What is the difference between catnip and silvervine?
Both catnip and silvervine are natural plants that can trigger a playful response in cats. Catnip contains a compound called nepetalactone, while silvervine contains several different cat-attracting compounds.
Silvervine tends to be more appealing to cats overall. In one study, nearly 80% of cats responded to silvervine, compared with about two-thirds responding to catnip. Silvervine can also be a great alternative for cats who don't respond to catnip.
What is silvervine (matatabi)?
Silvervine, also known as matatabi, is a plant native to East Asia with the scientific name Actinidia polygama. It is related to the kiwi family and naturally contains several compounds that cats find attractive.
Cats may sniff, lick, chew, rub against, or roll around with silvervine. The fruit galls of the silvervine plant are particularly popular with cats and are one of the forms we use in our toys.
Will my cat respond to catnip or silvervine?
Every cat is different. About one in three cats may not respond to catnip, while silvervine tends to attract a larger percentage of cats. Research has found that almost 80% of cats responded to silvervine, and many cats who did not respond to catnip responded to silvervine instead.
A cat's response can also vary depending on the individual cat, age, genetics, and the plant material itself.
Why does CATWANT use natural catnip and silvervine?
Because we care about what goes into our toys.
We believe cats deserve simple, natural ingredients. We grow our catnip using natural farming methods and carefully handpick the leaves, while our silvervine is carefully sourced and selected for quality.
We keep our materials as natural and simple as possible because great toys start with great ingredients.
Are CATWANT toys handmade?
Yes! Handmade is at the heart of CATWANT.
Our toys are carefully crafted by skilled artisans, from preparing the natural materials to sewing and finishing each toy. We believe that taking the time to make things properly makes a difference.
Are CATWANT toys safe for cats?
We select the materials used in our toys and focus on natural ingredients such as catnip, silvervine, and other thoughtfully selected materials.
We also conduct regular SGS testing of our catnip and silvervine to check for contaminants such as pesticide residues and heavy metals.
As with any cat toy, please supervise your cat during play and remove the toy if it becomes damaged or small pieces become loose.
How long does the catnip or silvervine effect last?
The exciting response to catnip or silvervine is usually short-lived, often lasting around 5–15 minutes. After repeated exposure, cats can temporarily become less interested as they become accustomed to the scent.
This doesn't mean the catnip or silvervine has stopped working. Giving your cat a break and rotating toys can help keep them interesting.
The exact response and duration can vary from cat to cat.
What if my cat doesn't respond to catnip?
Don't worry — your cat isn't broken! 😸
Not every cat responds to catnip. Research suggests that about one in three cats may not show a response to it. Silvervine can be a great alternative: in one study, nearly 75% of cats that did not respond to catnip responded to silvervine.
Every cat has their own preferences, so if catnip isn't their thing, they may simply be a silvervine cat!