Tested various catnip toys - these 6 options offer value for money

The Best Refillable Catnip Toys Provide Constant Entertainment for Feline Friends

For many cat owners, providing toys that keep their pets engaged and active is essential. Catnip toys, in particular, offer a unique source of stimulation for felines, encouraging play and alleviating boredom. However, initial excitement can wane as the catnip in these toys loses its potency. A certified cat behaviorist offers a solution: use refillable catnip toys to maintain freshness and prolong the fun.

Joey Lasvardi, a certified cat behaviorist, points out that the active chemicals in catnip naturally break down over time. Refillable toys are the perfect solution, as you can simply top up the catnip when it seems to lose its effectiveness.

After taking Lasvardi's advice, our testing team scrutinized numerous refillable catnip toys to find the best ones for various types of cats. The following six toys stood out:

Best Automated Toy: Catit's Groovy FishThe Catit Groovy Fish is a popular choice in our household, captivating Nala and Chilli with its motion-activated sensor. This toy flips from one side to another, activating the cats' natural hunting instincts. It comes with two bags of catnip for refilling via the Velcro pouch on the side. The toy's good battery life, USB-C charging, and slight noise are overshadowed by the fun it provides our feline friends. Those preferring a quieter option might opt for the West Coast Pet Products Catnip Kicker toy instead.

Reasons to buy: Refillable, rechargeable, motion-activated, includes catnip.Reasons to avoid: A bit noisy.

Catit Groovy Fish

Best Kicker Toy: Handmade US Catnip Kicker ToyThis stylish, handmade kicker toy is filled with fresh Canadian catnip and features various cool designs such as denim, leopard print, chevron, and zigzags. The toy's protective pocket on the side allows for easy refills, and its rectangular shape is ideal for cats to hold and kick comfortably. Alisa, one of our testers, observed her cat, Tami, enjoying swatting, biting, and rubbing her face on it, indicating that the toy triggers the cat's hunting instincts. If you prefer a smaller toy, the Catit Groovy Fish might be a better option.

Independent cats

Reasons to buy: Re-fillable, stylish, catnip is well-contained, handmade.Reasons to avoid: Some loose threads found, takes up space, tricky to re-fill.

Best Plush Toy: Catnip-Filled Plush ToyIf your cat enjoys the role of the fearsome hunter, they'll love this plush toy, which comes with a tube of premium catnip for under $7. The toy's realistic fuzzy coat and easily accessible resealable pouch on the side make it a long-lasting option. Cleaning is a breeze: just remove the catnip, throw it in the washing machine, and you're good to go again! Occasionally, the catnip gets stuck in the Velcro pouch, so if that's a concern, the Motion-Activated Bird Teaser Toy might be a better choice.

West Coast Pet Products Catnip Cat Kicker Toy

Reasons to buy: Refillable, comes with extra catnip, machine-washable, affordable.Reasons to avoid: Catnip can get stuck on the Velcro.

High-energy cats

Best Multi-purpose Toy: Catnip Hedgehog ToysThese catnip hedgehog toys serve dual purposes: as both a toy and a self-grooming device. They come as a pack of three and cost under $10. The double-sided tape allows you to attach them to any surface, and we found they did not leave any residue or stains when removed. Our cat, Tofu, loved rubbing her face against them, licking them, and using her paw to spin the ball of catnip inside. If you're looking for something that takes self-grooming to the next level, try the Catit Senses Self-Groomer instead.

Reasons to buy: Refillable, good for independent play, grooms your cat.Reasons to avoid: Won't keep your cat as active as other toys.

KONG Refillable Catnip Hedgehog Cat Toy

Best Catnip Brush: BPA-free Catnip BrushWhile not traditionally a toy, this catnip brush proves a game-changer for cats that dislike being brushed. The catnip bag slots in the middle, making this usually tedious chore more attractive for cats. Priced under $5, it's an excellent bargain! If you're looking for a toy that keeps your cat active, opt for the Motion-Activated Bird Teaser Toy.

High prey drive cats

Reasons to buy: Good for grooming, includes catnip, BPA-free, affordable.Reasons to avoid: Doesn't keep your cat active.

Best Teaser Toy: Motion-Activated Bird Teaser ToyLooking to keep your cat active? This teaser toy is our top recommendation and has successfully held the attention of our less energetic cat, Tofu. When the cat bites into it, it emits a realistic bird noise, immediately catching the cat's attention. The toy comes with a catnip pouch for sprinkling on top, making it an excellent tool for tapping into your cat's natural hunting instincts while bonding with them. The noises can get a bit annoying, but they seem to work well even without them. If you prefer a chargeable toy, consider the Catit Groovy Fish instead.

Catnip Hedgehogs

Reasons to buy: Promotes exercise, motion-activated noises, catnip included.Reasons to avoid: Noises can get annoying, non-chargeable.

Independent cats

In addition to these top picks, our testing team also evaluated several other catnip toys, such as the Multipet's Lamb Chop Cat Wand, Mini Lambchop Toy, and Planet Pleasures Spiral Cylinder. Unfortunately, the Multipet's Lamb Chop Cat Wand did not pass our safety check due to shedding fur that could potentially be harmful to cats. The other toys were durable but not necessarily refillable, such as the Planet Pleasures Spiral Cylinder.

Our team of expert reviewers went through a rigorous process to test these toys, evaluating them based on factors like cat approval, durability and safety, refillability, and value for money. The toys in this guide cost under $20, making affordable options available for every cat owner.

Catit Senses Self Groomer

Choosing the best catnip toy depends on your cat’s preferences and playstyle. If you know your cat tends to chew toys, opt for a simple shape without small attachments that could come off. For more active cats, consider toys that engage their hunting instincts and encourage play. Always ensure that toys are safe and durable, and the catnip contents are fresh to provide your cat with the most enjoyable playtime experience possible.

Cats who usually hate being brushed

Sources:- Dr. Godfrey (interviewed)- Megan Milstead- Joey Lasvardi- Alisa Partlan- Georgia Guerin- Alexis de Leaver (edited)- [Online] (n.d.). Retrieved March 2025 from URL

Cats who need more exercise or high prey drive cats

[1] Catnip Chemicals that Stimulate Cats' Behavior | Cat Nip Cat Litter & Cat Scratching Post Spray | Nature's Miracle[2] Behavioral effects of silver vine (Actinidia ramulosa) in cats | Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery | Vol: 18 Iss: 4; pp: 280-283[3] Catnip usage and consumption | Small Animal Practice | Int Arch Vet Med Res | 1999 | Vol: 23:1; pp: 12-16[4] Why Are Cats Attracted to Catnip? | PetMD[5] How to Choose Cat Toys | The Spruce Pets (n.d.) Retrieved March 2025 from URL

Motion Activated Bird Teaser Catnip Toy

The active chemicals in catnip naturally degrade over time, making refillable catnip toys essential for maintaining cats' engagement and play.
Refillable catnip toys, such as the Catit Groovy Fish, are perfect for ensuring the catnip remains fresh and prolonging the fun for cats.
For households with high-energy cats, the Motion-Activated Bird Teaser Toy is an excellent choice to engage their hunting instincts and keep them active.
Independent cats might prefer the Catit Groovy Fish or the Handmade US Catnip Kicker Toy, both offering interactive play options that cater to their unique personalities.
Low-maintenance cats may enjoy the BPA-free Catnip Brush, which doubles as a grooming tool and combines catnip for a two-in-one solution.
Cats who hate being brushed could find it less tedious with the BPA-free Catnip Brush, providing a fun twist to this usually mundane task.