Cats are playful by nature and it’s no surprise that cat lovers want to shower their pets with a range of toys and playful items. Consider introducing catnip toys to your precious pet for fun and entertainment.
What Is Catnip and Is It Safe?
Catnip is an herb that comes from a family of mint leaves. The main ingredient in catnip is called nepetalactone, which causes a physiological effect in some cats. Why only some? This is because cats must have the proper inherited genes to produce a reaction to catnip. Fortunately, catnip and its reactions are completely harmless.
How Will My Cat React to Catnip?
Because of the effects that catnip produces, cats tend to become quite attached and protective over their special toys. They are also known to rub their cheeks on the catnip, run around as if they were playing with another cat, or move their bodies in unique positions. While catnip makes some cats act a little crazy, others find themselves nestling into a comfortable position and sleeping for an extended period of time.
Types of Cat Toys
Catnip can be found in many forms, including dried buds or leaves, oils and even in toys. Catnip toys are the most popular ways to offer catnip because the effects of catnip provide fun and entertainment for cats. In addition, this added effect will have your cat playing for hours.
There are dozens of toys that can be purchased for your pet, so finding the right ones are dependent on what your cat likes. Some popular toys that contain catnip include balls made out of food-binding materials, stuffed toys, and hanging toys that are on a wand or stick.
If you want to turn every toy into a catnip toy, simply sprinkle a pinch of catnip onto your cat’s favorite things. Consider using old socks, stuffed animals or cardboard boxes so that you can stuff catnip into these objects. Not only will your cat get plenty of exercise, but he or she will enjoy the challenge of getting to the catnip.
Where Can I Find These Toys?
Toys that contain catnip can be found at virtually any pet store or online website. They range in price depending on the toy, but most can be found at inexpensive costs. To stretch your dollar further, consider buying toys that can be reused with catnip. Many soft toys can be refilled with catnip and used over and over again. Or, consider purchasing catnip in dried leaves so that it can be sprinkled on all your cat’s toys.
Should I Consider Organic Catnip?
As everything moves in the direction of organic forms nowadays, catnip too, follows this trend. Catnip can be purchased in organic forms, meaning that it is grown under favorable conditions that don’t use harmful pesticides.
Buying toys that contain organic catnip is better for your cat, as you can be assured that the herb was not collected from toxic environments. Organic toys can be found online or at specialty, all-natural pet stores but expect to spend more than you would for regular cat toys.
Many cat owners find themselves using catnip toys because they have a calming and playful effect, as well as provide hours of distraction from household furniture and accessories. Perhaps best of all, these toys provide physical exercise for cats and most can be purchased for under $10.