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The 8 Best Catnips in 2023 – Most Potent Catnip

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It is true that most felines love catnips. Around 50 percent to 75 percent of felines are sensitive to catnip and react to nepetalactone— a chemical that attracts cats.

Likewise, it can be a great way to use the herb to relax your cat or introduce them to old toys or new places. Further, you can also use catnip sprays to redirect that annoying furniture-scratching behavior to appropriate objects, such as a scratching post.

Buying the right catnip works wonders and will reduce a lot of your stress. Read our review and buy the one that most suits your and your cat’s needs!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Best Overall

Gold medal by vets winner

Cat Crack Catnip

best catnip
  • No preservatives or artificial ingredients added
  • Long-lasting in nature
  • Comes with an airtight plastic bottle

Editor’s Pick

Silver medal by vets second place

Smokey’s Stash Catnip

smokey’s stash catnip
  • Comes in a combo pack of spray and lose catnip
  • Ideal for cat training
  • High potent

Affordable Pick

Bronze medal by vets third place

WoLover Silvervine Sticks

wolover silvervine sticks
  • Silvervine sticks help in promoting your cat’s overall oral health
  • Improve digestion
  • Excellent longevity

The 8 Best Catnip for Cats Reviews

Whether it’s in the cat toys, a cat tree, or a scratching post, watching your furry pall enjoy the best catnip is a surefire way to create fun memories together.

So, if you are new to this topic or you want to try a new brand, here are eight of the best catnips that you can buy in the market today!

1. Cat Crack Catnip

For the best-overall, 100% natural, top-quality option, Cat Crack Catnip takes the cake! With a highly potent dried formula, this cat crack is sure to make the most out of your cat’s love for catnip.

Best Catnip

We chose Cat Crack to be the best choice after discovering how it is harvested, dried, and packaged. This option is one of the strongest catnip options on this list.

The best favorite choice of thousands of cat owners, this catnip is harvested at the best of the season to guarantee the high quality of the all-important nepetalactone. Once your furry pal gets the hit of this crack, she will be addicted.

Further, the plastic container is airtight to ensure the freshness of the herb every time you open it for your cat’s favorite treat time. Likewise, this option comes without synthetic flavorings, colors, or preservatives. One whiff of this good stuff, your cat will send off in a frenzy of play and activity.

The product is a little higher in cost considering the size. However, the quality is also high, and this might be by far the only legal crack that you can get in the market today.

If you have a multi-cat household, then consider getting more than one of these because cats don’t like sharing their crack.

Pros:

  • The herb holds strong potency with no preservatives or artificial ingredients.
  • The strong potency makes the herb long-lasting.
  • It also comes with an airtight plastic bottle to retain the freshness of the herb.

Cons:

  • The high-quality herb comes at a high price.

2. Smokey’s Stash Catnip

Your kitty can’t keep her clingy claws2 off the furniture? Just spray the Smokey’s Stash on your cat’s scratch post and watch her dash for the stash.

Smokey's Stash Catnip

This option comes with a combo of spray and traditional catnip powder. Likewise, this choice gives you better flexibility and helps you to work with what your kitty prefers.

However, if you are looking for a less messy way of enticing your cat with catnip, then the spray can be an ideal choice. For a top-quality spray filled with essential oils that your cat is sure to love, we suggest Smokey’s Stash Spray.

A perfect way to rejuvenate old cat toys, and likewise excellent for cat training, this spray offers the best of all. It is safe and potent, and it also can be sprayed on everyday objects without leaving any stains. The spray can also come in handy by spraying it on the inside of cat carriers to help calm anxious kittens during vet visits.

All in all, the spray type of catnip can be a great alternative to the traditional. The results will be less messy, but effectiveness will remain the same. On the other hand, you can fill the loose catnip in the cat toys to keep them attractive to your cat.

Pros:

  • This choice comes in a combo pack of spray and loose catnip.
  • It is an ideal pack for cat training.
  • It is highly potent, and most cats seem to like it.

