The 6 Best Catnip Treats (original) (raw)

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

Catnip drives cats crazy – most of them, anyway.

It’s a completely natural substance derived from a plant belonging to the mint family, Nepeta cataria. The oil concentrated in fresh catnip engages the vomeronasal gland in the roof of your cat’s mouth, sending signals to the brain to trigger certain behaviors.

Some cats become overly affectionate or relaxed while others experience a burst of energy and playfulness.

If you’re looking for a safe and simple way for your cat to enjoy catnip, catnip treats might be just the thing. In this guide, we’ll cover what makes a good catnip treat and introduce you to our top picks.

At a Glance: Best Catnip Treats To Buy

We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Best Catnip Dental Treats

Best Silvervine Treat

9.3

Picked by 18 people today!

Raws Paws Silvervine Catnip Sticks

• All natural, made with a single ingredient
• Chewy texture supports dental health
• Elongated shape encourages play behavior

Best Crunchy Treat

9.2

Picked by 18 people today!

Meowijuana Crunchie Munchies Catnip Treats

• Concentrated source of animal protein as first ingredient
• Rich in essential fatty acids and omega-3s
• Crunchy exterior with creamy catnip center

The 4 Qualities of a Good Catnip Treat

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

The quality of a catnip treat depends on the quality of the ingredients. Not only should the treat contain all-natural catnip, but it should be made with other high-quality and species-appropriate ingredients.

1. A Good Catnip Treat Contains High-Quality Catnip.

To achieve maximum potency, these treats should be made with dried catnip produced from the leaves of the catnip plant. These leaves contain high concentrations of catnip oil, which is rich in the active ingredient in catnip – nepetalactone.

2. A Good Catnip Treat Contains Animal Protein.

Cats are carnivores, so they find meat much more appealing than plants. The key to a quality cat treat in general is high concentrations of animal ingredients, so look for an animal-based source of protein as the first ingredient. It’s even better if any added fats are animal-based as well.

3. A Good Catnip Treat Contains Limited Plant Ingredients.

Not only should you check the protein content of the treats but look for high concentrations of carbohydrates as well. Cats have a difficult time digesting carbs and plant foods simply don’t offer the same nutritional value for felines as protein. Wheat, corn, and soy ingredients are best avoided, though fresh vegetables may provide some benefit in the way of nutrition.

4. A Good Catnip Treat Doesn’t Contain Any Artificial Additives.

As is true for your cat’s food, a good cat treat shouldn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These ingredients have been linked to negative health effects and serve no beneficial purpose in cat treats or cat food.

Our Top Picks for the Best Catnip Treats

Now that you have a better understanding of how we came to our top picks, you’re probably eager to see them!

Here are our top 6 picks for the best catnip treats:

Other Catnip Products We Love

Catnip cat treats are a great way to spoil your feline friend, but if you’re looking for something that lasts a little longer, a catnip toy might be a better option.

Here are some of our favorites: