Last updated Jul 15, 2026
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Catnip has a powerful effect on many cats, though not all of them respond to it. It comes from Nepeta cataria, a plant in the mint family, and the essential oil inside it activates the vomeronasal gland in your cat’s mouth. Once that happens, the brain releases signals that can lead to a range of behaviors.
Some cats become relaxed or affectionate, while others get a burst of playful, high‑energy excitement. Every cat reacts a little differently.
If you want an easy, safe way for your cat to enjoy catnip, catnip treats are a great option. In this guide, we’ll look at what makes a good catnip treat and share our top picks.
At a Glance: Best Catnip Treats To Buy
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below where we highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
PureBites Chicken Breast & Catnip Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
- 100% USA‑sourced chicken breast
- Made with organic catnip
- Very short ingredient list with no artificial additives
Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill Crunchy Cat Treats
- Fresh chicken as the first ingredient
- Chicken fat as the only added fat
- Crunchy texture many cats enjoy
Chewy Made Catnip Flavor Filled Crunchy Cat Treats (Formerly Tiny Tiger)
- Very affordable price per ounce
- Crunchy outside with a creamy center cats enjoy
- Chicken fat provides essential fatty acids
Feline Greenies Catnip Flavor Adult Dental Treats
- Approved by the VOHC for tartar control
- Crunchy texture helps scrape teeth clean
- Contains dried catnip for flavor enhancement
Raws Paws Silvervine Catnip Sticks
- All‑natural, single‑ingredient treat
- Chewy texture may help support dental health
- The long stick shape encourages playful chewing
Meowijuana Crunchie Munchies Catnip Treats
- Concentrated source of animal protein as the first ingredient
- Rich in essential fatty acids and omega‑3s
- Crunchy exterior with a creamy catnip‑flavored center
The 4 Qualities of a Good Catnip Treat
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
The quality of a catnip treat depends on the quality of the ingredients. Not only should the treat contain all-natural catnip, but it should be made with other high-quality and species-appropriate ingredients.
1. A Good Catnip Treat Contains High-Quality Catnip.
To achieve maximum potency, these treats should be made with dried catnip produced from the leaves of the catnip plant. These leaves contain high concentrations of catnip oil, which is rich in the active ingredient in catnip – nepetalactone.
2. A Good Catnip Treat Contains Animal Protein.
Cats are carnivores, so they find meat much more appealing than plants. The key to a quality cat treat in general is high concentrations of animal ingredients, so look for an animal-based source of protein as the first ingredient. It’s even better if any added fats are animal-based as well.
3. A Good Catnip Treat Contains Limited Plant Ingredients.
Not only should you check the protein content of the treats but look for high concentrations of carbohydrates as well. Cats have a difficult time digesting carbs and plant foods simply don’t offer the same nutritional value for felines as protein. Wheat, corn, and soy ingredients are best avoided, though fresh vegetables may provide some benefit in the way of nutrition.
4. A Good Catnip Treat Doesn’t Contain Any Artificial Additives.
As is true for your cat’s food, a good cat treat shouldn’t contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These ingredients have been linked to negative health effects and serve no beneficial purpose in cat treats or cat food.
Top 6 Best Catnip Treats on the Market Reviewed
#1 PureBites Chicken Breast & Catnip Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Many budget‑friendly cat treats rely on meat by‑products or grain fillers, but PureBites keeps things simple with just two ingredients: chicken breast and organic catnip. These treats are freeze-dried to preserve nutrients and deliver a high-protein, low-fat snack with a strong chicken flavor that most cats love, plus the added excitement of catnip.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Customer feedback is generally positive, especially regarding ingredient quality. Some reviewers mention that the treats can be crumbly, and others note that the ratio of catnip to chicken feels a little uneven, with more loose catnip in the bag than expected.
Overall, these treats offer species‑appropriate animal protein, organic catnip, and a clean ingredient list from a reputable brand.
