We all know what catnip is: it’s a plant that makes cats completely goofy. But have you ever wondered where the plant originated from and why cats respond to it the way they do? Have you ever wondered why you can’t just buy it from the store?
Well, I’ll help you learn all about catnip, which I’ve learned from weeks of research. Plus, I’ll introduce you to some of the best catnip brands and show you how to make your own homemade catnip.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Kush Organic Catnip | Best Overall |  |
| Multipet International Catnip Mice Toy | Budget Pick |  |
| Starwest Botanicals Organic Catnip Leaf & Flower | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Cat Kush Organic Catnip
Pros:
- 100% Organic Catnip
- More potent than other brands
- Great Price
- Our cat didn’t want to stop playing
This catnip is an all-natural wonder. We first used it with a male stray who absolutely loved it. We practically had to peel him off the carpet that night. He became really, really hyperactive and it lasted a couple of hours before calming down to a relatively normal level.
Ten out of ten cats will be wild for this product.
2. SmartyKat Catnip Cat Toys
Pros:
- All natural catnip
- Environmentally friendly
- Changeable parts
- Catnip lasts longer than traditional brands
- Safe for your cat
Nicholas, my rescue cat craves catnip toys. He will play for hours with them. When his Kitty Kondo got too small for him I got him the SmartyKat Catnip. Needless to say, he loves it! There are always cats around and they all want to play. I just ordered a second SmartyKat Catnip toy for my other cat Gustav. Thanks for keeping my cats happy & active!
If you are using catnip to help your cat cope with stress, this toy is great. It keeps your kitty occupied for long periods of time. Since it doesn’t contain any fillers, chemicals, or preservative, my cats won’t ingest any of those while playing.
The SmartyKat Catnip Toy has three removable parts. I changed the middle part because the "nose" kept falling off. Instead of using the SmartyKat scratch card, Nicholas prefers the cardboard insert. I still use the cardboard, but I’ve turned it upside down so it is now the nose of the kitty.
3. West Coast Pet Products Catnip
Pros:
- Fresh catnip from Canada, dried to preserve full potency
- This product is made to be all organic
- The product is very large for the price you’re paying
- The shipping is very fast and reliable
- This product is very strong and potent, which cats absolutely adore
- Contains information cards on how to grow your own catnip
Cons:
- The product can come a bit loose from the packaging
- The product is not sealed very well
- Some people may prefer their catnip to come in pellet form, as this product does come in loose leaf form
S – 100% Organic, 3 Grams.
If you are in search for something a little different for your feline friend, you can get the freshest organic catnip from Canada available. This catnip is considered the very best, as many people recommend it.
4. Kong Natural Catnip Spray Size:Pack of 3
Pros:
- This spray can be a great way to bring out your cat’s inner cat
- This spray is very strong, and should last a while
- This catnip spray is fairly durable
The Kong Natural Catnip Spray is the top-rated catnip spray on Amazon. This is likely due to its very strong catnip properties. The spray is also very durable, and should last for quite sometime.
This 3-pack does has a bit of a downside in that it only comes with 3 bottles, so you will need to buy more if you have more than 3 cats. If you have less than 3 cats, or just want to try a smaller package of this spray, you can get a pack of 2.
This spray can be a great way to encourage your cat to play and let them get some of their energy out. There are many cat owners who claim that this spray has helped to get their cats outside more often, and has improved their interaction with other cats and other people.
5. Catnip Spray Rejuvenator
Pros:
- Nice and strong smell that will travel far
- Don’t need to worry about pet allergies
- Spritzes out nicely and evenly
It does evaporate when sprayed on and leaves your couch smelling nice. Just make sure you give your cat some toys at the end. I am sure they will love it too. Just make sure you keep an eye on them playing with their toys because they will be more energetic!
6. Scoot & Newts Premium Dried Catnip Flowers
Pros:
- Great deal
- 100% organic, dried catnip
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Not as fresh as some alternatives
- Some reviewers said their kitties didn’t like it
Scoot & Newts premium dried catnip is the best bang for your buck when it comes to buying this particular herb. There are plenty of other good brands out there for sure, but Scoot & Newt’s is the best value for the money.
They’ve been using the same organic harvesting practices for over 50 years to give your cat the best quality product at the most affordable price.
When buying dried catnip from a reputable and trusted brand, buyer’s remorse shouldn’t be an issue whatsoever.
