not strong enough, you can’t top it up or put it through a wash cycle if it gets dirty.
OurPets Cosmic Catnip
Like lightning in a bottle
Pros:
If your cat enjoys rolling around in catnip so the scent covers their fur, then a loose version such as this product could be ideal. You can also use this product to infuse catnip into toys or particular areas of your home. The 2.25oz jar is secure and helps keep the product fresh.
Cons:
This product seems to have mixed reactions from cats. It’s probably not the most potent option out there. But not all cats react to catnip in general, so that should be taken into consideration. The packaging does not have a seal that could keep it fresher longer.
SmartyKat Certified Organic Catnip
Organic and affordable
Pros:
The most significant advantage of this product is its low cost, which is about half the price of other loose catnip products. The loose leaves make it easy to spread around the home or put into toys. The slim pouch packaging takes up far less space than plastic containers, meaning you can store it more discreetly.
Cons:
The container is lightweight, but it could be easy for your cat to claw the packaging open. Some users have found their cats to not react to the scent, despite being very reactive to other catnip brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do cats love catnip?
The answer lies in the leaves of catnip, which emit a scent that evokes a positive reward in a cat’s brain. Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a plant that belongs to the mint family. Cats’ reaction to catnip is caused by an organic molecule that is released from the plant called nepetalactone. Cats are highly attracted to nepetalactone and will display their delight through licking, chewing, or rolling in the scent. Some cats will meow and even drool when they come into contact with it. Catnip stimulates three different key areas of the cat’s brain, which explains why it produces such a strong reaction.
Do all cats react to catnip?
No. Cats that are under six months old do not respond to catnip. In addition, it’s estimated only 50 – 70% of cats respond to catnip in general. In addition to the age variable, genetics play a part in whether your cat is likely to respond to catnip or not. Catnip has been tested on domestic cats as well as big cats such as tigers and lions.
How often should I give my cat catnip?
Catnip will only affect your cat for around fifteen minutes. After this time, it will take up to two hours before they become receptive to it again. If cats are exposed to catnip too frequently, they may become desensitized to it. Therefore, it’s advised not to give your cat catnip more than twice a month. Keep this in mind when introducing lots of toys or scratching posts that are infused with catnip, especially if you also give your cat loose catnip as a treat, too.
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