Cons:

  • This option is pretty expensive compared to other alternatives.

3. WoLover Silvervine Sticks

If your cat likes chewing on things she shouldn’t be chewing, give these WoLover Sticks a shot.

WoLover Silvervine Sticks

Natural and unprocessed, these chews are made from branches of the silver vine, a plant that has a similar effect to catnip. They are safe for your feline to chew on.

The sticks are free from additives or preservatives; all you have to do is just peel off the outer bark for the best results. Likewise, these chew treats are more focused on health. When your kitty nibbles on it, the sticks will effectively eliminate dental plaque and tartar, clear off bad breath and protect overall oral health.

Further, the sticks also affect digestion. They promote the intestinal peristalsis movement to maintain healthy digestion and keep your pet in a good shape. And to keep the sticks attracted to your furry pal, you just need to cut off the used layer. In the same way, they can be continuously peeled back as your kitties chew them to keep the outer layer potent and inviting to your cat.

If the catnip is not a desirable choice for your cat, then these sticks are worth a try. A decent budget-friendly option, these silver vine sticks are an excellent alternative to conventional catnip.

Pros:

  • These silver vine sticks help in promoting your cat’s overall oral health.
  • They also improve digestion and keep your pet healthy.
  • The sticks offer excellent longevity, you can peel the chewed layer, and it’s fresh again with the same smell.
  • The manufacturer offers a 100% satisfactory guarantee.

Cons:

  • The sticks do not come with a resealable bag.

4. OurPets Cosmic Catnip

OurPets Cosmic Catnip is one of the favorites of cat parents and cats, too. Our Pets have been making this cat product for over thirty years now.

ourpets cosmic catnip

It packs a tantalizing aroma that promises to make your cat go crazy![2] In the same way, when sprinkled on their toys or scratch posts, cats are quickly drawn to it.

However, the blend of the catnip is pretty coarse. It may contain a few larger pieces, but overall, the catnip is suitable for sprinkling on surfaces where you want to redirect that furniture-scratching behavior of your cat.

Likewise, if you have a lazy lounger-type of cat, then pinch and sprinkle this herb on their favorite toy or play area. It will help in encouraging physical exercise. Furthermore, the manufacturer claims that the catnip has been grown and harvested in North America with a 100% natural blend to it.

Moreover, it can be a great alternative to the sprays if your cat does not show any interest in them.

Pros:

  • This natural catnip comes from the farms of North American with 100% organic formula.
  • The airtight jar keeps the treats fresh and potent for months.
  • It comes with an enticing, powerful aroma that will attract your kitty into playtime.
  • It is a budget-friendly choice.

Cons:

  • There may be a few large thorny pieces.

5. Yeowww! Organic Catnip Tub

Yeowww! Organic Catnip Tub is stuffed with two ounces of high-grade, 100% organically grown catnip, seeded, and garnered by the best catnip farmers in the USA. And, if you are looking for loose catnip that is certified organic, look no further than Yeowww! Organic Catnip Tub. It’s grown without chemicals or pesticides.

Yeowww! Organic Catnip Tub

Just one whiff of this good stuff and your feline friend will promptly go nuts. To make those wild genes go crazier, pinch or rub the dried catnip formula to release more of those fun-packed nepetalactone oils. Watch your cat go bonkers over it!

Further, this catnip tub contains leaves and flower tops that give out a potent and appealing aroma to your furry friends. You can also add the catnip to the kitty toys if they come with a refillable compartment. Or you can sprinkle it on the scratchers to encourage kitty exercise while enjoying the feel-good effect at the same time.

One thing to note is that the tub has been made up of fragile plastic material, but it does come with a resealable design. Just check that the seal is closed all the way around. It will ensure the catnip inside stays fresh enough that it still packs a punch when you bring it out for one more frenetic session.

Pros:

  • This catnip is USA-made with a pure premium flower top blend.
  • It is certified organic, and it is grown without pesticides or chemicals.
  • The aroma is highly potent and enticing to felines.
  • This tub comes at a low-cost price.