7. Petlinks Pure Bliss 1.75 oz Organic Catnip
Pros:
- Eco friendly
- Very gentle on sensitive kitty tummies
- Excellent value for money
- Comes in many shapes and sizes
Cons:
- A trick to get your kitty to play with it
- Some cats are attracted to the nesting material on the inside, which is a bit of a waste
This wonderfully aromatic and delightfully loose organic catnip is grown and processed in the USA.
This bag of organic catnip is not filled with dried grass. The manufacturers of this superior product instead strip the leaves off the stalks of the catnip and then dry the leaves using an organic method.
What results is a catnip that is stress-free, safe for cats with sensitive tummies and contains the highest potency and strongest potency.
8. Cat Weed Catnip has Maximum Potency Premium Blend Nip That Your Cats to Go Crazy Over
Pros:
- Catnip is all-natural and provides a healthy, safe, and very hygienic toy for your pet
- Catnip toys are great for kittens and senior cats as they are a way to encourage exercise
This product comes in a very small container, making it ideal for any small animal, kitten, or Labrador puppy.
This product has been used to help control stress, as well as reducing or eliminating a pet’s anxiety.
Catnip has been used in many pet-related products for centuries, in order to provide some of the following benefits: relief from pain and anti-inflammatory properties, control of flatulence, relaxation of muscles and joints, as well as an aid to digestion.
9. Smokey's Stash Organic Catnip OG puss
Pros:
- Plant-based
- Thick nuggets that should last a while
- Bargain price
- Great for feline entertainment
- Very potent
This potent organic catnip (sold as Smokey’s Stash at the time of writing) is great for sending cats through a head-spinning, hallucination-inducing tizzy but is not meant for human consumption.
The thick nuggets will have your cat rolling around, going nuts, and meowing up a storm. The dank smell will have your cat drooling. This is an organic nip that will have your cat high in no time.
Your cat may roll in it and try to eat it, so it probably shouldn’t be placed where it can be accidentally ingested.
10. Petlinks All Natural Compressed Catnip Cat Toys
Pros:
- Soft & Cuddly
- 4-pack
- All natural
- No chemicals or additives
- Great customer service
- Questions answered quickly
Cons:
- Very tiny
- Hard to wash
(4 Pack)
11. Catit Liquid Catnip Spray
Pros:
- Available at a budget friendly price
- Available at two sizes
- Very easy to spray
12. SmartyKat Liquid Catnip
Pros:
- Great quality
- You only have to use a few drops to have your cats all in
- Keeps your furry friend entertained for hours
Of course, you could always pick up some catnip toys and let your cat play with those.
That said, if you do want to give your cat some extra catnip, then this product is one of the best catnip products you can buy. You can only buy this catnip from Amazon.
After a little research, we found that many people were using this product for their cats. I mean, the product has almost 1,000 reviews on Amazon alone! It is 100% catnip that cats love.
13. OurPets Corknip All-Natural Compressed Catnip
Pros:
- Some cats will stay occupied for hours
- It starts out smelling and tasting like mint, and ends up smelling like catnip
Cons:
- It can take up to 3 days for a cat to like it
- Some cats won’t like it
Organic Catnip and After Eight Teaser Wand.
There are a variety of catnip toys available. Most of these are made by simply extracting the natural oils from catnip and placing them in a cotton toy.
The big problem with this process is that cats don’t like cotton toys.
14. Ethical Pets Insect
Pros:
- The whiskers make it ideal for blind and older cats
- Reasonable price
This cat toy is the ideal toy for cats with disabilities. By day, it’s an incredibly adorable and fun spooky cat toy for your feline friend.
The soft fur, dangling whiskers and little nubs feel just like insects and mice to your cat.
However, at night it transforms into a fun glowing cat toy. Once the lights go out, the little felt whiskers glow. This makes it a big hit with blind cats and older cats.
15. Johnson's Veterinary Products Catnip Spray
0.5 Ounce
Catnip is a flower that attracts cats. Spraying a bit of this fine powder about your house may just help your cat to gain a new appreciation for a particular area of your living area.
If your cat goes crazy over catnip, you may be able to use it to attract him or her to certain areas of your home.
16. Petstages 723 Catnip Spray
Pros:
- Catnip is a natural way to keep your cat active and happy
- Petstages Spray is a much better way to give catnip to your pet than using sticks
Being one of the most popular catnip products on the market, this spray will surely be liked by your cat.
Manufactured by Petstages, it is the company’s top-selling product. This spray is not like the sticky oils and powders and is not an artificial substitute. Rather, this is a spray that contains a very high concentration of nepetalactone, the chemical that activates a cat’s response to catnip.
