Published by: Ingrid King. Last Updated on: February 10, 2023 by Crystal Uys
This post contains affiliate links*
Catnip affects different cats in different ways. Only about 50% of cats are affected by catnip, and not all cats react the same. Kittens are not affected until they’re about two months old (if they fall into the category of cats that do respond). If a kitten hasn’t shown a reaction to catnip by the time she’s six month’s old, she falls into the non-responsive category.
Most cats react to catnip with euphoria, although it can have a calming effect on others. Some cats, however, become so stimulated by the herb that they may release their excess energy by picking fights with other cats in the household, or by attacking their humans.
Catnip alternatives from Space Kitty Express
Space Kitty Express founder Vanessa’s cat was not impressed by some of the store bought toys she brought home for him, so she decided to create some alternatives. She offers adorable toys filled with lemongrass, honeysuckle, silver vine, and valerian root.
We received a honeysuckle and silver vine toy to try. Allegra and Ruby had valerian stuffed toys before, and while they loved them, I couldn’t handle the smell, so sadly for them, those toys disappeared very quickly.
Neither Allegra nor Ruby had ever been exposed to honeysuckle or silver vine, and I couldn’t wait to find out how they would react.
Apparently, the herbs SpaceKitty Express uses are potent! I left the unopened package on the kitchen counter and then got distracted. When I came back into the kitchen, Allegra, who hardly ever gets up on the counter, was sniffing the package.
Ruby was immediately enamored with the honeysuckle toy.
Allegra is partial to the silver vine toy shown below.
We always have a bunch of toys that are out all over the house. Allegra and Ruby have played with these two toys almost every day. Ruby especially can entertain herself for long periods of time, tossing these toys around by herself.
SpaceKitty Express offers the toys individually and in a sample pack. They also offer various herbal blends.
Visit the SpaceKitty Express Etsy shop to purchase.
Exclusive discount for Conscious Cat readers!
*FTC Disclosure: The Conscious Cat is a participant in Etsy’s affiliate program. This means that if you decide to purchase through any of our links, we get a small commission. We only spread the word about products and services we’ve either used or would use ourselves.
About the author
Ingrid King is an award-winning author, former veterinary hospital manager, and veterinary journalist who is passionate about cats.
