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Silvervine vs Catnip: Which is More Enticing for Your Cat?

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Silvervine vs Catnip: Which is More Enticing for Your Cat?

Silvervine vs catnip for cats is a popular debate among cat owners. Both of these are psychoactive compounds and have similar effects on cats. When a cat comes in contact with any of these herbs or their extracts, it rolls and purrs and shows playful behavior. So the answer to the question silvervine vs catnip: which is more enticing for your cat? Depends on the reaction of your cat and its individual preference.

Let’s take a detailed look at both of these compounds and then we will share some catnip and silvervine toys that your cat would love.

Catnip

Catnip is the most popular herb among cats and almost 70% of the cats find it enjoyable. It contains nepetalactone as the active ingredient. When cats smell, touch, or lick catnip, they roll, purr, and show playful behavior. This provides mental stimulation as well as physical activity. Toys having catnip and treats are considered the best toys for bored cats because they keep cats entertained and away from boredom.

Silvervine

Silvervine is an excellent substitute for cats that don’t respond to catnip. Studies have shown that almost 30% of cats don’t react to catnip. Silvervine contains actinidine as an active compound. Cat owners who have used silvervine for their cats rate it above catnip when it comes to the playful response of the cat.

Now that we have shared some details about both of these herbs, you may ask which is more enticing for cats. Well, there’s no one-word answer for this. Every cat is different and has its preferences. Some cats don’t respond to catnip, on the other hand, some don’t respond to silvervine. We recommend you try both of these and then decide what’s best for your cat on the basis of the reaction.

Valerian root is also a popular substitute for cats. The following articles can help you learn more about valerian root.

Science Behind Valerian Root Toys for Cats

Catnip vs Valerian Root Toys

2023’sValerian Root Toys for Cats

Top 5 Catnip and Silvervine Cat Toys for Cats

Below are some cat toys containing catnip or silvervine in them.

Hartz Cattraction with Silver Vine & Catnip Koi Dangler

Koi Dangler from Hartz Cattraction with Silver Vine and Catnip is an excellent toy to give your cat the mental and physical stimulation it needs. It has a simple design, you can hold it and wave for an interactive playtime or fix it on any hard surface.

The elastic string has a bouncing movement that attracts cats and they jump and swat at it. It comes with a bait having a combination of catnip and silver vine. You can add or remove catnip or silver vine to the bait according to your cat’s preference.

Hartz Cattraction with Silver Vine & Catnip Koi Dangler

Catstages Green Magic Dynamite Stick Catnip Cat Toy

Catstages green magic dynamite stick is great for solo play in cats. You can also use it for interactive playtime because catnip is a powerful cat attractant. It is durable enough to withstand the bites of your cat. With minimum seams, the cotton fabric of the dynamite stick toy is surely going to be around your cat for a long time.

It contains pure catnip without the addition of any fillers. When your cat bites or rolls the toy, it releases more scent of the catnip.

Catstages Green Magic Dynamite Stick Catnip Cat Toy

Hartz Cattraction Kitty Frenzy Cat Toy with 12 Silver Vine & Catnip Mice, Multi, All Breed Sizes

This toy solves the problem of cat owners who are confused about catnip vs silver vine. It comes with 12 mice for indoor play that contain the scent of catnip and silver vine. A combination of catnip and silver vine attracts cats and fulfills their playtime needs.

The mice are non-toxic and are suitable for cats of all breeds and ages.

Hartz Cattraction Kitty Frenzy Cat Toy with 12 Silver Vine & Catnip Mice, Multi, All Breed Sizes

YEOWWW! DuckyWorld 100% ORGANIC CATNIP Leaf & Flower Cat Toy BANANA 3 PACK

Ducky World 100% organic catnip comes in the shape of a banana with 3 in a pack. Organic catnip entices cats for a playtime filled with batting and swatting. The presence of leaf and flower of catnip in banana toys makes it even more potent and scent and cats go crazy for it.

In short, it’s a simple toy with catnip that boasts impressive ratings and reviews from buyers. If you want to give your cat a playtime filled with the energy and excitement of catnip, this toy is for you.

YEOWWW! DuckyWorld 100% ORGANIC CATNIP Leaf & Flower Cat Toy BANANA 3 PACK

Pet Craft Supply Silly Snacks and Funny Food Crinkle Cuddling Catnip and Silvervine Interactive Cat Toys – Great for Indoor Cats and Kittens, All Breed Sizes

The shape of this interactive cat toy puts it ahead of the other such toys because cats are attracted to this funny food-shaped toy. The catnip and silver vine in the toy is non-toxic and pesticide-free so you don’t have to worry even if your cat bites it.

Soft plush texture lets your cat fulfill its instincts of kicking, pouncing, and cuddling. The fun design of the toy and the high potency of catnip and silver vine inside make it an excellent choice for cats of all ages and sizes.

Pet Craft Supply Silly Snacks and Funny Food Crinkle Cuddling Catnip and Silvervine Interactive Cat Toys - Great for Indoor Cats and Kittens, All Breed Sizes
Silvervine vs Catnip: Which is More Enticing for Your Cat?

About The Author

Ali Raza

Ali Raza

Ali Raza, DVM, M Phil Veterinary Pathology, is a compassionate and skilled veterinarian who has authored numerous articles on pet care. Ali has a keen interest in pet nutrition, training, and education on prevalent pet illnesses. His ultimate goal is to deliver accurate and accessible scientific information to pet enthusiasts in a simple, yet informative manner.

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