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What Are the Best Catnip Toys for Cats?
- Best Overall Catnip Toys for Cats: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toy
This three-pack of catnip toys is affordable and of high quality to give your cat lasting entertainment. - Most Durable Catnip Toys for Cats: Legendog Cat Chew Toy Bite Resistant Catnip Toys for Cats
The bite-resistant construction of this toy is very sturdy against aggressive biters. - Most Potent Catnip Toys for Cats: Our Pets Catnip Filled Chili Cat Toy
The catnip used in this toy is 100% North American-grown cosmic catnip which is regarded as the most aromatic catnip available. - Best Dental Catnip Toys for Cats: Petstages Crunchy Pickle Kicker Dental Catnip Cat Toy
Nearly one dozen shapes and styles of this toy are available, and each provides a different kind of play style to your cat. - Best Handmade Catnip Toys for Cats: Yeowww! Catnip Toy Yellow Banana
The varying textures on this toy provide a mild cleaning effect on plaque buildup on a cat’s teeth. - Best Refillable Catnip Toys for Cats: SmartyKat Madcap Mania Refillable Plush Catnip Cat Toy
This toy can be refilled with catnip to ensure a long-lasting experience at a low cost. - Best Affordable Catnip Toys for Cats: MeoHui Fur Mice Rattling Catnip Toys
Twelve brightly colored plush mice are included in this package of catnip toys, and it is priced at under $7.00.
- The mischief of these soft plush mice toys is sure to provide your cat with hours of swatting, batting and chasing fun!
- The easy-to-carry plush design entices your kitty to play while the flappy ears and ribbon tails keep them engaged.
Do Cats Like Catnip Toys?
Yes, cats like catnip toys. In fact, catnip is a common ingredient in cat treats and toys because of how much cats enjoy its effects. Therefore, catnip toys for cats are a popular cat toy type.
According to PetMD, “catnip’s allure is in its volatile oil, specifically one chemical in that oil – nepetalactone. Found in catnip’s leaves, stems, and seeds, it only takes one or two sniffs of that wondrous oil before susceptible felines are licking, chewing, and rolling head-over-tail in kitty bliss.”
What Types of Catnip Toys Are There?
There are toys of all kinds that involve catnip. Catnip balls, catnip sprays, catnip plush toys, and catnip crinkle toys are some of the most common cat and kitten toys.
These catnip toys for cats encourage cats to learn to pounce and toss things to simulate their hunting instincts. Catnip scratching posts and scratcher pads are also great options that encourage healthy stretching and clawing at the appropriate items, rather than the back of your recliner.
Are Catnip Toys Good for Cats?
Yes, catnip toys for cats are good.
The Best Catnip Toys for Cats Reviewed
There are many types of catnip toys for cats, and finding the right one can be tricky. To make the choice easier, we have reviewed the best catnip toys for cats on Amazon and Chewy.
Price: $2.08
Toy Type: Plush
Pet: Cat
Lifestage: Adult cats
Recommended Uses: Give to adult cats during play time to encourage mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with toys after feeding times can aid in digestion and help to control their weight as well.
Material: Cotton; Catnip
Summary: These catnip toys for cats combine playtime and exercise in a small, plush cotton package. Infused with catnip to keep cats entertained, these toys are safe and non-toxic to also provide your cat with safety.
The catnip used in these toys is grown pesticide-free and without the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, these toys are made to meet child safety standards in the child toy industry, so your cat is getting the best of all worlds with this one.
- Does not contain small parts
- Meets child safety standards
- Made with 100% chemical and pesticide-free catnip
- Three come in a pack
- Creates an irresistible playing experience
- The tail and ears are easily ripped off
- More aggressive cats will have no problem ripping through the cotton to the catnip inside
Customer Reviews: Over 33,000 reviews of this toy give it an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. These reviews largely express satisfaction with the quality of the toy and the price, with cat owners exclaiming their cats have never been happier with any other toy.
Only 3% of reviews were critical of this product, and the most common complaint was about how easily their cats tore into the toy.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toy an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): This toy is great for most cats, but more aggressive or strong cats can easily tear it open.
- Material Quality (8/10): While not likely, the tail and ears can be easily torn off and present a choking hazard.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): This toy’s overall quality and price make it an excellent choice for any budget.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): Tens of thousands of reviews give this toy a high average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- Product Variety (9/10): There are no other varieties of this toy, but each package comes with three different mice.
