The Best Cat Nips
If you've ever seen a cat shamelessly clawing open a jar of catnip with fervid excitement before rolling gently in a blissful revelry, you'll know that they have a penchant for the wilder things in life. Catnip is a great way to bring a renewed energy to feline fun and games. Its alluring odor can also be an effective means of attracting cats to new toys or designated play areas. And let's face it — we just love watching our cats goofing off while on catnip.
What to Look For
Not all catnip blends are created equal. If you want to keep your cats free from pesticides and other chemicals, keep your eyes peeled for organic certification. Experienced kitty trippers might be partial to nibbling on larger stems and pieces, but younger cats are likely to prefer a finer blend. Our favorite overall is the organic blend from SmartyKat. This homegrown organic blend comes at a bargain price. If you’re looking to avoid the mess of traditional catnip without sacrificing on the fun, take a look at the catnip spray from Smokey’s Stash. Read on below to check out the rest of our top picks.
SmartyKat Organic Catnip
Pure and potent
When it comes to natural herbal blends, organic options often boast the highest purity and most sustainable production methods. While you might be used to purchasing organic produce at your local grocery store, with SmartyKat’s high-quality catnip, your feline friend can enjoy the same benefits. This blend will heighten your cat’s arousal levels for playtime without the slightest trace of nasty chemicals or pesticides.
Pros:
- Choose between compact pouches for a quick pick-me-up or larger sealed canisters that will keep your catnip fresh for months to come.
- This coarse catnip is easier to clean up from carpeted floors than fine powder options.
- Some coarse catnip can contain sharp stems and thistles that can prick your fingers or irritate your cats, but this soft blend does away with sharp points entirely.
Cons:
- If your cat loves to munch on catnip pieces, they might be put off by the larger pieces in this blend.
Our Pets Cosmic Catnip
Once you get your hands on a jar of this premium homegrown catnip, your kitties are sure to beg you for more. This 100% natural blend is comprised of the finest North American grown catnip. Its super potent aroma will ignite a fiesta in even the tamest felines. Choose between two size options, both housed in a resealable plastic jar that should keep the leaves fresh and aromatic between uses.
Pros:
- This catnip blend’s soft and fine texture makes it a great choice for cats who like to take a nibble while they play.
- This 100% natural blend is free from chemicals, making it a great choice for sensitive cats.
Cons:
- This product doesn’t come with a seal, and we found some instances of spillage during shipment.
Cat Crack Organic Catnip
Secret stash
If you’ve ever let your cats get a whiff of a potent catnip blend, you’ll have seen them embody the rabid cravings that give this premium blend its name. Unlike its namesake, this natural blend does away with harsh and nasty chemicals, giving your cats a safe, plant-based high.
Pros:
- This proprietary herbal blend is rich in essential oils, helping it retain its freshness and potency for longer.
- The airtight storage jar helps to keep the catnip odor sealed inside, making it easier to hide the stash away from prying paws between play sessions.
Cons:
- This potent blend is a little pricier per pound than other organic options.
Legendog Bite Resistant Catnip Toys
Tucked away
While most felines don’t need much encouragement to investigate a freshly opened container of catnip, timid pets or those new to the herb might value a gentler introduction. These bite-resistant toys are a playful way to boost your cat’s energy. The set of five comes in a range of brightly colored designs, each stuffed to the brim with a natural catnip blend that’s sure to arouse the curiosity of even the sternest felines.
Pros:
- Some of us might be reluctant to let our cats chew and swallow stems and large leaf cuttings, and these bite-proof toys ensure that they can enjoy the perks of catnip without ingestion.
- These brightly colored toys are easy to keep track of in the home and will avoid the familiar mess of leafy debris.
Cons:
- You won’t get as much catnip for your money compared to purchasing pure catnip.
Smokey’s Stash Catnip Spray
There's a nip in the air
One of the annoyances of catnip playtime is the mess. If your cats spend their leisure time indoors, you know how frustrating it can be to pluck stems and leafy litter from carpets and furniture. This spray is the ideal solution for avoiding a mess without compromising on effectiveness. The mixture of organic catnip essential oils and distilled water can be quickly and cleanly diffused in any environment and promises the same joy as its herbal counterpart.
Pros:
- This catnip spray makes it easier to coat standing vertical toys like scratching posts or cat castles.
- A coating of this spray can quickly breathe new life into old toys without the need for stuffing.
Cons:
- Catnip essential oils won’t provide an active effect for as long as regular catnip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active compound in catnip?
If you’ve seen the drastic impact of this natural leaf on your cat’s behavior, you might be wondering what’s going on behind the scenes. Catnip plants come from the same family as mint, but, unlike mint, it’s rich in a chemical called nepetalactone. Once it enters their nasal cavity, this compound binds to protein receptors in your cat’s brain, resulting in powerful psychoactive effects.
Are all cats affected by catnip?
Though most felines can’t resist the temptations of catnip, not all are affected equally. Studies suggest that as many as 30% of cats aren’t affected by catnip. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as their genetic makeup. Kittens less than 6-8 weeks of age also won’t experience the psychoactive effects of catnip.
About the Author
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