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Information accurate from January 2025. Recommendations are based on extensive research into products, brands, customer feedback and my own reviews wherever applicable.

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Catnip comes in many forms, from dried blends and sprays to stuffed toys and edible balls! Most, if not all, kitty parents will recognise the effects of this magical substance: nuzzling, licking, sniffing, rolling - not forgetting about those zoomies, which can be as entertaining for us as it is for them.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family that contains the active ingredient, nepetalactone. When sniffed, this binds to a cat's olfactory receptors (smell detectors) that send signals to an area of the brain that's responsible for sexual behaviour. It's thought that the brain interprets them as pheromones, which triggers a rush of endorphins that makes cats happy and excitable.

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Catnip is often used to aid interaction with toys, stimulate playful behaviour, provide enrichment, promote relaxation and reduce stress. Effects are temporary but not all cats respond to the substance - in fact, studies show that around 30% of cats are immune.

Kittens under 6 months are usually unresponsive because their brains aren't developed enough to react to nepetalactone, so it's best to wait until they're a bit older.

Want to know more about catnip and its more potent competitor, silvervine? Check out this pawsome post: Silvervine vs Catnip: Which Is Best for Cats?

15 Best Catnip Toys:

1. Cuckoo Catnip

2. Mew & Friends Catnip

3. Mew & Friends Catnip Spray

4. Catit Senses Catnip Spray

5. Aucenix Catnip Balls for Wall

6. Pet Touch Catnip Fun Bubbles

7. Aibuddy Catnip Fish Chew Toy

8. ADAKEL 5 Pieces Cat Catnip Toy

9. 6 Pack Catnip Mouse Toys

10. SUPERFA 3 Pack Catnip Toys

Best Catnip Toys

1. Cuckoo Catnip (50g)

Cuckoo Catnip is a natural, non-addictive way to promote exercise, play and relaxation for your kitty. It can boost mood to reduce nervousness and help with depression, anxiety and boredom.

This strong, organic catnip is imported from Canada and packaged in the UK with resealable and recyclable bags. The catnip is ground and filtered into a fine blend and comes with a "no stalk" guarantee. Stalks can be a choking hazard and don't contain the active ingredient (nepetalactone). Only buds and leaves are used to ensure the blend is as strong as it can be.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3

Based on 1,900+ Amazon reviews.

2. Mew & Friends Catnip (30g)

Mew & Friends Catnip releases the "feel good" hormones to encourage play, exercise and reduce boredom and anxiety. 10% of all profits are donated to animal shelters.

Catnip is 100% natural, organic and sustainably produced in the UK for extra freshness, hence the slightly higher price tag. Mew & Friends is a family-run business that grows their own strain of high-potency catnip on Grade 1 agricultural land, free of nasty pesticides. Everything is handpicked, naturally dried and hand-sifted to ensure large stalks are removed. Packaging is environmentally friendly with resealable paper bags.

While I haven't tested this catnip - or many others due to my unresponsive cats - I can speak to the quality of Mew & Friends having bought other products from the company.

Check out my review of Mew & Friends Silvervine Powder for more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4

Based on 3,000+ Amazon reviews.

3. Mew & Friends Catnip Spray (60ml)

Mew & Friends Catnip Spray can energise most cats by providing a burst of playfulness, usually followed by relaxation and contentment. For endless fun, shake well and spray on cat toys, beds and scratchers to encourage interaction.

Another natural and organic product from the UK-based brand, Mew & Friends Catnip Spray contains a well-balanced mixture of water and a small percentage of catnip oil. This ensures the spray isn't too strong and safe to use, while providing instant attraction wherever it's applied.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0

Based on 700+ Amazon reviews.

4. Catit Senses Catnip Spray (90ml)

Catit Senses Catnip Spray offers a concentrated extract of pure catnip to provide maximum fun and excitement. Spray on toys, scratch posts and other play areas to attract and entice your cat.

