Cats and Catnip: Understanding the Love Affair and the Best Catnip Products

catnip

Have you ever wondered why your cat goes crazy for catnip? In this article, we're exploring the fascinating relationship between cats and catnip, and we'll introduce some of the best catnip products on the market.

What is Catnip?

Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb from the mint family. Its allure for cats lies in an essential oil called nepetalactone found in the leaves and stems of the plant. This chemical triggers a strong behavioral reaction in cats, often characterized by sniffing, rubbing, rolling, and general hyperactivity.

Why Do Cats Love Catnip?

The response to catnip is hereditary, and about two-thirds of cats are affected by it. The reaction appears to be a kind of feline euphoria, similar to how humans respond to certain mood-altering substances. Notably, kittens and senior cats typically do not respond to catnip.

Is Catnip Safe for Cats?

Yes, catnip is safe for cats. In fact, it is often used in toys and treats as a way to encourage play and exercise. However, like anything, it should be used in moderation. Too much exposure can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset or, in rare cases, lead to excessive excitement or aggression.

Top Catnip Products

1. Catnip Toys

Catnip-filled toys can provide hours of entertainment and exercise for your cat. There are numerous options on the market, from plush mice to crinkly balls, all filled with enticing catnip.

Catnip Toys

2. Catnip Spray

This product is great for refreshing old toys or encouraging your cat to use certain items, like a scratching post or a new bed. Just a spritz or two is usually enough to pique your cat's interest.

Catnip Spray

3. Catnip Treats

These edible goodies are often used for training or as a special reward. However, they should be given sparingly to prevent your cat from consuming too many calories.

Catnip Treats

4. Catnip Plant

For a more natural option, consider growing a catnip plant. It can serve as a constant source of entertainment for your cat and double as an attractive addition to your home.

Catnip Plants

Remember, every cat's reaction to catnip can differ, and what excites one might not interest another. Use catnip as a tool to bond with your cat and bring more fun into their life, but always monitor their reactions to ensure it's a positive experience.


How to Train Your Cat - Litter training, leash walking, and more

cat on leash

Contrary to popular belief, cats are quite trainable. With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can teach your cat a variety of useful and fun behaviors. In this article, we'll cover the basics of litter training, leash walking, and more.

The Role of Probiotics in Feline Health: Why Your Cat Might Need a Supplement

Just like humans, cats have a complex community of bacteria living in their gut, referred to as the microbiome. These bacteria play an essential role in your cat's overall health, impacting everything from digestion to immunity. This is where probiotics come in. In this article, we will explore the role of probiotics in feline health and why your cat might benefit from a supplement.

Got Cat Allergies? How To Cope

woman sneezing

If you or a loved one is allergic to cats but can't imagine life without your feline friend, there are many steps you can take to reduce allergens and make your home more comfortable. There are also several products available that can help to control allergens in your home.

Cat Health 101: Common Issues

Cats can experience a range of health issues, some more common than others. Understanding these problems and knowing what products can help is crucial in ensuring your feline friend stays happy and healthy.