- Taste (10/10): We noticed cats seem to love the taste of the catnip and seemed to be really encouraged by the smell of it inside the toy.
Price: $8.97
Toy Type: Plush
Pet: Cat
Lifestage: Adult cats
Recommended Uses: Give to adult cats during play time to encourage mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with toys after feeding times can aid in digestion and help to control their weight as well.
Material: Cotton; Catnip
Summary: The fabric of these natural catnip mice is tightly knit to help prevent teeth and claws from puncturing through to the catnip inside. This is an interactive toy that is ideal for cats who struggle with boredom or separation anxiety.
It is stuffed with strong and soft PP cotton to provide a plush and enjoyable playing experience. Although the fabric is puncture-resistant, it is highly breathable, which allows the smell of the catnip to entice the cat for long-lasting fun.
- Five come in one pack
- Available in many colors
- Breathable fabric allows catnip smell to permeate around the toy
- The tight-knit fabric is highly resistant to teeth and claws
- 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
- The tail may be easily torn off
- Customers complain that the catnip lost its effect after a couple of days of removing the toy from its packaging
Customer Reviews: Over 14,000 reviews have been written on this toy on Amazon and Chewy. Over 85% of them were glowing and said these toys were durable against the roughest of playtime, and the catnip lasted longer than they expected it would.
Lower ratings were concerned about the quality of the fabric and said the tail was torn off and presented a choking hazard to their cats.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Legendog Cat Chew Toy Bite Resistant Catnip Toys for Cats an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): Although it is bite resistant, it is not bite-proof. Many consumers mention their cat was able to tear it apart with little effort, although we did not notice that ourselves.
- Material Quality (10/10): Cats seem to thoroughly enjoy playing with this toy, and it holds up to aggressive biting and clawing.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): Five toys come in one package that is priced at under $9.00
- Customer Feedback (10/10): more than 14,000 reviews have been written about this product, and over 80% of them were positive.
- Product Variety (10/10): Wach package comes with five different colored mice and cat toys, and there are multiple packages available.
- Taste (10/10): Cats are able to smell the catnip, and this makes them crave the taste of it.
Price: $3.95
Toy Type: Plush
Pet: Cat
Lifestage: Adult cats
Recommended Uses: Give to adult cats during play to encourage mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with toys after feeding times can aid in digestion and help to control their weight as well.
Material: Cotton; Catnip
Summary: These catnip toys for cats are made in China with 100% American-grown cosmic catnip. This catnip is known to be the most aromatic and flavorful of the catnip family and helps to keep your cat zoned in during intense play sessions.
Seven styles of this plush cat toy are available to give your feline friend plenty of options to choose from. These toys are great at providing mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom, ease anxiety, and reduce stress in cats.
- Many options available
- Made with American-grown cosmic catnip
- Fulfills the natural hunting instincts of cats
- Helps to relieve boredom and stress
- Durable stitching resists tearing during heavy play
- The catnip sometimes does not keep cats enticed very long
- Customers complain of a change in the manufacturing process after they have bought it for years and their cats suddenly stopped playing with it
Customer Reviews: Thousands of reviews have been written on this catnip-filled cat toy, and most of them raved about how their cats would not leave the toy alone. These cat owners say their cats are enthralled by this plush toy, and they were very happy with the low price.
Others were more critical with points being made about the ineffectiveness of the catnip and said they suspected whether or not the toy contained catnip at all.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Our Pets Catnip Filled Chili Cat Toy an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): There are a few things on this toy that can present a choking hazard, and it is quite durable.
- Material Quality (7/10): The build was nice and had a good feeling of durability, but the catnip seemed to be either weak or stale.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): Comparable toys in this category can cost up to three times as much as this.
- Customer Feedback (7/10): While over 15,000 reviews were written about this toy, nearly 10% of them were critical of the construction.
- Product Variety (10/10): There are a half dozen shape options available for this cat toy.
- Taste (7/10): Cats seemed to really enjoy this toy but only for a short time.
Price: $5.99
Toy Type: Plush
Pet: Cat
Lifestage: Adult cats
Recommended Uses: Give to adult cats during play to encourage mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with toys after feeding times can aid in digestion and help to control their weight as well.
