Valerian and catmint in a toy? What may perhaps surprise the layperson at first is a sure thing for cat connoisseurs and has a concrete benefit: valerian and the white-flowered real catmint (Latin: Nepeta cataria), which is called “catnip”, in English, have a beguiling and activating effect on your house cat. They act like a natural stimulant and encourage your cat to romp around. That’s why the corresponding scents make cat toys in many forms even more interesting! Many branded toy manufacturers use this effect and offer corresponding products in a wide variety of ways. By the way, the most widespread form in gardens is the so-called hybrid catmint (Nepeta x faassenii). It has blue flowers and its fragrance is not as pronounced as in real catmint.

Whether it’s a cuddly or rustling cushion, cuddly animal, ball, cuddly roll, toy mouse, a mint-filled, tooth-friendly dental-stick or in other designs: there’s the right catmint toy for every cat. And the scent is magical. This is especially true for sexually mature cats, as the plant contains the ingredient actinidine, among other things. Female, unneutered cats excrete this substance with their urine. That’s why cats in particular seem to be attracted heavily to cat mints and plants with similar scents. This usually also applies to neutered cats. However, the effect is less pronounced in young cats who are not yet sexually mature or very old cats. Of course, this does not mean that these house cats do not really appreciate a fine catmint toy. After all, it is not only the scent that should be attractive, but also the playing device itself that convinces.
It is best if you let your cat play outdoors with scent toys because for us humans the smell of valerian and catnip can be quite intense – especially when high doses are present, for example, with some valerian or catmint cushions. If the catmint toy is used in the apartment, it is best to store it in an airtight plastic bag and ventilate the room properly.

Catnip toys or catmint toys and valerian toys are available from well-known brands such as AniOne,  FIT+FUN and KONG. And at Maxi Zoo you can buy high-quality catmint toys conveniently and cheaply online! You can find out whether a specific product is suitable for your animal from the respective product description. Your cat will certainly find their new favourite toy with the characteristic, beguiling scent in our range! Playing, stimulating and rewarding for small and large velvet paws can be so easy.