Best Catnip-Infused Toys and Treats

Cat owners long ago discovered the powerful allure of catnip for their pets. A mere pinch of the green leaves can leave a kitty spastically rubbing and rolling around on the floor meowing incessantly or, in contrast, leave him zoning out in a blissful, mellow state of well-being. It all depends on the cat in question. With the effects of this potent yet safe herb acting as such a remedy for cats with high anxiety or other ailments, it has now become a common ingredient in many cat treats and toys, ensuring that felines all over the globe can enjoy its benefits.

October 18, 2022 • BaxterBoo Team

Are you hoping to treat your own beloved pet to a sprinkling of catnip in a new and creative way? Read on to discover some important facts about catnip itself, and consider some of the best catnip-infused toys and treats to give to your furry friend, guaranteeing that he will feel special and loved for your efforts.

What Exactly Is Catnip?

It may surprise some people to learn that the origins of catnip leaves actually stem from a variation of the mint family, which consists of over 250 species. An essential oil within catnip, "nepetalactone," is what causes the varied effects in felines, offering quiet serenity and momentary bliss for some cats, while enticing a lot more hyperactive energy and intensity from others.

That being said, not all cats experience the effects of catnip. Any sensitivity to the leafy green herb is inherited, with the possibility of nearly fifty percent of cats never getting a reaction from catnip at all. This inherited trait doesn't even emerge until the cat has reached more than three months old, meaning that kittens younger than three months will never show a reaction.

Cats can both safely sniff and eat catnip, but it's important not to offer too much to your pet all at once. Felines are often smart enough to walk away when they feel they've had enough, but there's no reason to give your furball any chance of making himself sick.

Yummy Catnip Treats Your Kitty Will Savor

Heard enough to give catnip a try with your pet? These delectable catnip-infused snacks may do wonders for your feline's mood:

• Meowijuana Crunchie Munchie Cat Treats - Salmon Smackers: Made with a delicious salmon-flavored shell and offering a catnip and valerian root center, each of these tasty morsels is sure to have your cat purring in no time. This product is organically made in USA, and does not include any animal by-products, helping your kitty to maintain his regular safe and healthy diet.

• Kitty Kitty Freeze Dried Cat Treats - Cluck Chicken: It doesn't get more natural than these freeze-dried poultry treats, which are made with 100 percent real chicken meat that is simply coated in catnip flavoring. With no antibiotics, grains or preservatives included, your favorite feline can enjoy these yummy snacks whenever he wants!

• Greenies Feline Dental Cat Treats - Catnip Flavor: Why not feed your cat and clean his teeth all at once? Improve your fur baby's oral health while making him feel happy and buzzy with these crunchy treats. Perfect for adult cats who could use some dental help and fresh breath, each of these multi-purpose, catnip-flavored pieces are designed to reduce tartar build-up.

Offering your kitty any of these catnip snacks is bound to get a great response, but there's more ways to let your cat experience catnip than through mere food alone.

Fun Catnip Toys for Paws-itive Engagement

These days, it's easier than ever to infuse catnip into cat toys. This concept can not only initiate more positive engagement between you and your pet, but it can increase his activity level on his own more frequently as well, helping your feline to stay healthy and fit over time.

Try some of these fun and inspired toys to truly amplify your cat's lifestyle:

• KONG Connects Switch Teaser Pinwheel Cat Toy: Activate your cat's natural instincts and let him play and combat his opponent for hours with this pinwheel toy. The shape of the pinwheel and the attached feathers calls on your kitty to bat at and hunt down his prey, giving him endless entertainment which is only heightened when you bring catnip into the mix. The KONG brand also offers replacement catnip refills, ensuring that you never run out of the good stuff for the sake of your feline's happiness.

• Cat is Good Food Junkeez Catnip Cat Toy - Avocado & Banana: Both indulgent and adorable, these avocado and banana-shaped cat toys provide your pet with soft, plush items to cuddle with — when he's not attacking them for the catnip inside, of course. The addition of feathers can always help to hold your cat's attention, and these toys will become all the more enticing when they're thrown from a distance for your cat to fetch.

• FurHaven Tower Cat Playground - Corrugated Scratcher House with Catnip: Your furball will want for nothing when he gets spoiled with this multi-purpose playground house! It gives him a place to nap, space to climb, areas to scratch his nails on and plenty of spots for catnip to be strategically placed when necessary. All in all, this is a royal palace for your feline companion.

While any number of toys can benefit your cat's everyday life, catnip toys add that extra perk that's bound to leave your kitty over the moon with joy.

There are plenty of reasons to start investing in catnip-loaded snacks and toys for your pets. Thankfully, these delightful options offer you a great headstart on giving your kitty everything he deserves and more.