Cons:

  • It may include a few stems.

6. Pet Craft Supply Premium

A popular one-stop shop for everything your pet needs, Pet Craft is a brand that you definitely should give a try.

Pet Craft Supply Premium

Pet Craft packs three ounces value size canister full of 100% naturally grown and harvested catnip from the Pacific North West of the USA. Likewise, it is hatched without any involvement of chemicals, pesticides, or fillers. The brand grows the catnip in batches; it is planted and harvested at the highest peak of the season, ensuring the high quality with a high potency of the catnip.

With a decent level of catnip aroma, it can alleviate your wild child’s destructive behavior like scratching on the furniture or the couch. Speaking of the couch, this organic produce is highly potent, that it can attract even the laziest couch potatoes like a magnet.

Fill it in a cat toy and watch your wild child simmer down from her destructive scratching behavior. Similarly, it is also perfect for refreshing old cat toys or making your very own catnip toys. It can be a healthy way for your cat to play.

Also, this money-value pack can make a wonderful gift. Wrap it up and give it to your pet-loving friend or family member.

Pros:

  • This catnip is 100% organic, produced in the Pacific North West of the USA.
  • It comes at an affordable price with a sizeable amount of three ounces.
  • It also comes in a resealable container that ensures the good stuff always stays fresh for your kitty.
  • Likewise, it is perfect for refilling cat toys for indoor felines.

Cons:

  • Some kitties may not be attracted to it at first.

7. Feline Greenies Cat Treats

The Feline Greenies are some of the best catnips for cats available in the market today. Your cats will go crazy after these. That’s good because they offer dental benefits as well.

Feline Greenies Cat Treats

The overall thought behind making these treats was the overall nutrition value. These Feline Greenies are enriched with all-natural ingredients along with added vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

It’s made mostly of fresh, natural constituents and has a powerful aroma that cats love. Likewise, it is nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cats who are picky eaters.

Besides, you can get these treats in more than one flavor. Your cat will love these treats, deliciously flavored in tuna, salmon, oven-roasted chicken. Each of these treats contains calories that are less than two. Perfect to balance it in your cat’s diet.

Likewise, we also give a thumbs up to the Feline Greenies along with vets. These treats can be a great addition to your cat’s diet, and they will promote healthier teeth and gums, along with a fresh breath.

Pros:

  • It is the #1 vet-recommended feline catnip dental treat.
  • These catnip treats come in several flavors — tuna, salmon, and oven-roasted chicken.
  • It is made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutritious ingredients.
  • The crunchy texture of these irresistible treats helps in cleaning teeth and reducing tartar buildup along with freshening breath.
  • The treats come with two calories each.
  • They come in a sizable proportion — 9.75 ounces.

Cons:

  • It does not come in an airtight container.

8. Temptations Classic Cat Treats

Here are yet another crunchy cat treats that come with less than two calories each, so you will feel good about feeding them to your kitty daily.

temptations classic cat treats

Temptations Classic Cat Treats are infused with soft catnip filling with a crunchy texture outside. The crunchy texture likewise offers dental benefits by reducing tartar when the cats chew on them. They are also low-calorie, and each treat is small and pocket-sized, so you can feed just a couple if you are trying to maintain your cat’s weight.

Further, you get 16 ounces of fresh catnip cat treats in each purchase, with an airtight container that snaps closed for freshness. Likewise, it is a kitty-proof, stay-fresh tub, in order that your kitty can experience their favorite treat only when you open it, but not when they should not.

For less than ten bucks, you get 16 ounces of fresh catnip treats, a great way to help train and reward your favorite furbaby.

Pros:

  • These cat treats come at a low-cost price in a sizeable-sized, resealable cat-proof tub.
  • The crunchy texture can aid in reducing tartar, which is good for oral health.
  • Each cat treat comes with less than 2 calories. Perfect for health-conscious cat parents.

Cons:

  • It is not grain-free.
  • These treats may cause constipation to some cats.