Catit's mission is to provide practical, easy-to-use and convenient products that meet the needs of fussy felines. Their range includes housing, transportation, scratchers, dishware and toys. As a proud owner of the Catit Play Treat Puzzle Slow Feeder, they're on my list of trusted brands in terms of value and quality.

⭐⭐⭐ 3.9

Based on 6,700+ Amazon reviews.

5. Aucenix Catnip Balls for Wall

These 3-in-1 Catnip Balls are made from natural plant fibres without any additives or preservatives. Flavours include catnip, insect gall fruit, silvervine and cat sugar (isinglass) to meet the different tastes of cats while stimulating play. It promotes appetite, aids digestion and the excretion of furballs; as well as cleaning teeth and reducing dental plaque.

The double-sided tape design makes it easy to stick to smooth surfaces such as walls, tiles or glass; and balls rotate 360° so cats can lick from all angles. It also comes with dust-proof covers.

I bought one of these to offer my boys a bit more variety, but it still wasn't enough to tempt them. The only flavour they entertained was the cat sugar, which sticks on separately and kind of looks like a giant nipple - maybe that was the appeal!

Annoyingly, the "nipple" kept falling off and rolling down the stairs where I'd stuck the toy as a distraction to stop the cats from fighting on the staircase. You could say the distraction worked - just not in the way I'd hoped.

Apart from that, the actual base didn't budge so it would definitely withstand more excitable cats. You can also purchase the catnip balls separately instead of one long strip, so if your kitties are responsive (unlike mine) then I highly recommend this fun and unique toy.

⭐⭐⭐ 3.7

Based on 2,800+ Amazon reviews.

6. Pet Touch Catnip Fun Bubbles (2 x 120ml)

Pet Touch Catnip Bubbles contain natural catnip oil for stimulating playful behaviour and encouraging interactive play between cats and their owners. Bubbles are completely safe and non-toxic for cats and kittens - although, given what we know about kittens, they're more likely to respond to the bubbles themselves than catnip.

It's only recently that I stumbled across catnip bubbles, despite my boys' excitement at normal bubble blowers - which is a surprise in itself, given that they're a couple of wimps that run away from their own shadows. The addition of catnip is a great play incentive, although it's more likely derived from catmint going off the minty aroma; but more than that I can appreciate the safety aspect. No more worrying about bubbles going into the cats' mouths or licking residues off the floor!

⭐⭐⭐ 3.9

Based on 100+ Amazon reviews.

7. Aibuddy Catnip Fish Chew Toy (4 Pack)

Aibuddy Catnip Fish Toys are made from crystal fabric (sofas, bed sheets, etc) which is durable and bite resistant, ideal for chewing and scratching while protecting a cat's claws. Four brightly coloured fish are stuffed with PP Cotton, strong organic catnip and a bell for extra stimulation. Each fish measures 7.7in x 1.9in and is perfect for cats of all ages to grapple and bunny kick, as well as being great for teething kittens.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3

Based on 700+ Amazon reviews.

8. ADAKEL 5 Pieces Cat Catnip Toy

These soft toys with an ultra cute design come in five bright colours and are just the right size for tossing into the air, grabbing and nuzzling. Durable cotton linen is breathable to allow cats to smell the catnip easily, and it has a slight texture to aid with teeth cleaning. Stuffed with soft PP Cotton and natural catnip, this is a safe and healthy boredom breaker for cats.

I received a couple of these as freebies with another product, which were initially ignored until I sprinkled them with silvervine. Apart from the odd mouse, my boys have never played with soft toys! To see Drax throwing these around was hilarious, even if it wasn't down to the catnip. Toys have a little bit of weight and a small tail to get a really good swing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4

Based on 500+ Amazon reviews.

9. 6 Pack Catnip Mouse Toys

This bundle pack of mice come in assorted colours and styles to attract a cat's attention. Made from plush and cotton with cloth eyes that won't fall off or risk accidental swallowing. Mice are filled with catnip to eliminate boredom, boost mood, provide endless fun and a healthy outlet for natural hunting instincts.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3

Based on 1,200+ Amazon reviews.