Material: Cotton; Catnip
Summary: This crinkle toy is stuffed with 100% catnip. Each toy in this lineup provides multiple textures to your cat, and this helps to keep them wanting more from the toy. Nearly one dozen styles are available, and each of them provides your cat with different stimulation.
This interactive cat toy also features a mesh material that helps to remove plaque from your cat’s teeth as they chew and gnaw on the fabric. Its lightweight also ensures your cat is able to play solo, should you be unavailable to play with them.
- Many styles to choose from
- Crinkle inside
- Multiple textures to keep cats entertained
- Stuffed with 100% catnip
- Sized to fit in your cat’s paws as they claw and scratch at the toy
- The catnip inside this toy can stain the carpet
- Cats may not take to playing with it
Customer Reviews: Most cat owners who purchased this toy were pleased with it. Their cats loved the catnip inside the toy, and they were able to toss, carry, and bite it all day without it tearing or disintegrating.
Critical reviews expressed disappointment in their cat’s lack of interest in this toy. Some said their cats would pee next to the toy, and others said they ignored it completely.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Petstages Crunchy Pickle Kicker Dental Catnip Cat Toy an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (7/10): Numerous customers note their cats were not interested in this toy. It was, in fact, the most frequently made complaint.
- Material Quality (7/10): While the materials are sturdy, the catnip seemed to lose its potency shortly after opening.
- Cost Effectiveness (8/10): This is not an expensive toy, but it is not the cheapest on this list either.
- Customer Feedback (7/10): With nearly 18,000 reviews and an average of 4.4 stars, this is a highly rated toy but not the highest rated.
- Product Variety (10/10): Many styles of these catnip toys for cats are available.
- Taste (10/10): Cats seem to really enjoy the taste and feel of this toy.
Price: $5.99
Toy Type: Plush
Pet: Cat
Lifestage: Adult cats
Recommended Uses: Give to adult cats during play time to encourage mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with toys after feeding times can aid in digestion and help to control their weight as well.
Material: Cotton; Catnip
Summary: The texture of this toy are varied and helps to keep cats holding on to it for extended periods. This texture variance also helps to remove plaque and strengthen gums in the process of playing.
These catnip toys for cats are all handmade in the USA to provide cats with safe toys for endless entertainment. The organic catnip inside the toy is grown to the highest safety standards, so it is non-toxic to your cat.
- Fun textures help to clean teeth
- All handmade
- 100% organic catnip filled
- Made in the USA
- Easily carried and thrown around
- Customers say the toy made their cats aggressive toward one another
- The cloth is not bite-resistant
Customer Reviews: Cat owners were happy with the quality and the encouragement their cats received from this toy to play. They were happy with the overall value the toy presented, and their cats were happy with it as well.
Only 4% of reviews were negative, but the main complaint was the quality. These reviews say their cats tore through the toy within minutes, while others say it made their cats aggressive and discouraged anyone from buying it.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Yeowww! Catnip Toy Yellow Banana an overall 6/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (7/10): While we had no issues, others mention their cats were able to destroy the toy quickly and provided photo evidence.
- Material Quality (7/10): Consumers claim the catnip made their cats aggressive,e and others say the cloth was thin. Most, however, say this is a great toy.
- Cost Effectiveness (8/10): This is the average price for catnip toys for cats.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): 22,000+ reviews give this product a very high average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
- Product Variety (1/10): There is only one version of this toy available.
- Taste (9/10): Nearly every review, both positive and negative, said their cats loved the taste of this catnip.
Price: $3.99
Toy Type: Plush
Pet: Cat
Lifestage: Adult cats
Recommended Uses: Give to adult cats during play to encourage mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with toys after feeding times can aid in digestion and help to control their weight as well. Once the catnip has been exhausted, refill with any catnip of your choosing.
Material: Cotton; Catnip
Summary: This plush cat toy is refillable. This means when the catnip has gone stale, or your cat begins to lose interest, you can refill it with cat grass of any kind to provide your cat with lasting entertainment. It comes with one catnip-filled tube to give you and your cat instant access to playtime.
The colors received by customers are randomly selected by the manufacturer and are not able to be chosen by the customers, but there are several styles and shapes available, as well as packs of one, two, or three toys.
- Refillable
- Soft and multi-textured
- Perfect for hide-and-seek
- Easy to use
- Available in multi-sets
- Colors are selected randomly
- Only one size is available
Customer Reviews: The longevity of this toy is the most common compliment expressed in positive reviews. This sentiment is echoed through review after review, with people saying their cats have been “slobbering on these” for six months, and they hold up to the roughest of playing sessions.
