Catnip is arguably the most popular herbal plant that is added to cat toys and sprays for entertainment. However, research has proven that not all cats respond to catnip. Almost 30% of the cats don’t experience any effect of catnip so it is important to learn about the alternatives of catnip for your kitty’s entertainment. This article talks about the top 5 alternatives to catnip for your feline’s entertainment.
When talking about alternatives to catnip, the two most important herbs that stand out are Valerian root and Silvervine. They are the top priority of cat owners whose cats don’t respond to catnip. Silvervine and Valerian root are psychoactive compounds just like catnip and they make cats feel relaxed and high for some time. Some cats find valerian root and silver vine more enticing than catnip.
Valerian root and silver vine offer mental stimulation to cats and they exhibit increased physical activity during playtime. However, these effects are not identical in all cats and some may show rather relaxed and a more calm behavior under the effect of these herbs. In short, they are great for mental stimulation and engaging playtime. However, they have some limitations and should not be given beyond the recommended limit.
Other alternatives to catnip for feline entertainment include interactive toys, condos, cardboard boxes, cat grass, etc. We’ll share a list of toys, cat condos, and cardboard boxes that’ll be the top 5 alternatives to catnip for your feline’s entertainment.
Alternatives to Catnip for Your Feline’s Entertainment
Below are some toys that are excellent for your feline’s entertainment.
Potaroma 3 Pcs Fluffy Plush Cat Ball Toys with Sparkling Lights, Silvervine Catnip Toys, Interactive Chirping Balls Cat Kickers, 3 Lifelike Animal Sounds, Kitty Kitten Exercise Toys
The Potaroma fluffy toy is surely going to be your kitty’s favorite toy because of the 3 lifelike animal sounds that plush toys produce. These sounds include birds chirping, cricket, and frog voices. These voices attract cats for a hunting session and cats love to swat and thrash these plush toys. Sparkling lights add to the curiosity and excitement of cats.
The addition of silver vine to the toy makes cats go crazy for them. You can add silver vine, valerian root, or any other herb by simply removing the lid and adding pouches. Ball toys come with built-in batteries that can last up to 10,000 chirps of birds and are designed to save power when the cat is away through an auto-turnoff feature.
From The Field FFT124 Tia The Hemp Turtle with Silver Vine Cat Toy
This hemp turtle is one of the first US-made silver vine cat toys. It is strong, durable, and fully biodegradable. The hemp fabric is safe for cats and can endure the scratching and swatting of an excited cat. Silvervine is highly effective at entertaining cats that aren’t affected by catnip.
The turtle shape of the toy makes cats curious and provides mental stimulation. Batting and swatting provides physical stimulation that keeps cats in idea physical and mental health.
Furhaven Cardboard Cat House w/ Catnip for Indoor Cats, Ft. Scratching Pads & Toys – Modern Condo Corrugated Cat Scratcher Hideout – Cardboard Brown, One Size
Furhaven cardboard cat house is an ideal cat condo that gives a sense of comfort and privacy to your cat. It is multi-function because it has a dedicated scratching surface on the inside that lets your cat express its instincts without ruining your expensive furniture. An amazing feature of this cat house is detachable toys. You can attach or detach small toys with this main toy for your cat’s entertainment.
The design of this cathouse can be customized easily according to one’s cat’s liking. If you have pets other than cats, you can use this cat house for other small pets as well. The durability of this cat house makes it stand out from other such toys because it is double-walled.
Feandrea Cat Tree, 44.1-Inch Cat Tower for Indoor Cats, Multi-Level Cat Condo with 11 Scratching Posts, 2 Perches, Cave, Hammock, Light Gray UPCT215W01
Feandrea cat tree offers multiple levels for cats to rest and nap, making it equally good for cats of all ages and sizes. It has two top perches with padded edges that your cat is surely going to love for naps and resting. The steel frame of the tree makes it highly durable and stable for cats to jump/climb on.
The addition of scratching posts to each level of the cat tree helps cats express their natural scratching instincts and spare your furniture. Two hanging pom pom balls add to your cat’s curiosity and provide mental stimulation.
FluffyDream 2 in 1 Cat Scratcher Cardboard Lounge Bed, Cat Scratching Post, Durable Board Pads Prevents Furniture Damage,Large (Reversible)
FluffyDream 2 in 1 cat scratcher toy can serve as your cat’s safe haven and a bed. You can simply remove the central part and make a nap or resting point for your cat. Both inner and outer surfaces have scratching pads for your cat and it can express its instincts at any angle.
Cat scratcher cardboard is a durable toy because it is made by gluing together 5 layers of paper. In short, it is an ideal purchase for your feline that can scratch, play, or rest in it.
Conclusion
Catnip is the most popular psychoactive compound that is loved by most cats but some don’t even respond at all. That is why we need to explore alternatives to catnip. This article suggests the top 5 alternatives to catnip for your feline’s entertainment. All these toys are independently reviewed by experts, and proven to be safe and entertaining for cats. In the end, we hope your cat will love the above-mentioned toys.
