Able to be stuffed inside your cats favourite toy to encourage playtime, or given to them to chew and have a calming effect, these leaves are designed to appeal to natural instincts while being completely natural. It is highly potent, and can even bring the shyest cats out of their shell. From as early as eight weeks old, kittens can use catnip as part of their training and playtimes. Catnip comes in four different forms. Loose is the natural leaf but dried. A few pinches will usually last a few weeks. It is great for stuffing into catnip toys, sprinkling over carpets to encourage playing, or rubbing onto cat scratching posts to encourage their use. These effects tend to last between 10 and 15 minutes, followed by a period of around 2 to 3 hours where they will not be affected by it. The effects can vary between cats, but there is also the chance that your cat is one of the 2 in 10 who aren’t affected at all. Catnip toys can be bought ready-made, with pouches that contain loose leaf catnip. This is a bit less messy than rubbing it onto the toy, and there’s more in the toy, so the smell will be stronger too. The catnip can usually be replaced after a few months when the scent wears off. When finding the best catnip toys, we ensured the catnip could be replaced, which makes it longer lasting and more useful.

Review: KONG Catnip Spray - Best For Cats Review: KONG Catnip Spray - Best For Cats

Perhaps you’re wondering what is the best way to give cats catnip, and what the best catnip products are? How exactly do you use it? We have a full guide to catnip. A small amount of catnip can be sprinkled into the dog’s food, but it is essential to remember it shouldn’t be used at all times – only when necessary. Dogs also should not play with dedicated catnip toys, because they’re often too small and contain parts which could easily be swallowed by larger animals, and they are more likely to chew them with their stronger teeth too. Can I give my pregnant cat catnip? Sprays can be sprayed onto any toys, beds or scratching posts to encourage their use, too. This is a bit less messy than the loose-leaf, although the smell isn’t as strong. It still contains the oils of the plant, so only one or two sprays are needed and it should last a week or so. organically grown, this loose catnip is perfect for filling toys with or using in bags dotted around the house.

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While the exact reaction can vary from cat to cat, the buzz tends to last for around 10-15 minutes. It is genetics that determines whether your cat will like it. Around 50% of all cats will react, and kittens start to show reactions between the ages of 3-6 months. Catnip is derived from the herb Nepeta catarrh, which is actually in the same plant family as both oregano and spearmint. The active part in catnip is called nepetalactone, which is understood to mimic a cat pheromone, and it’s this which produces the behaviours cat owners see whenever they break out the green stuff! Rolling around, pawing, gently purring and even drooling are all common signs that your cat’s experiencing a catnip high! Only a few pinches or a couple of sprays will be needed. Bear this in mind before buying – a small bottle will actually last a surprising amount of time. It is possible for them to overdose which can cause vomiting, but this is easy for them to recover from. Around 8 out of 10 cats react to the power of catnip. It is a form of herb which makes cats go a little bit crazy. The scientific name is nepeta cataria, but it is also called catswort, catwort, and catmint. Toys can also be rolled in loose leaf catnip, and bags can also be bought to pop the catnip in and place around the house or near items. Can my dog use catnip?

KONG Catnip Cat Toys | Available at zooplus!

If you’re buying for a cat, also having one of the best catnip toys to hand is a really easy way to keep mess to a minimum and encourage your cat to play. Catnip can also be rubbed or sprayed onto scratching posts to encourage their use or sprinkled onto new beds. Why? It simply releases a chemical that cats respond to. It is the oils within the plant that are the key to the reactions. With dogs, many owners use catnip as a calming remedy as it doesn’t cause them to become hyperactive. This could be ideal if they get nervous on a trip to the vet, or on Fireworks night. It can also calm upset stomachs.

You can also buy catnip scratching posts ready-made. Catnip is infused in the sisal rope or cardboard as they come and can be topped up with sprays or by rubbing the loose leaf on the frame. You didn’t have much choice here though, and to be honest, it is nothing that can’t be done by yourself, so not really any of these stood out to us for a recommendation. The strong, aromatic scent of this loose catnip is irresistible, and it can be sprinkled on toys or scratchers to encourage playtime. As it turns out, KONG has you covered if you prefer catnip in its more standard form, selling their North American-made premium catnip in 1oz tins. Kong Premium Catnip, 1oz Read our KONG Catnip Spray review and find out why it’s such a great product to keep in your cupboard! The herb is fine for dogs to use, although you should discuss it with your vet first because dogs can be more sensitive to certain things than cats are.