It is sprayed onto cat toys, cat grass, etc. and some cats will roll and rub on it. Other cats will approach it cautiously, but then go crazy and play with it.
17. Twin Critters KittiKrack: Organic Silver Vine Catnip
Pros:
- Made from 100% high-quality organic silver vine
- Offers more active ingredient than other brands (up to 15 times more)
- This is the only full spectrum catnip extract powder
- It is wild harvested from 15-20 foot tall silver vine in the wild of China
Cons:
- Doesn’t pack as much of a kick as the cheaper brands of catnip
- Not available in many stores
Real-Time Mfg.
Why do so many cat owners and breeders prefer to use this brand of silver vine as opposed to the cheaper ones out there?
A lot of cat owners know that toys are usually the main reason why cats enjoy catnip. However, you also need to be aware that a large part of catnip’s potency is based on its concentration which is why many cat owners choose this brand as it offers a higher concentration of silver vine which results in a more potent reaction from your feline friends.
18. Turbo by Coastal Compressed Ball Catnip Toy
Pros:
- Can reactivate your cat’s interest in a worn out toy
- Great for catnip lovers
Cons:
- Cannot be washed
- Will not have much appeal to cats who are not into catnip
The Turbo Catnip Toy is the perfect way to make your aging cat toys more interesting again, and is sure to be a hit with any cat who likes catnip. While it is not designed for cats who don’t like catnip, cat owners report that they have been able to reactivate some of their cat’s interest in toys that have gotten a little boring by dousing them with Turbo.
One problem with catnip toys is that they cannot be washed, removing the scent, but Turbo has an advantage in that it contains a squeezable pouch that allows you to add more catnip as your cat wears it down.
19. Meowijuana
Pros:
- Organic catnip
- Doesn’t attract pet hair as much as other catnip sprays
- Lasts a long time
- Many cats enjoy it more than catnip
- Packed with potent aromas
- All natural
- Stronger than catnip
- Grown in the USA
What can be bad about catnip? Maybe the price…
This is some potent stuff – in fact, it’s different than typical catnip. It’s made in the USA (where they say the best catnip is… And they are right for once!). It’s organic and is grown naturally without the use of the harsh chemicals that they use in China and other places.
It can be applied to cat toys or you can use a finger to touch the spray directly onto your cat's nose. You MUST be careful when using this particular catnip spray because cats can get high off it.
20. Multipet International Catnip Mice Toy
Pros:
- Will last a while
- Multipet International Catnip Mice features a squeaker
Cons:
- Not the best presentation
- A little difficult to clean due to the texture
Multipet International Catnip Mice is fun and cute new toy that all cats will love, but most cats with a sweet tooth will go nuts for it.
The different catnip seeds can be found in a variety of our one of a kind toys and scratchers. Some of the toys include balls, mice, mice plushes, and much more.
This natural catnip is imported from Asia, and our toys and scratchers are made using 100 percent virgin North American and Canadian catnip.
21. Kunduchi Pet Products Catnip Spray
Pros:
- Mixed with your cat’s existing toys, it will keep them playing for hours
- Long lasting; the potency is so strong that your cat may not need several sprays to get enjoying
Cons:
- You have to crush the product with something, such as a coffee grinder
- The catnip may be a bit wet and sloppy to work with
This is one of the best products on the market, and has been for several years. When a cat smells this catnip, he or she will know it is something special, as it contains a very potent mixture that has been designed to keep your cat engaged for hours.
Your cat will go crazy over the Catnip Spray. In addition to playing with the new toy, your cat will also find a lot of fun in rubbing or digging at the catnip, as this helps it release scent. The catnip spray is very affordable, easy to use, and only requires a couple of sprays to perpetuate massive amounts of fun.
This spray is made from high-quality catnip, which is grown at the best farms around the world. It will keep your kitty engaged for hours. The catnip is harvested, shipped to the USA, and then packaged for your cat's enjoyment – it is an all-natural product, and it does not contain any harmful chemicals.
22. OurPets Catnip Bouncy Bubbles Cat Toy
Pros:
- Catnip is a cat favorite
- Doesn’t cost too much
If you can get catnip that’s fresh, your cat will go crazy for it.
I don’t like to use catnip just for a little batting around, because it gets them too excited for too long; it also doesn’t last very long.
Cats usually only care about the smell of fresh catnip. You want to make sure you are buying catnip that’s definitely fresh.
