Quick Answer
The best catnip toy for your cat depends on their play style: plush toys like the Mad Cat Brunch Buddies suit cuddlers and kickers, while wool balls like the Mad Cat Wacky Wool Balls appeal to batters and chasers. If your cat ignores catnip, choose a toy with silvervine.
Why Silvervine Matters for Picky Cats
Not all cats respond to catnip. Silvervine is an all-natural alternative that elicits a similar reaction and works for many cats that normally are not affected by catnip. When choosing catnip toys, look for ones that combine both catnip and silvervine to increase the chance your cat will engage.
Plush vs. Wool: Match the Toy to the Play Style
Plush toys are soft and easy to grab, making them ideal for cats that like to bunny-kick or carry their prey. Wool balls are lightweight, roll unpredictably, and have no seams or stuffing, which suits cats that prefer to bat, chase, and pounce. Consider your cat's usual hunting behavior to pick the toy they'll actually use.
Decision Rules: Choose the Right Catnip Toy
- If your cat loves to kick and wrestle: Choose a plush toy like the Mad Cat Brunch Buddies. The soft body gives them something to grab and bunny-kick. Check that the toy is sturdy enough for your cat's kicking strength.
- If your cat prefers to bat and chase: Go with wool balls like the Mad Cat Wacky Wool Balls. Their unpredictable rolling and lightweight design encourage active play. Supervise play if your cat tends to swallow small parts.
- If your cat ignores catnip: Pick a toy that includes silvervine, such as either of the Mad Cat options, because silvervine often works for cats that don't respond to catnip. Test with a small amount first to see if your cat reacts.
Two Catnip Toys Worth Comparing
-
Mad Cat Brunch Buddies Brunch Buddies Bacon N' Eggs Catnip & Silvervine Cat Toy: This twin pack features plush toys filled with a blend of premium catnip and silvervine that is maximum potency, pure, and pesticide free. The combination of catnip and silvervine makes it more likely to appeal to cats that don't react to catnip alone, and the plush design suits cats that like to kick and cuddle.
Mad Cat Brunch Buddies Brunch Buddies Bacon N' Eggs Catnip & Silvervine Cat Toy
-
Mad Cat Wacky Wool Balls: These wool balls are made of natural, biodegradable high-quality wool with no seams, stitching, or stuffing, and are rolled or tossed with a custom combo of catnip and silvervine. The seamless, lightweight wool balls are perfect for batting and chasing, and the catnip-silvervine blend helps attract even picky players.
Mad Cat Wacky Wool Balls
Who Should Choose Which
Best for
- Cats that enjoy kicking and carrying soft toys
- Cats that ignore catnip but may respond to silvervine
Not for
- Cats that only chase fast-moving prey—they may prefer wand toys
- Cats with a history of ingesting non-food items—supervise play with any toy