Meet your cat’s new favorite treat
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If you’ve ever given your feline friend a little catnip, you know how briefly it makes them go crazy. Nepetalactone, the active component and essential oil in catnip, is found in the perennial herb Nepeta cataria, which belongs to the mint family. It is just one of the tens of thousands of terpene compounds found in plants that can alter brain chemistry.
It’s quite safe to give catnip to your cat, and it has advantages like improving mood and reducing boredom. It’s especially beneficial for indoor-only cats because they don’t get as much daily stimulation as cats that are allowed to roam freely outside. You should keep a few things in mind when buying catnip for your cat because there are many different options.
According to Jamie Whittenburg, a veterinarian at Kingsgone Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, “first, it is crucial to buy from a reputable source to be confident in the product you are purchasing.” However, many other plants can be toxic, so you want to make sure the product is pure. Catnip is safe for cats. According to Dr. Whittenburg, choosing a delivery method is the second most crucial factor. Fresh catnip grass, dried flakes, sprays, treats, and toys can all be found on the market. This aspect is frequently cat-dependent, so it might take a few tries to figure out what kind of catnip your cat likes.
The top catnip and related products currently on the market are listed below.
Best Overall: From the Field Ultimate Blend Catnip And Silver Vine
Since this mixture has greater potency than catnip alone, it might also be effective for cats that don't typically respond to catnip alone. If you enjoy this mixture, you may also enjoy catnip in its other forms, such as leaf and flower, whole buds, spray, finely ground kitty-safe catnip pellets, and valerian root blend.
What We Like
- Grown and blended in the U.S.
- More intense than catnip alone
- Blend may work for cats who don’t usually respond to catnip alone
What We Don’t Like
- Not certified organic
Best Budget: Fat Cat Zoom Around the Room 100% Organic Catnip
You can easily find a 0.5-ounce bag made in the United States for less than $2. You'll never have to give your pet non-organic catnip again with those prices.
What We Like
- 100% organic
- Grown in the U.S.
- Resealable bag
What We Don’t Like
- Not packaged in the U.S.
- Not organic certified
Best Organic: SmartyKat Organic Catnip
The 0.5-ounce, 1-ounce, or 2-ounce plastic jars or bags of SmartyKat Organic Catnip are resealable. It is USDA-certified and grown in the United States. It has a loose leaf consistency and can be used to sprinkle on toys or anywhere else you want to get your cat playing.
What We Like
- USDA certified organic
- Only potent leaves and flowers
- Grown in the U.S.
What We Don’t Like
- Overpriced from some online vendors
Best Spray: Meowijuana Catnip Spray
What We Like
- Organically-grown in the U.S.
- No-mess spray
- Can make old toys more interesting or help train appropriate scratching
What We Don’t Like
- Some cats are afraid of the spray noise
Best Treats: Feline Greenies Dental Treats Catnip Flavor
This daily cat treat is made for cats over a year old and contains 27% protein from chicken meal. Your cat will adore it. The sizes of these snacks' packaging range from 2.1 ounces to 21 ounces.
What We Like
- Contains vitamins and minerals
- High in protein
- Can give up to 8 treats per day
What We Don’t Like
- Some cats like them so much they swallow them whole
RELATED: The 8 Best Healthy Cat Treats of 2022
Best Toy for Hiding Catnip: West Coast Pet Products Refillable Catnip Kicker Plaything
This toy is made by hand in the United States and comes in a variety of materials and hues, such as machine-washable denim, flannel, canvas, and cotton duck fabrics with polyester fill. For your cat's enjoyment, every purchase includes a sizable supply of Canadian catnip. The 15-inch length will be ideal for their cats, who will use it as a pillow when they take a nap after consuming catnip.
What We Like
- Comes in a variety of colors and fabrics
What We Don’t Like
- Can only be purchased online
Final Verdict
It is even more potent than catnip alone, and even cats who don’t typically respond to catnip adore From the Field Ultimate Blend Catnip and Silver Vine. Additionally, you might feel better knowing that it was grown organically and that From the Field made it with sustainability in mind. Sprinkle some in the machine-washable shirt’s pocket for some extra amusement. West Coast Pet Supplies Refillable Catnip Kicker Toy. Your cat can go wild and get some exercise at the same time.