100% NATURAL: SmartyKat catnip is all-natural and made with no fillers; it's pure, potent, and meets your cat's essential needs for stimulation
STIMULATING: Catnip contains aromatic oils that give cats a euphoric buzz and stimulates their instincts; most cats respond to catnip with a burst of energy, or frenzied behavior, followed by a period of blissful relaxation
EASY TO USE: Lightly squeeze catnip-filled items or crush the leaves with your fingers to help release the natural active ingredient in catnip, and sprinkle on your cat's favorite toy or scratcher; a pinch goes a long way
HELPS SAVE FURNITURE: Catnip is especially effective in helping curb destructive scratching behavior; apply catnip to your cat's scratcher and place near furniture popular with claws to lure felines and help redirect their behavior
PRODUCT DETAILS: Catnip; Canister, 2 oz
IMPORTANT: Please keep in mind that kittens usually develop a response to catnip after 6-9 months of age
ABOUT US: SmartyKat products help pet owners meet basic feline needs; from scratchers and toys to edible grass and catnip, our products are designed to stimulate a particular feline need while fostering a stronger relationship between you and your cat . Keep out of reach of children. Store out of pets' reach when not in use.
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𝗣𝗒𝗣 π—¦π—’π— π—˜ 𝗣𝗒𝗣𝗖𝗒π—₯𝗑: because you’ll have a ring-side seat to the greatest show on earth. One hit from our cat crack gives cats a buzz that fuels a feline acrobatic frenzy.
π—§π—›π—œπ—¦ 𝗖π—₯π—”π—–π—ž π—œπ—¦π—‘'𝗧 π—”π——π——π—œπ—–π—§π—œπ—©π—˜: since it is Non-GMO and 100% natural. Cat Crack is made cleanly and reliably in North America with fair labor standards.
π—ͺπ—˜'π—©π—˜ π—šπ—’π—§ π—§π—›π—˜ π—šπ—’π—’π—— 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗙𝗙: with a 78%+ Nepetalactone content. It’s the highest and most potent kitty dope commercially available.
𝗙π—₯π—˜π—¦π—› 𝗔𝗦 𝗔 π——π—œπ— π—˜ π—•π—”π—š: from climate controlled storage and sealed under the lid. Neighborhood cats are sure to appreciate this if being used for some under the hood gifts for cats.
𝗑𝗒𝗧 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗒π—₯ π—£π—Ÿπ—”π—¬: Cat Crack can be used for cat training similar to regular cat treats and kitten treats. Introduce new cat accessories by sprinkling some Cat Crack on them. Optionally, Cat Crack can supplement a catnip ball or catnip spray.
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Cats Lose Their Cool: Just shake the pack, and your favorite feline will come running for their favorite cat treats.
Purr-fect Texture: Cat treats are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it the cat snack that keeps them coming back.
Under 2 Calories Per Treat: Each cat treat is under 2 calories, so these little crunchy goodies make the perfect snack or reward that can be given daily.
Trifecta of Tempting Cat Treats: Catnip Fever is a delicious cat snack with a mix of chicken, catnip, and cheese flavors your cat will love.
Value-Sized, Resealable Tub: Treat ’em again and again using the resealable tub that is perfect for keeping cat paws off when you’re not watching.
16 oz. Tub: Contains one (1) 16 oz. tub of Temptations MixUps Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats Catnip Fever - Chicken, Catnip, and Cheese Flavors.
$8.48 ($0.53 / Ounce)
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Made with only the best parts of the catnip plant, our Zoom Around the Room Oraganic Catnip contains only the leaf & flower
Zoom on, little floor muffins! This fantastic catnip can be added to your kitty's favorite toy or just given to them as a treat
Keep it fresh! This organic catnip comes in a zip-sealed plastic bag for a longer shelf life
Revive old cat toys by rubbing a pinch of catnip right on the toy or simply shake toys in a bag with catnip to bring out that new scent; also works on scratching posts
Bag contains 0.5 ounces of 100% organic catnip and safe for all cat life stages
Enjoying FAT CAT? Petmate makes a variety of pet products for dogs, cats, chickens & other small furry friends! Check out our brands such as Aspen Pet, Arm & Hammer, Booda, Chuckit!, Jackson Galaxy, JW toys & more!
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Catnip that Actually works
Pure premium flower top blend.
Made in the USA
Country Of Origin: United States
Comes in a resealable bag or tub for maximum freshness
$9.99
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Perfect Harmony: Experience our Ultimate Blend, a premium mix of Silver Vine and our signature all-natural catnip, guaranteed to delight your cat.
American Quality: Proudly made in the USA, ensuring high-quality, safe playtime for your beloved pets. A perfect addition to enhance your indoor cat's playtime and toy collection.
