Dear humans. We are cats. You are not. So we know a thing or two more than you do about what cats like, and we can confirm that whether we're bored, anxious, overloaded with energy, or already exhausted, we like catnip toys! But what's the best sort of catnip toy for you to get (or make) for your furry friend? Today, we're going to help you find out.
What is Catnip, and What Does it do to Cats?
Before we get preoccupied with premium props for playtime, let's recap the science. What does catnip do to cats? Catnip (or cat nip) contains a natural compound called nepetalactone, which binds to cat-only receptors in our noses, triggering a natural high that lasts for about 15 minutes. Catnip can act as a stimulant, a relaxant, or both – one after the other – it all depends on the cat, the situation, and, of course, the quality of the catnip. A good rule is to always look for 100% natural catnip (no chemicals) with high nepetalactone potency (78%+) – this should guarantee the best catnip experience.
So, with that as a qualifier, here goes, with our -
Ultimate Guide to Catnip Toys…
Animal Toys: For Wild Boys and Girls
First up, animal toys. These are perfect for channeling our inner tiger. Whether it's a mouse, a fish, or a tiny cat (weird!), we can't resist the thrill of the chase – add catnip into the mix, and our excitement goes into overdrive!
- Why we love them: Animal toys trigger our predatory instincts. We are wild, we are deadly, we are lethal killers. Purrrrrr…
- Purrfect for: When we're feeling ferocious.
- Our favorite: Mice. They're small, sneaky, sometimes squeaky, and oh-so-satisfying to catch.
Kicker Toys: So We Can Kick the Stress Habit
These long, soft cat toys are perfect for when we do that weird thing of lying on our sides, grabbing something with our front paws, and then kicking it to death with our back legs. Fun fact: this is a natural reflex that takes place when we're trying to subdue prey.
- Why we love them: Kicking triggers natural hunting instincts and relieves stress and pent-up energy—cat toys that contain catnip mean that energy release will be even more intense!
- Purrfect for: Relieving anxiety and stress, especially after a tough day of important cat stuff like napping, clawing painfully at your lap, and watching birds out of the window. Pesky swines - they really do raise the blood pressure.
- Our favorite: Soft ones! A lovely soft texture for us to get really aggressive with! Perfect for a vigorous, all-body workout, with a big focus on getting those back legs pumping.
Dangle Teaser Toys: For Those Who Are Light on Their Feet
Dangle teaser toys mimic the fluttering of birds. Attached to sticks or strings, they create an irresistible low-lying or high-flying target, just begging for an all-out assault! As with most of these cat toys, they can come containing catnip, or you can sprinkle or spray on your own, which is often the best way of ensuring you use a high quality catnip like Cat Crack (free hit).
- Why we love them: They move unpredictably, meaning we must respond in kind, fast! They're great for improving our agility and reflexes.
- Purrfect for: Burning off extra energy and honing our hunting skills.
- Our favorite: One with feathers! They're just cruising for a bruising!
Interactive Toys: Let's Play Together
Interactive toys challenge our bodies and minds and encourage us to bond with our humans.
- Why we love them: They keep us engaged for hours, providing mental stimulation and physical activity.
- Purrfect for: Bonding with our human.
- Our favorite: Laser pens and catnip dispensers are sick! Feather toys are very popular too.
Homemade Toys: For DIY Dons and Divas
Who says you need to spend a fortune on catnip cat toys? DIY catnip toys are simple to make and can be just as exciting to play with—a bit like how cardboard boxes are often better than whatever arrives inside them.
- Why we love them: They're cheap, personalized, and often incorporate our favorite things, like your socks, and our Cat Crack (free hit).
- Purrfect for: Budget-conscious craft lovers.
- Our favorites: Sock toys (take an old sock, stuff it with catnip, and tie a knot) and toilet roll toys (fill an empty toilet roll tube with catnip, and seal the ends with paper). Both = instant fun!
How to Choose the Right Catnip Toy
Choosing the right catnip toy depends on our personality and mood. Here's a quick guide:
- Energetic cats: we like lots of movement, so think feather wands or kicker toys.
- Lazy cats: we like soft toys we can bat around with minimal effort, like stuffed animals. Note though: if we need to lose a little weight (rude!), a more energetic toy might be a good idea!
- Anxious cats: all catnip toys can help soothe nerves, but kicker toys are great for stress relief.
- Curious cats: interactive toys always keep us thinking!
Catnip: Why We Can't Get Enough
Now, you might be wondering, why does catnip make cats crazy? The answer lies in nepetalactone, which affects our brains in a way similar to how certain drugs affect humans. It's completely safe and non-addictive though, providing a temporary, 100% natural high, that's both enjoyable and harmless.
Toys, Toys, Toys, We're Looking for a Good Time!
So there you have it: our Ultimate Guide to Catnip Toys for cats – done! Catnip toys are essential for our health and happiness: they provide physical exercise, mental stimulation, and much-needed stress relief. We hope this guide has helped you find the right one to buy or make. If not, just try a variety of catnip toys (we're worth it!), and you'll soon discover which we like most, and see us living the best of our nine lives!
For the ultimate playtime treat, and to really show you care, just get us some top quality, all-natural Cat Crack – it's like a free hit of happiness – and sprinkle it on our favourite toy! The best catnip and the best toys, together, in perfect harmony!
For more great catnip ideas, check out our 101 Ways To Use Catnip
Got your own DIY catnip toy ideas or catnip videos? Share them here and let's keep the vibe alive!
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