10. SUPERFA 3 Pack Catnip Toys

These catnip toys are designed to feel like a real fuzzy tail to unleash the hunter within and help cats to chase, catch, grapple and gnaw. Made from soft plush and filled with PP Cotton, catnip and crinkle paper for an extra crackle. Toys are safe for cats of all ages but made specifically for kittens, which means they're less durable and not suitable for aggressive cats.

Remember, kittens under 6 months may not respond to catnip but that doesn't mean they won't enjoy this toy.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2

Based on 300+ Amazon reviews.

11. Catstages Krazy Kale Dental Catnip Cat Chew Toy

Bring out the hunter in your cat with the Krazy Kale, perfect for batting, swatting and chewing. The toy is stuffed with catnip for an irresistible bite, with a crackly centre and mesh material that gently cleans teeth by removing soft plaque and tartar. Bright colours and additional feathers help to redirect kitty's behaviour away from furniture.

I bought this as yet another attempt to entertain my lazy cats, for the simple reason that Drax likes the sound of crinkle balls and Simba occasionally plays with feathers. Of course, the "krazy-ness" didn't rub off on them, but this is still a worthy contender. The mesh material is soft but thick, with long fluffy feathers and a nice crackle when pressed - it's just a shame I was more excited about it than the cats!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3

Based on 500+ Amazon reviews.

12. WufWuf MyMeow Krazy Carrot Refillable Cat Toy

The Krazy Carrot comes with ten catnip refill bags that you can easily insert into the toy. This fun design is sure to grab your cat's attention, while North American catnip stimulates play and reduces stress. High-quality materials are durable and able to withstand rough play, as well as being easy to clean by removing the bag and washing the toy.

Also in this range are the Krazy Banana, Apple and Pear.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.4

Based on 200+ Amazon reviews.

13. Catstages Squeak Squeak Mouse Plush Catnip Toy

The Squeak Squeak Mouse looks and sounds realistic to keep cats engaged and stimulated. The touch-activated squeaker goes off for 1 second each time the mouse is batted or swatted before automatically turning off. This interactive toy is small and easy for carrying or chasing, with added catnip for an extra boost.

Contains small parts and batteries so should be given under supervision.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2

Based on 3,100+ Amazon reviews.

14. Yeowww Banana Singles Cat Toy

This 7-inch banana might look like any other cat toy, but what makes it unique is that it's filled with nothing but 100% organic American catnip - no cotton or polyester fillings. The banana is made from heavy duty cotton and coloured using vegetable-based dyes that are natural and non-toxic.

Cats love the curve and size, which make it perfect for grabbing and bunny kicking. This premium product is sure to put the kitten back into any old puss.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6

Based on 39,300+ Amazon reviews.

15. Aidiyapet Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

This interactive play pack contains 1 x hanging catnip toy, 1 x hanging ball/feather toy and 1 x hanging mouse toy with bell - talk about versatile! Toys vary in size from small to medium, perfect for cats and kittens, and are made from non-toxic material that's safe to gnaw and chew. When hung they spin, flutter, swing and bounce to trigger natural hunting instincts and keep cats engaged for hours of fun.

As with all hanging toys, these are best offered under supervision and removed when not in use to ensure excitable kitties don't get tangled.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3

Based on 70+ Amazon reviews.

I hope you enjoyed these catnip recommendations - there are so many exciting options to choose from! Catnip is one of the hardest products to review with unresponsive cats, especially non-playful cats like my two couch potatoes. For those that do go crazy for catnip, there's so much variety that narrowing it down to these few will, hopefully, help out other kitty parents.

If you're unsure about your cat's stance on catnip or can't seem to find "the one" then choosing a toy that most resonates with their play preferences will help to peak their interest. Source and origin of catnip helps to determine its potency, and customer testimonials are priceless.

You can also use pointers in this article as to what makes a great catnip toy and some of the different benefits. Happy shopping!

Information is accurate from January 2025 and may be subject to change. Feel free to get in touch if you think this article needs updating.

Have you tried any of these catnip toys? Do you have another recommendation or think any great products missed the list? Let us know in the comments!