Ingredients
100% Pure USA-Sourced & Made Chicken Breast & Organic Catnip
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
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What We Liked:
- 100% USA‑sourced chicken breast
- Made with organic catnip
- Very short ingredient list with no artificial additives
- High in protein, low in fat and calories
What We Didn’t Like:
- Treats crumble easily
- The bag contains a high amount of loose catnip compared to chicken pieces
#2 Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill Crunchy Cat Treats
When choosing cat treats, ingredient quality matters, and Shameless Pets is known for using responsibly sourced, traceable ingredients. The brand also incorporates misfit and surplus produce to help reduce food waste, which sets them apart from many competitors.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
These catnip treats feature chicken as the first ingredient, along with nutrient‑rich chicken fat and catnip. While the recipe does include some plant ingredients like sweet potato, brown rice, and tapioca, it avoids animal by‑products and artificial additives.
Cats generally enjoy the crunchy texture, and many owners report that their cats get excited for these treats. A few reviewers mention occasional vomiting after feeding, but it doesn’t appear to be a consistent issue.
Ingredients
Chicken, Sweet Potato*, Brown Rice, Tapioca, Brewers Dried Yeast, Miscanthus Grass, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Inulin, Catnip, Phosphoric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product
Guaranteed Analysis
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What We Liked:
- Fresh chicken as the first ingredient
- Chicken fat as the only added fat
- Crunchy texture many cats enjoy
- No animal by‑products or artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains several unnecessary plant ingredients
- A few reports of cats vomiting after eating them
#3 Chewy Made Catnip Flavor Filled Crunchy Cat Treats (Formerly Tiny Tiger)
Feeding your cat well can get expensive, but treating them doesn’t have to be. These catnip‑flavored crunchy treats come in a generous 16‑ounce bag for around $7, keeping the price under $0.50 per ounce and one of the most affordable options on the market.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
The treats have a crunchy exterior with a soft, creamy center. Chicken by‑product meal is the primary ingredient, supported by chicken fat for essential fatty acids. Unlike many inexpensive treats, this formula is even complete and balanced according to AAFCO nutrient profiles.
The main downside is the inclusion of several plant‑based ingredients, which add unnecessary carbohydrates. The carb content is similar to other budget‑friendly treats like Temptations, though the moisture level is slightly higher than average for a crunchy treat.
Ingredients
Chicken By-Product Meal, Barley Flour, Pea Starch, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Lactic Acid, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Canola Lecithin, Taurine, Pea Fiber, Catnip, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d‑Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Very affordable price per ounce
- Crunchy outside with a creamy center cats enjoy
- Chicken fat provides essential fatty acids
- Complete and balanced according to AAFCO profiles
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains several unnecessary plant ingredients
- High carbohydrate content
- Uses chicken by‑product meal as the main protein source
#4 Feline Greenies Catnip Flavor Adult Dental Treats
Periodontal disease is very common in cats, especially as they age. A healthy diet and daily toothbrushing are the best ways to support dental health, but dental treats like Feline Greenies can also help.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Feline Greenies are one of the few cat treats approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for tartar control. Their crunchy texture helps clean teeth, and most cats enjoy the chicken and catnip flavor.
That said, the ingredient list isn’t perfect. They contain wheat, corn gluten meal, and vague terms like “poultry fat” and “poultry flavor,” which don’t specify the exact source. These aren’t necessarily bad ingredients, but they’re not very transparent. However, the treats are naturally flavored and free from artificial additives.
