Catnip turns a normally dignified cat into a rolling, kicking ball of joy. The best catnip toys are packed with potent nip and sturdy enough to survive a proper kicking session.
We have compared five catnip toys currently available at Amazon UK, from bananas and sardines to refillables and a silvervine alternative.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Yeowww! Peeled Banana Catnip Toy | Strongest classic catnip toy | £7-£9 | 4.6/5 |
KONG Refillable Catnip Turtle | Refillable, long-lasting nip | £6-£8 | 4.4/5 |
Yeowww! Stinkies Catnip Sardines | Kicker-style play | £9-£11 | 4.7/5 |
SmartyKat Skitter Critters (3-Pack) | Budget multi-pack | £9-£11 | 4.5/5 |
ERKOON Silvervine Chew Sticks | Cats unresponsive to catnip | £4-£6 | 4.5/5 |
Our Top Picks
Yeowww! Peeled Banana Catnip Toy
Best for: the strongest classic catnip toy
The Yeowww Banana is filled with catnip and shaped for a cat to hug, kick and bite. It is a proper, potent catnip toy and a favourite with UK cat owners.
It costs around £8 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 500 ratings.
What we like:
- Strong catnip
- Kicker shape
- Well reviewed
Worth knowing:
- Store sealed to keep the catnip fresh
- Not every cat responds to catnip
Specifications:
- Type: catnip kicker
- Length: 6 inch
- Filling: catnip
- Brand: Yeowww!
KONG Refillable Catnip Turtle
Best for: long-term value with a top-up of fresh catnip
A refillable toy has a pouch you can restock with fresh catnip every few weeks, which works out cheaper than disposable toys over time.
It costs around £7 and averages 4.4 out of 5 across more than 1,100 ratings.
What we like:
- Refillable pouch
- Washable shell when the sachet is removed
- Good reviews
Worth knowing:
- Needs catnip refills
- Not the strongest scent out of the box
Specifications:
- Type: refillable catnip toy
- Design: turtle
- Feature: refillable pouch
- Brand: KONG
Yeowww! Stinkies Catnip Sardines
Best for: cats that go straight into rabbit-kicking mode
Stinkies are sardine-shaped kickers filled with organic catnip and stored in a tin, which keeps the scent sealed between uses.
A tin costs around £10 and averages 4.7 out of 5 across more than 2,100 ratings.
What we like:
- Tin keeps catnip sealed
- Organic catnip
- Excellent reviews
Worth knowing:
- Fish-shaped toys can look scruffy after heavy play
- Higher price than a single toy
Specifications:
- Type: catnip kicker set
- Comes in: storage tin
- Filling: organic catnip
- Brand: Yeowww!
SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice (3-Pack)
Best for: budget multi-cat households and kitten rotation
A pack of catnip mice is cheap enough to lose under the sofa without it ruining your day. These felt mice are the right size for batting and carrying.
A pack of three costs around £10 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across 73 ratings.
What we like:
- Three mice per pack
- Moderate catnip potency
- Ideal for rotation
Worth knowing:
- Small enough to lose
- Fewer ratings
Specifications:
- Type: catnip mice
- Pack: 3
- Material: felt
- Brand: SmartyKat
ERKOON Cat Silvervine Chew Sticks
Best for: cats that do not react to plain catnip
Around a quarter of cats ignore catnip, and many of them respond to silvervine instead. These natural chew sticks can be nibbled and rubbed on.
A pack of eight costs around £5 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 330 ratings.
What we like:
- Works for many cats who ignore catnip
- Eight sticks per pack
- Low price
Worth knowing:
- Sticks can splinter as they wear
- Supervise chewing
Specifications:
- Type: silvervine chew sticks
- Pack: 8
- Use: chewing and rubbing
- Brand: ERKOON
How to choose a catnip toy
Will my cat respond to catnip?
Around two-thirds of adult cats respond to catnip. Kittens under about 12 weeks usually do not, because the trait develops with age.
Storage and rotation
Air kills the smell within a fortnight, so store toys in a sealed container and rotate them every few days.
Catnip alternatives explained
Silvervine works on a large share of cats, including some that ignore catnip. Valerian works on a smaller number and has a strong odour.
How much should you spend?
£4-£10 buys most catnip toys. £10-£12 buys multi-packs and tins.
Frequently asked questions
Is catnip safe for cats?
Catnip is generally considered safe, and the effect wears off after about ten minutes.
How often can I give my cat a catnip toy?
A few times a week is plenty, since cats become temporarily immune for about an hour after a session.
My kitten ignores catnip. Is something wrong?
No. The response develops as they grow up.
Does old catnip lose its potency?
Yes. Exposure to air weakens it, so store it sealed.
Can catnip be sprayed on other toys?
Yes, catnip sprays and refills can refresh old toys.
Conclusion
The Yeowww Banana is our top pick for most catnip-loving cats, and the Stinkies suit rabbit-kickers.
The KONG refillable is best for long-term value, the SmartyKat pack suits budgets and the silvervine sticks are worth trying if plain catnip does nothing.
