FAQ: Toys for cats

A bell's sound attracts many cats and helps blind or older cats find the toy. Check that the bell is firmly attached so the cat cannot tear it off and swallow it, and put such toys away at night because of the noise.

Kittens suit light wands with a soft, small but not swallowable attachment. Move the toy more slowly and lower so the kitten can catch it, and never leave a wand with a kitten unsupervised.

The simplest way is to use two wands, one for each cat, and move them in different parts of the room. That way the bolder cat does not crowd out the shyer one, and both get a chance to catch their prey.

Many cats are drawn to a crinkling or rustling sound that resembles leaves or a small animal in grass. Such toys, tunnels and crinkle mats also suit solo play, but the crinkle film must be enclosed so the cat cannot chew it.

Catnip is a plant whose scent compound causes a short burst of excitement or relaxation in many cats: they sniff, rub, roll or play. The effect usually lasts from a few to around fifteen minutes and wears off by itself.

Catnip is considered safe and is not addictive. Eating a larger amount can upset the stomach, so offer it in moderation, and check with a vet if your cat is ill or pregnant.

Sensitivity to catnip is inherited, so roughly a third of cats do not react to it at all. For them it is worth trying silvervine sticks, valerian or Tatarian honeysuckle toys, as some cats respond to those instead.

Kittens usually only start reacting to catnip from around six months of age. A catnip toy will not harm a younger kitten, but it will probably be interesting only as an ordinary toy.

Catnip is usually best given no more than a few times a week, as a cat becomes insensitive to it for a while after a reaction. Offered occasionally, catnip stays more interesting and effective.

Some cats get very excited on catnip and may kick, bite the toy or even become briefly irritable. If this happens, keep your distance, give less catnip, and don't give it to several cats at the same time.

Silvervine sticks are dried twigs of an Actinidia plant whose scent affects many cats much like catnip, sometimes even more strongly. Cats chew and rub against them, but chewed-down sticks should be replaced so the cat does not swallow splinters.

The scent of valerian root attracts some cats much like catnip, so toys with it can suit cats that do not react to catnip. Never give a cat valerian products or drops made for people.

Dried catnip can be sprinkled on a scratcher or toy and has the strongest scent. A spray is handy for refreshing the scent but is often weaker. A catnip-filled toy is the most convenient, but its scent fades over time.

Keep the toy in an airtight container or bag together with dried catnip for a few days so it picks up the scent again. Some toys can be opened and refilled, others are simply replaced.

Store catnip in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place out of the cat's reach. Light, heat and air make the scent compounds evaporate faster.

Yes, catnip can be grown in a pot on a windowsill or balcony. Place it where the cat cannot flatten it completely, or let her sniff only cut sprigs so the plant has time to regrow.

A small amount of catnip is usually harmless, and some cats happily chew it. Eating more can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, so keep an eye on how much your cat gets.

Tatarian honeysuckle wood has a scent that some cats respond to, including some that ignore catnip. Choose products made for cats, as not every honeysuckle species is safe for them.

Some cats calm down after the initial excitement, but not all, and catnip makes some even more excited. Catnip is not a sedative, so if your cat is very afraid of travel, discuss ways to calm her with a vet.

Yes, catnip is often used to help a cat discover a new scratcher, bed or carrier. Sprinkle or spray a little and refresh the scent every few days until the cat gets used to it.