What to Look for in Catnips
Source
If you’re going to drive your cat wild with catnip, you want to make sure that the product you’re giving them is free from pesticides, additives, and other contaminants. Thankfully organically-grown catnip is readily available and affordable from a variety of brands so opt for organic whenever you can. Check packaging for third party organic certification, although many brands haven’t chosen to go through the expensive and time intensive process.
In general, Europe and the U.S. have the highest standards for pet products, so avoid catnip sourced outside of those areas.
In general, the flowers and leaves have the highest concentrations of the effective ingredient, nepetalactone oil, while stems and roots have less. So, search for a product that sorts out and removes the less effective ruffage, leaving only the most potent parts for your cat.
Delivery Method
Manufacturers have found a wide variety of ways to offer catnip. Your cat may prefer one method over another so you may want to try a variety to see which form is the most exciting (or calming) for the cat. “Many owners are drawn to toys or treats containing catnip as they are usually less messy than the dried flakes and sprays,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg. “Freshness matters as well, as a bit of catnip goes a long way.”
It’s relatively easy to grow a catnip plant, either indoors in a pot or outdoors in mild climates. It is a perennial, so expect it to go to seed and then die back in the winter, sprouting new from the base each spring. Adult plant sprigs can be cut and hung upside down to dry and crushed and stored in air tight containers in your freezer.
But for ease, you may prefer the convenience of a spray. Just be sure to check the label for the percent of catnip oil as some manufacturers dilute them with water to save on costs. The essential oil should be a relatively high percentage, such as 75 percent blended with water.
Generally, the amount of catnip included in treats is lower than fresh dried catnip given directly. So you may need to give your cat more treats to get the desired effect. Check package dosing directions carefully to make sure you’re giving the ideal amount recommended.
For all catnip products, carefully store them in tightly sealed containers to preserve freshness and ensure your cat isn’t becoming a cat burglar. Refrigerating or freezing catnip products can help preserve freshness for longer periods.
FAQ
How long does catnip last?
The effects of a single dose of catnip, either in a spray or as a fresh or dried herb, will generally only last about 10 to 15 minutes. Its impact also decreases over time if given to your cat often so consider offering it no more than a few times a week.
Ingesting catnip in treats or as the fresh or dried herb can actually be healthy for your cat’s digestive tract. But the effects will be less wild and will instead cause your cat to be mellow for longer beresult in the natural oils are released, absorbed and metabolized more slowly.
Those essential oils can degrade over time, especially when exposed to the open air. So store your catnip in tightly sealed containers in the refrigerator or freezer. Consider using it up or replacing it annually to ensure maximum freshness.
Is it possible to give your cat too much catnip?
“Unlike dogs who tend to overindulge, cats will usually self-limit their play with catnip,” explains Dr. Whittenburg. “The only exception to this is typically catnip found in treats, which some cats will eat too many of if given a chance. With overindulgence of oral catnip, a cat may experience gastrointestinal issues such as for example vomiting or diarrhea.” You should seek veterinary help if vomiting lasts more than 12 hours or diarrhea lasts a lot more than 24 hours.
Are fresh catnip leaves safe for cats?
“Cats can eat fresh catnip leaves, and many cats prefer this form,” notes Dr. Whittenburg. “Though cats are true carnivores, many kitties enjoy munching on greens from time to time, and catnip can provide a fun way to allow them to do so. Offer fresh catnip in moderation and only as an occasional treat.”
The only real hazard of catnip may be the risk of injury while they are feeling wild. “Catnip of all forms is generally considered safe. Aside from mild gastrointestinal upset, the only reported issues come from kitties being injured while getting a little too crazy playing,” adds Dr. Whittenburg. “Catnip has varying effects on cats, hardly affecting some while making others go nutty with the zoomies. Cats playing with catnip should be in a safe environment and always become supervised.”
What Makes The Cat Product Review Reliable?
This piece was written by Lorraine Wilde who has had at least two cat companions in her home for the past 35 years including some special needs kitties. Two of her cats lived happily and healthily into their early 20s.
When researching these brands, Lorraine evaluated the type and quality of each product, customer reviews, the company’s research and development, and their business ethics. She also consulted with a licensed veterinarian.
Lorraine also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a Master’s degree within environmental science. She is a firm believer that consumers can make healthy, informed, and environmentally-conscious choices to protect their pets.
Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM graduated from Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and opened Kingsgate Animal Hospital in her hometown of Lubbock, Texas in 2008.
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