Dual Delight: Combines the euphoric effects of Silver Vine with the enticing aroma of catnip, perfect for cats who are typically indifferent to catnip alone.
Rich in Natural Oils: Packed with essential oils and blooming with natural Nepetalactone, our catnip is fresh, powerful, and perfect for easing stress, promoting healthy exercise, and supporting your cat's mental health.
CAPTIVATE YOUR CAT with aromatic From the Field Catnip. Fresh, potent and non-toxic, it gives your feline a euphoric feeling that may help ease stress and encourage exercise for overall well-being.
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Smooth, stalk-free: Catnip herbs for cats have been finely ground into a soft, velvety texture from mature cat grass. From the Field Catnip is rich in essential oils and blooms, containing natural nepetalactone. This key compound is what triggers cats' reactions to catnip. We have catnip leaf, buds, stems and seeds in our Catnip blend.
Encourages positive behaviors: Using catnip on scratching posts or toys can direct kitty cats away from unwanted behaviors like scratching furniture. Perfect Catnip for you to use on your cat's toys and transform cat toys into much more interesting Promoting Play and Engagement Some cats don't like Catnip Spray and Fine Cut catnip is a great solution.
Stimulates play and exercise: Catnip can trigger playful behavior, encouraging cats to run, jump, and pounce, which helps with physical activity and exercise. promoting a better life for your feline, leaving your cat healthier and happier.
CATNIP REFILL FOR CATNIP TOYS: Cat Exercise and Increased Activity, Catnip stimulates a cat's senses, often prompting bursts of energy that result in running, jumping, or chasing toys. This can help sedentary or overweight cats get moving.
FOR ALL AGES: Most adult cats are sensitive to catnip and may exhibit strong reactions, such as increased playfulness or relaxation, with around 50-75% being genetically predisposed to respond. Senior cats, though often showing milder reactions than in their younger years, can still benefit from catnip, as it helps stimulate play or provide relaxation.
Catnip kicker toys for cats: Catnip for Playful Fun, a catnip banana, catnip mouse, Cat Toys Pillow, Catnip Tube, will provide hours of fun for your kitty when you use our high-quality cat nip to keep those toys refilled.
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𝗣𝗒𝗣 π—¦π—’π— π—˜ 𝗣𝗒𝗣𝗖𝗒π—₯𝗑: because you’ll have a ring-side seat to the greatest show on earth. One hit from our organic cat crack gives cats a buzz that fuels a feline acrobatic frenzy.
π—§π—›π—œπ—¦ 𝗖π—₯π—”π—–π—ž π—œπ—¦π—‘'𝗧 π—”π——π——π—œπ—–π—§π—œπ—©π—˜: since Cat Crack’s Cat Nip Organic is Non-GMO and 100% natural. Cat Crack is made cleanly and reliably in North America with fair labor standards.
π—ͺπ—˜'π—©π—˜ π—šπ—’π—§ π—§π—›π—˜ π—šπ—’π—’π—— 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗙𝗙: with a 78%+ Nepetalactone content. It’s the highest and most potent kitty dope commercially available.
𝗙π—₯π—˜π—¦π—› 𝗔𝗦 𝗔 π——π—œπ— π—˜ π—•π—”π—š: from climate controlled storage and sealed under the lid. Neighborhood cats are sure to appreciate this if being used for some under the hood gifts for cats.
𝗑𝗒𝗧 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗒π—₯ π—£π—Ÿπ—”π—¬: Cat Crack can be used for cat training similar to regular cat treats and kitten treats. Introduce new cat accessories by sprinkling some Cat Crack on them. Optionally, Cat Crack can supplement a catnips organic ball or cat nips organic spray.
$14.99
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POTENT BLEND: Our OG Puss Organic catnip dried leaves combined with our silver vine powder will provide your cat the best party time of their day!
SAFE and HEALTHY way to get your cat to exercise while you sit back and get some laughs.
SILVERVINE: Silvervine, also known as matatabi, is from kiwi plants growing in the mountains of China and Japan. Since not all cats react strong to cat nip we created the ultimate premium blend.
HOW TO USE: Crack open the container and insert into a refillable cat kicker toy or sprinkle on your cats scratching post. Expect your cat to roll, eat, lick and enjoy!
100% SAFE: Smokey's cat nip organic grown is the USA. Our silver vine is tested and all natural.
$7.99
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Our 12 ounce bulk bag of Catnip for cats is perfect for pet owners with multiple cats
Excellent to make your own kitty toys and cat kickers!
Our organic bulk catnips grown in North America and 100% fresh, natural, and safe for your kitty with no additives!
THE SECRET STASH : Our OG Puss catnip has a deep history and is proven to make cats go wild!
Our Potent Bulk Catnip comes in a large resealable bag for maximum freshness. Contains no sticks, stems or seeds!
$18.49 ($1.54 / Ounce)
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