There's nothing quite like watching a cat go wild on a fresh catnip toy. One minute they're aloof and indifferent, the next they're rolling, kicking, and rubbing their face into a plush fish with the enthusiasm of a kitten. Catnip is one of the simplest ways to get even the mellowest cat up and playing.
Not every cat responds to catnip, and those who do respond differently. Some get zoomy, others get dreamy, and around a third of cats don't react to it at all. Either way, catnip toys are a great way to add a bit of variety and excitement to your cat's day.
Here's our guide to the best catnip toys for cats in New Zealand, from refillable teabags to kicker toys, sticks, and the classic catnip sprays that can refresh any toy you already own.
What Is Catnip and Why Do Cats Love It?
It's a member of the mint family
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family. The leaves and stems contain a compound called nepetalactone, which is what triggers the reaction in cats.
It's non-addictive and safe
Catnip is safe for cats when used in normal amounts. It's non-toxic and non-addictive, and the effect usually wears off after 10 to 15 minutes. Your cat won't be hooked.
Not every cat responds
Sensitivity to catnip is genetic. Around 50 to 70 percent of adult cats react to it. Kittens under 3 to 6 months usually don't respond at all.
Reactions vary
Some cats get energetic and playful (rolling, kicking, zooming around), while others get mellow and dreamy. Both are normal reactions.
The effect fades with repeated exposure
If a cat keeps smelling catnip, they temporarily stop reacting to it. Giving them a break of an hour or two lets the response reset.
Great for encouraging play
For cats who are under-stimulated, overweight, or reluctant to play, catnip can be a brilliant way to spark interest and get them moving again.
Best Refillable Catnip Toys
Refillable catnip toys let you top up the catnip when the original scent fades. GiGwi makes some of the most popular refillable options in NZ, with little teabag-style pouches you can swap out.
Refillable toys are a great long-term buy. Instead of the toy becoming boring once the catnip smell fades, you just pop in a fresh teabag and the excitement is back.
Best Kicker Toys with Catnip
Kicker toys are long, soft toys your cat can wrap their paws around and rabbit-kick with their back legs. Mad Cat makes some of the most fun kicker toys going.
Kicker toys are especially good for cats who don't get much chance to chase and wrestle. The longer shape gives them something real to grapple with, and the catnip filling makes the experience extra satisfying.
Best Catnip Sticks and Wands
Catnip sticks combine interactive wand play with the effect of catnip. Your cat gets to chase and pounce, with a catnip bonus at the end.
The GiGwi Johnny Stick is a popular option with double feathers and a catnip-infused base. Great for short, high-energy play sessions where you move the stick and your cat does the chasing.
Best Plush Catnip Toys
Classic catnip plushies are the most recognisable catnip toys for a reason. Soft, easy to carry, and filled with the good stuff.
The M-PETS Charmy range, All For Paws crinkle rodents, and classic Hartz roll-about mice are all reliable crowd-pleasers.
Best Catnip Dental Toys
If your cat is into chewing, catnip dental toys combine playtime with a bit of teeth scrubbing. Chewing on the textured surface can help reduce plaque while your cat enjoys the catnip.
Best Catnip Sprays and Dried Catnip
A catnip spray or pouch of dried catnip lets you refresh old toys, entice your cat to a new scratching post, or introduce catnip to a bed or mat. It's a cheap and flexible way to keep the catnip magic going.
Tips for Using Catnip Toys
Rotate catnip toys weekly
Rather than leaving catnip toys out all the time (which dulls the effect), rotate them. Put the favourites away for a week, bring them out fresh, and watch the excitement return.
Store catnip in the freezer
Loose catnip and spare refillable teabags keep their potency much longer in a sealed container in the freezer. Room temperature catnip fades faster.
Refresh older toys with spray
A spritz of catnip spray can bring old, forgotten toys back to life. Great for that plush mouse that's been gathering dust under the couch.
Limit to 2 to 3 times a week
Too-frequent catnip exposure reduces the response. Two or three sessions a week usually keeps the effect strong and the excitement fresh.
Try silvervine if catnip doesn't work
If your cat doesn't respond to catnip, silvervine is a great alternative. Some cats react to silvervine even when they ignore catnip, and vice versa.
Use it to encourage a new scratching post
Rubbing catnip into a new scratching post is one of the easiest ways to get your cat using it. The scent attracts them and sets them up for positive associations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is catnip safe for cats?
Yes, catnip is safe for cats. It's non-toxic and non-addictive, and the effect naturally wears off after about 10 to 15 minutes. Cats will usually stop playing with catnip toys when they've had enough.
Why doesn't my cat react to catnip?
Sensitivity to catnip is genetic. Around 30 to 50 percent of cats don't react at all. Kittens under 3 to 6 months also usually don't respond. If your cat isn't a catnip fan, silvervine is a great alternative to try.
How often can I give my cat catnip?
2 to 3 times a week keeps the response strong. More frequent exposure can temporarily dull the effect, so giving a break between sessions keeps catnip feeling exciting every time.
Can catnip help with anxiety?
For some cats, catnip can have a calming effect, especially the mellow-response type. It's worth trying if your cat seems stressed, although it's not a replacement for proper calming aids or professional advice for ongoing anxiety.
What's the best catnip toy to start with?
A refillable teabag toy (like the GiGwi range) or a kicker toy are both good starting points. Refillables last longer, and kickers give cats something satisfying to wrestle with.
How do I store catnip toys?
In a sealed container, ideally in a cool spot. For loose catnip and refill teabags, the freezer keeps them fresh for much longer. Toys that are out all the time will lose their potency faster.
Shop Catnip Toys for Your Cat
Explore our full range of catnip toys, kickers, sprays, and plushies. Save on the essentials with Autodeliver and enjoy everyday member pricing with Pet Perks.
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