23. 8 in 1 Kookamunga Natural Catnip Extract Spray
Pros:
- All-Natural
- 100% Organic
- Pack of 4 sprays
- Utopian Catnip Extraction
- Crisp aroma and flavor
Cons:
- Small bottles
- Doesn’t work for all cats
I’ve searched for years to obtain the best catnip around, and I’ve finally found it!
I have two cats, and I’ve given them lots of different brands of catnip – but this is the first time they’ve been truly impressed. Last summer, they’d only play with toys when I sprayed this stuff on them.
It’s made with all-natural ingredients, and has an intense but pleasant aroma/flavor. Each order comes with four bottles, which is a great value for money.
24. Starwest Botanicals Organic Catnip Leaf & Flower
Pros:
- Only Best-Quality, Certified Organic Catnip
- Excellent source of Niacin, Manganese, Vitamin K1
- Supports energy levels in your cat, helps maintain a healthy immune system
- Made from whole leaves and flowers of organically grown catnip plants
- Never use chemicals or pesticides
- Whole leaves and flowers to ensure the freshest, most potent catnip possible
Most cats go wild for catnip. You will be surprised at it’s ability to completely relax your cat.
There are actually a few uses of catnip that can improve your cat’s health and extend his or her life. You can use catnip to combat stress, reduce asthma symptoms, help colic in kittens, and calm upset stomachs. Additionally, catnip can increase your cat’s appetite and may help support digestion.
Catnip has been traditionally used by Native Americans for centuries to treat all sorts of ills, including many different fevers, colds, and aching joints. It is a great way to calm your cat and help it sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best brand of catnip?
Catnip is the best known and most beloved plant on the planet. It’s popular for good reason however, not all catnip is created equal.
The best catnip comes from a particularly potent species of catnip. This plant is an herbaceous perennial plant and its scientific name is Nepeta Cataria. Nepeta cataria has thick, hairy green leaves with pink-purple/mauve flowers. However, not all varieties of Nepeta Cataria are the same.
Top-caliber Nepeta cataria is actually Nepeta X faassenii. The Nepeta X faassenii plant grows low to the ground, with creeping roots, and it has finely divided leaves. The reason that this species is so potent is because of its carvone oil content.
Does catnip really work?
If you have ever used catnip, you know her reaction. She will experience a state of extreme euphoria, where she becomes totally uninhibited and fearless.
Catnip is a member of the mint family, which is a hardy perennial that grows back every year. The plants grow up to about two feet, with large fern-like leaves. Once the plant is blooming, the leaves will appear green and white, with little purple blossoms. The younger leaves are what cats typically love to chew on.
Catnip is available in the form of an essential oil and as dried leaves for your cat to chew on. Essential oils won’t last forever, so you need to use it quickly. Also, dried leaves will start to lose the potency in about a week… but you can always refresh them with a new batch of dried leaves every week.
Is organic catnip better?
No: they simply use alternative methods like planting at higher elevations, or isolating the crop to avoid pollution. It also takes longer to grow, and therefore, costs more money. This organic catnip is a bit crunchier than the non-organic, but in our opinion, it's not worth the extra cost. This organic catnip is available at only a few stores, so if you are buying it online, it will more than likely be the non-organic kind.
What is catnip worth?
Catnip is a nickname for Nepeta cataria. It is a herb in the mint family that affects cats. Prevalent in the wild, the herb is often used as a way to attract strays. Although it grows well in the wild, catnip can also be used in farming.
Its chemical components include a terpene called trans-neptale-oxide. When ingested by a cat, this chemical has a psychoactive effect on the cat that can be described as euphoric. That's right, your cat gets high on catnip.
This herb is popular among cats and people, alike. The leafy part of the herb is used for cat toys, toys, decorations, and even pressed into books. Just make sure the catnip you purchase is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides. Also, make sure to keep the catnip away from your cat's food and away from small children.
Conclusion
Catnip is a great product for cats, sometimes as good as real catnip and often a great alternative to regular catnip. This review will give you all the information you need about the best catnip out there and will let you decide for yourself whether catnip is worth the money.
Catnip is a member of the mint family. The plant contains chemicals that give cats an enjoyable reaction when they come in contact with it. Kittens and cats in general can detect the scent from as much as 20 feet away. The smell of catnip is pleasant for humans, but is most attractive to cats, especially young cats.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Cat Kush Organic Catnip | Best Overall | |
| Multipet International Catnip Mice Toy | Budget Pick | |
| Starwest Botanicals Organic Catnip Leaf & Flower | Upgrade Pick | |