Catnip (Latin name Nepeta Cataria) has been a favourite of cats since they first caught a whiff of it. The catnip plant (also known as catmint) contains a chemical called nepetalactone as well as pheromones which attract the cat exclusively since the cat has special odour receptors in its nose for this chemical and pheromones. Catnip has various effects on cats, most of which are appealing to the cat.

Approximately 2/3rds of cats are susceptible to the behavioural effects of catnip, the reaction to catnip is hereditary in cats.  For example most cats in Australia are not susceptible to catnip since Australian cats are drawn from a relative small genetic pool.

Cats can get feisty, roll all over the catnip and get happily hyper! The smell is what affects them, and some enjoy eating catnip. Cats react to catnip in their own individual way.  If you have 3 cats you may find that they all react differently, one may get playful, another quiet and mellow, and another ecstatically rolling in the scent of the catnip. Clearly cats love it and owners have a chance to reward their cat with a catnip toy that the cat will greatly appreciate.

Catnip is used in many cat toys which make playing so much more fun for the cat. A catnip spray can be useful for encouraging cats to use scratch posts & activity centres. This can help save your furniture and help keep your cat's nails trim, it also gives your cat another activity to enjoy. Particularly for indoor cats scratching posts can be important to help keep nails in shape and when scented with catnip will encourage cats to use the scratching post.

If you have a lazy cat or one who could do with shedding a few pounds then catnip toys are an excellent tool to get them moving and exercising. Throw a catnip toy and your cat is more likely to go get it. Catnip toys and treats are also great for training your cat. Most cats will do anything for a little catnip treat. Since cats are notorious for being independent minded, an appealing treat is very helpful in producing positive behaviour changes.

For relaxing fun cats love a fleece animal toy stuffed with catnip, these toys can keep your cat busy for quite some time. They may lick it, cuddle it, lay on it, juggle it in their paws, and generally have a great time. Catnip toys and treats provide so much for a cat that the owner can feel satisfied that their cat is happy with their toys and have lots more to keep them busy and active everyday.