How to Choose the Best Catnip

With so many catnip brands out there in the market, the topic of catnip may seem a little intimidating for new cat parents.

This subject can leave many questions in one’s mind, with the most crucial being — how do I choose the best catnip for my cat?

While one thing is for sure, all the products have the same goal, to act as your cat’s favorite treat. There are various kinds out there, meaning that you will need to consider factors before choosing the right type that complements your cat’s life.

Here are a few factors that will help you narrow down your choice for the best catnip.

Quality

Every part of the production process can affect the quality of these mint-like herbs, together with their potency and longevity. In like manner, the potency of the catnip will determine the quality of the product. Potency is the prime quality factor that affects your cat directly. So, make sure you buy a product with high-quality catnip that comes with leaves and flower tops.

The product should not include too many stems as they offer no value. The essential oils are produced on the leaves and flowers of the plant and not on the stem. So, seek a product that contains such parts as they contain the highest levels of nepetalactone.

If it is a good quality product with organically produced catnip that includes leaves and flower tops, then you know you are one step ahead in making the right choice for the best catnip.

Type

There are two types of catnip — dried and spray. The higher the potency, the more your cat is likely to be pulled to it. Likewise, higher potency can also indicate the longevity of the product.

The dried herb form is the most common type of catnip, and it encompasses most of the products listed in this article. They contain the most potency, and they will last even longer if enclosed in an airtight container or a sealed pouch.

On the other hand, there are sprays. While not the most preferred choice of cats, they are helpful in cat training. You can use spray types to train your cat not to scratch on other house objects. You can redirect such behavior by spraying the catnip on the scratch posts or cat toys.

Packaging

Finally, but importantly, is the packaging factor. This factor is seen only in the dried type of catnip. Packaging plays a vital role in retaining the freshness of the herb.

The longer it is open to oxygen, the faster it will lose its potency. So, you will have to fill them up in an airtight container. Even better, you can look for a catnip that already comes with an airtight jar or a resealable pouch; it will ensure the product’s longevity.

FAQs About Catnips

Which is the best catnip?

The all-natural, with a higher level of nepetalactone, harvested at the highest peak of the season, we chose the Cat Crack to be the best overall.

Cat Crack has a dried catnip formula, with only a few pinches required to go a long way. You can spray it on your feline’s bed or toys to help keep your kitty stay calm and playful. However, it does not come with an airtight container.

Likewise, Temptations Classic is also an ideal choice if you are looking for an alternative with an airtight container.

How much does catnip cost?

Catnip for cats usually comes at a low cost. The average price of catnips can fall between $5 to $30, given the quality and the brand.

Low-grade catnip with included stems in them can come in cheap, while a high-quality catnip with leaves and flower tops can up the quality and the price as well. On the other hand, sprays can cost more.

Can I give catnip to my cat every day?

Since catnip is safe for felines, you can give catnip to your cat daily. However, you should avoid giving it more than once a day. Otherwise, it can desensitize your cat, and she will not be attracted to it anymore.

Likewise, if you are using it on the toys or scratching posts, you should not do so more than once a day, or it will become less effective on your feline.

How long do the effects of catnip last?

When exposed to the herb, the cats will go nuts for about a good 10 to 15 minutes after sniffing or eating. But after that period, they return to their normal state.

On the other hand, the sprays can last for an even shorter duration. They do work effectively, but they fade away quickly. To get the optimal benefit, rub it thoroughly all over the object and reapply daily.

Conclusion

Catnip differs when brands differ. But the goal remains the same. Likewise, it can be a good idea to experiment with the different brands until you find out the right fit and proper amount for your furry pal.

Try the brands that we have sniffed out from the best of the best. And once your kitty gets introduced to the favorite herb of her dreams, she will never be the same, of course in a good way!

References

  1. Miller, M. D. E. (2022, August 19). Does Catnip Make Cats High? PetMD. Retrieved September 5, 2022, from – PetMD
  2. Crazy for catnip. (n.d.). The Humane Society of the United States. Retrieved September 5, 2022, from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/crazy-catnip

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