If you've ever watched your cat go absolutely wild over a toy or treat, there's a good chance catnip or silvervine was involved. These two natural plant-based stimulants are among the most beloved enrichment tools for cats — but what exactly are they, how do they work, and which one is right for your cat?
What Is Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family native to Europe and Asia. It contains a compound called nepetalactone, which binds to receptors in a cat's nasal tissue and triggers a euphoric response. The reaction typically lasts 5–15 minutes, after which cats become temporarily immune for around 30 minutes before they can be stimulated again.
Roughly 50–70% of cats respond to catnip — the sensitivity is hereditary, so some cats simply won't react at all. Kittens under 6 months and senior cats may also show little to no response.
Common catnip behaviours include:
- Rolling, rubbing, and vocalising
- Drooling and head shaking
- Playful bursts of energy followed by calm
What Is Silvervine?
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) is a climbing plant native to the mountainous regions of China and Japan. It has been used in Asian cat enrichment for centuries and contains two active compounds — actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide — which produce a similar but often more intense response than catnip.
The key advantage? Up to 80% of cats respond to silvervine, including many cats that don't react to catnip at all. It's also available in multiple forms: dried fruit galls (the seed pods), powder, sticks, and wands — making it incredibly versatile.
Common silvervine behaviours include:
- Intense rolling and face rubbing
- Drooling and vocalising
- Prolonged play engagement
Catnip vs. Silvervine: Key Differences
| Feature | Catnip | Silvervine |
|---|---|---|
| Active compound(s) | Nepetalactone | Actinidine + Dihydroactinidiolide |
| % of cats that respond | ~50–70% | ~75–80% |
| Response intensity | Moderate | Often stronger |
| Duration | 5–15 min | 5–30 min |
| Common forms | Dried herb, sprays, toys | Gall fruit, sticks, wands, powder |
| Safe for cats? | Yes | Yes |
Are They Safe?
Both catnip and silvervine are non-toxic and non-addictive for cats. They're a healthy form of enrichment that encourages play, reduces stress, and supports mental stimulation. As with anything, moderation is key — offering them 2–3 times per week is generally recommended to maintain your cat's interest and prevent desensitisation.
Which Should You Choose?
If your cat already loves catnip, there's no need to switch — but silvervine is an excellent option to rotate in for variety, or as a first choice if your cat has never responded to catnip. Many cat owners use both to keep enrichment sessions fresh and engaging.
The best approach? Try both and let your cat decide.
Shop Our Catnip & Silvervine Range
We've curated a selection of high-quality catnip and silvervine products to keep your cat stimulated, happy, and entertained:
- Interactive Catnip & Silvervine Cat Toys — a multi-stimulant toy combining both plants for maximum engagement.
- Silvervine Toy with Catnip Ball — dual-action enrichment in one compact toy.
- Silvervine Dental Stick Cat Toy — chewing on silvervine sticks supports dental hygiene while delivering that beloved stimulant effect.
- Silvervine Dental Stick Cat Toy | Food Themed — fun shapes, real silvervine benefits.
- Silvervine with Feather Cat Teaser — combines silvervine with feather play for an irresistible wand toy.
- Silvervine Dental Stick with Feather Toy — a great all-rounder for cats who love to bat and chew.
- Silvervine Dental Stick with Feather and Insect Gall Fruit Toy — our most enriched stick toy, featuring gall fruit for an extra-potent response.
- Real Animal Sound Cat Toy Balls – Catnip, Touch-Activated (3 Pack) — touch-activated sound combined with catnip for multi-sensory play.
New Arrivals
- Freecat All Natural Catnip Wand – 6 Pieces — 100% natural catnip wands, no additives, just pure plant goodness.
- Freecat All Natural Gall Fruit Wand – 6 Pieces — silvervine gall fruit wands, one of the most potent natural cat stimulants available.
Not sure where to start? The Interactive Catnip & Silvervine Cat Toys is a great first pick — it covers both stimulants in one toy, so you can see exactly what your cat responds to.