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Ground Wheat, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Oat Fiber, Natural Poultry Flavor, Ground Flaxseed, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Dried Catnip, Choline Chloride, Citric Acid (a Preservative), Fruit Juice Color, Taurine, DL-Methionine, Mixed Tocopherols (a Preservative), DL-Alpha Tocopherols Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Ferrous Sulfate, Turmeric Color, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, D-Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Manganous Oxide, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Cobalt Carbonate, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Approved by the VOHC for tartar control
- Crunchy texture helps scrape teeth clean
- Contains dried catnip for flavor enhancement
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains corn and wheat ingredients
- Made with some vaguely named animal ingredients
#5 Raws Paws Silvervine Catnip Sticks
If your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, silvervine treats may be a better option. These silvervine sticks from Raw Paws are made with fresh catnip and contain no artificial ingredients.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Catnip is not considered addictive and may provide safe sensory enrichment for many cats. Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
They’re harvested from the silvervine plant (matatabi) and are completely natural, offering the strong effects silvervine is known for. The chewy texture can help support dental health, and their long shape makes them great for play.
The only drawback is the price. A 30‑count bag costs about $12 on Amazon, which comes out to roughly $0.40 per stick. It’s more expensive than typical cat treats, but understandable given the size and single‑ingredient quality.
Ingredients
100% Silvervine Matatabi Plant
Guaranteed Analysis
Not Listed
What We Liked:
- All‑natural, single‑ingredient treat
- Chewy texture may help support dental health
- The long stick shape encourages playful chewing
What We Didn’t Like:
- More expensive per treat than typical catnip options
#6 Meowijuana Crunchie Munchies Catnip Treats
One of our favorite catnip brands, Meowijuana offers a variety of catnip‑flavored treats made with natural ingredients. They have a crunchy outer shell and a creamy catnip center that most cats find irresistible.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Each recipe includes multiple animal‑based proteins. In the salmon formula, for example, you’ll see chicken meal, salmon meal, and tuna meal, along with nutrient‑rich fats like chicken fat and pork fat.
While the treats do contain some plant ingredients, they’re free from corn, wheat, and soy, and they don’t include any artificial additives.
Ingredients
Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Tapioca Starch, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Salmon Meal, Tuna Meal, Dried Whey, Brewer’s Dried Yeast, Catnip, Natural Flavor, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Taurine, Phosphoric Acid, Valerian Root.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Concentrated source of animal protein as the first ingredient
- Rich in essential fatty acids and omega‑3s
- Crunchy exterior with a creamy catnip‑flavored center
- Available in several different flavors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains grain and starchy ingredients
Other Catnip Products We Love
Catnip cat treats are a great way to spoil your feline friend, but if you’re looking for something that lasts a little longer, a catnip toy might be a better option.
Here are some of our favorites:
#1 Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Toy
Our top pick for the best catnip toy is the Yeowww! Catnip Banana. Stuffed with premium catnip and made from durable cotton twill, this bright yellow toy encourages scratching, biting, kicking, and batting. Each banana is individually filled, hand‑sewn, and made in the USA, giving it a level of quality and durability that stands out.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Kitty typos might be cute, but they can also be very distracting and irritating to us when we are trying to work. Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
#2 SmartyKat Instincts Tricky Twister Bendable with HappyNip Silvervine & Catnip Cat Toy
If your cat loves toys that move unpredictably and spark their hunting instincts, the SmartyKat Tricky Twister Bendable with HappyNip is a great pick. This bendable plush toy can be twisted into different shapes to create rolling, spiraling, or erratic motion, giving your cat plenty to chase, pounce on, and bat around. It’s made with multiple textures like feathers, raffia, and felt, and the HappyNip blend of silvervine and catnip adds an extra burst of excitement. You can even hook it onto furniture for self‑activating play, making it a versatile toy that keeps cats engaged and entertained.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Catnip comes in many forms, from toys and sprays to fresh plants you can grow at home, making it easy to offer as enrichment. Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
#3 KONG Naturals Cat Scratcher
Scratching posts give cats a safe, satisfying way to indulge their natural urge to scratch while protecting your furniture. The KONG Naturals Cat Scratcher is generously sized and reversible for longer use, and it comes with a packet of loose catnip you can sprinkle on top to entice your cat.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
