Catnip Toys & Catnip for Cats

Make playtime more interesting with catnip toys and catnip products from DesertUSA. Explore refillable catnip toys, dried catnip for refreshing favorite toys and scratching areas, and catnip seeds for growing your own fresh catnip at home.

Whether your cat likes to chase, kick, roll, rub or simply investigate an interesting new scent, catnip can add another dimension to everyday play.

Shop Catnip Toys and Catnip Products

[PRODUCT COLLECTION GRID HERE]

Catnip Toys for Playtime

Catnip toys combine a cat’s natural interest in play with the distinctive scent of catnip. Depending on the cat, you may see rolling, rubbing, sniffing, licking, kicking or energetic play after introducing catnip.

Every cat is different, however. Some cats respond strongly to catnip while others show little or no interest.

Our catnip products give you several ways to find out what your cat enjoys, from toys filled with catnip to loose dried catnip that can be used with toys and scratching areas.

Refillable Catnip Toys

Refillable catnip toys are one of our favorite ways to use catnip.

Instead of replacing a toy when the original catnip scent begins to fade, a refillable toy lets you add fresh dried catnip and bring new interest to a familiar toy.

They are especially useful for cats that already have a favorite toy shape or playing style. Refresh the catnip as needed according to the instructions for your particular toy.

Pair a refillable catnip toy with our DesertUSA dried catnip so you have extra catnip available when it is time for a refresh.

Dried Catnip for Cats

Loose dried catnip gives you more flexibility than a permanently filled toy.

You can use dried catnip to refresh refillable catnip toys, sprinkle a small amount on appropriate cat toys, or introduce the scent to a scratching post or other designated play area.

DesertUSA Catnip Blend provides an easy way to keep catnip on hand for your cat's regular playtime.

A little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and watch how your cat responds.

Grow Your Own Catnip

Want fresh catnip at home?

Catnip, botanically known as Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family and can be grown from seed. Growing your own catnip gives you another way to provide the plant for cats that enjoy it.

DesertUSA Catnip Seeds are suitable for indoor or outdoor growing, so you can grow catnip in a garden or container depending on your space and growing conditions.

Once established, the leaves can be enjoyed fresh or harvested and dried for later use.

Why Do Cats Like Catnip?

Catnip contains an aromatic compound called nepetalactone. Cats that are sensitive to it may react after smelling catnip by rubbing, rolling, playing, licking or becoming temporarily more active.

The reaction is inherited, so catnip does not affect every cat in the same way. Some cats may show very little response at all.

That means there is no single “right” reaction to catnip. The best approach is simply to introduce it and see whether your cat enjoys it.

Catnip for Interactive Play

Catnip can be especially useful when combined with activities your cat already enjoys.

Try introducing a catnip toy during a play session, refreshing a favorite refillable toy with dried catnip, or adding a small amount of loose catnip to an appropriate scratching area.

Rotating toys can also help keep playtime interesting rather than leaving every toy available all the time.

Always inspect cat toys periodically and replace damaged toys or toys with loose pieces that could be swallowed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catnip

Do all cats respond to catnip?

No. Sensitivity to catnip varies from cat to cat and is influenced by genetics. A cat that ignores catnip is completely normal.

What is catnip?

Catnip is the common name for Nepeta cataria, an herb in the mint family. The plant contains nepetalactone, an aromatic compound responsible for the characteristic behavioral response seen in many cats.

What are refillable catnip toys?

Refillable catnip toys have an area designed to hold catnip that can be replenished when the scent begins to fade. This allows you to refresh the toy with dried catnip instead of immediately replacing the entire toy.

How can I use dried catnip?

Dried catnip can be used to refill compatible catnip toys, added to appropriate play areas, or sprinkled in small amounts on scratching posts or toys.

Can I grow catnip from seeds?

Yes. Catnip can be grown from seed indoors or outdoors. DesertUSA offers catnip seeds for people who want to grow their own catnip plants.

How much catnip should I give my cat?

Start with a small amount and observe your cat's reaction. More catnip does not necessarily mean a stronger or better response. Give your cat time between catnip play sessions and discontinue use if your cat becomes overly excited or aggressive.

Find Your Cat's Favorite

Some cats love a refillable catnip toy. Others prefer loose dried catnip, a scratching area scented with catnip, or fresh catnip from a home-grown plant.

Explore our catnip toys and catnip products to find the option your cat enjoys most.