Critical customers said the toy was too big, about the size of a rat, and their cats were uninterested in playing with them.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving SmartyKat Madcap Mania Refillable Plush Catnip Cat Toy an overall 9/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (8/10): While most cats enjoy these toys, they are rather large, and some smaller or younger cats may not care for them.
- Material Quality (10/10): Most of the positive reviews say these catnip toys for cats have lasted months with their cat still playing with them.
- Cost Effectiveness (8/10): This is priced right at the average for a cat toy like this.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): There are thousands of reviews raving about the quality of this cat toy, with the chief complaint only being about the size.
- Product Variety (10/10): There are several styles and shapes of this toy to choose from.
- Taste (10/10): You can fill it with any kind of catnip, so you won’t have a problem finding something they enjoy.
Price: $6.29
Toy Type: Plush
Pet: Cat
Lifestage: Adult cats
Recommended Uses: Give to adult cats during play to encourage mental and physical stimulation. Providing them with toys after feeding times can aid in digestion and help to control their weight as well. If the rattle has gone out or the toy has gone flat, replace it with a fresh one to keep your cat happy and fulfilled.
Material: Cotton; Catnip
Summary: This large toy pack comes with 12 mice of varying colors. The colors are highly visible, so they are harder to lose than other neutral or natural-colored toys. The high-quality catnip is accompanied by a rattling action that gives the toy a lifelike noise while the cat plays.
These catnip toys for cats are the same size as real mice, which allows your cat a more natural feel when biting and tossing them around.
- Comes with 12 mice cat toys
- Packed with high-quality catnip
- Rattling action stimulates cats mentally
- Same size as real mice for realism
- Brightly colored, so it is hard to lose
- Customers report missing catnip and rattles
- The tails are fragile
Customer Reviews: Most consumers like the cost-effectiveness of these toys and said their cats enjoy playing with them. Numerous cat owners mention how their cats like to hoard them in their cat tree or around their litter box to further illustrate the quality of this toy set.
Others were let down by the catnip or said the rattle that was supposed to be inside the toy was only in around half of them.
Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving MeoHui Fur Mice Rattling Catnip Toys an overall 8/10-star rating. The breakdown of our ratings is below:
- Pet Suitability (9/10): The tails are easily torn, but the rest of the toy is suitable for rough play.
- Material Quality (7/10): Cats seem to be less interested in these than in other catnip toys but still play with them eagerly.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): You would have a tough time finding a better deal per dollar spent.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): Over 3,000 reviews have been written on this product, and only 4% of them are critical.
- Product Variety (10/10): The twelve mice in this package are made into varying brightly colored patterns.
- Taste (7/10): The catnip seemed less enticing to cats than with other products.
What Should I Look for in Catnip Toys for Cats?
When buying catnip toys for cats, consider their safety, durability, and longevity. Here is a closer look at the buying considerations.
- Safety: Some toys are easily destroyed or have a piece that can be easily swallowed. Often times things like catnip balls or teaser wands are the safest bet as they either must be used under supervision or have nothing that can be eaten off of the toy.
- Durability: This is an obvious one, but you want a toy that lasts. Catnip can really send a cat into a frenzy, and the play session may get a bit intense. For this reason, a high-quality toy will benefit both you and your cat in the long run.
- Longevity: The longevity of the catnip will vary depending on the brand and how long ago the catnip was harvested. A toy with old or stale catnip will not encourage the same kind of play it did when the catnip was fresh.
Can Cats Play with Catnip Toys Every Day?
No, cats should not play with catnip toys every day.
Too much exposure can make a cat nauseous or grumpy. While there is no hard and fast rule, a general guideline to follow is to limit your cat’s exposure to catnip to once per week.
Catnip belongs to the mint family. Since it is closely related to mint, which is toxic to cats, it can easily become too much of a good thing.
How Long Should You Let a Cat Play with a Catnip Toy?
Cats will usually dose themselves appropriately. They often will consume enough to get the sense of euphoria the catnip offers them, and then they will lose interest until the feeling subsides.
Although this is not an exact number, most cats lose interest in a catnip toy soon after they have reached their peak euphoria and return to it a couple of hours later.
