Sep
25
2010

Can cats eat the catnip inside catnip toys?

I know if you buy a catnip plant, you can feed that catnip to your cats. But what about catnip TOYS? If they break open, can cats eat the catnip inside? My friend’s cat is playing with a catnip toy and she wants to know if it’s okay for her cat to eat it if it breaks open.
It was made by someone, it is 100% catnip, and it has fabric sewn around it. My friend got it for free from our community day not too long ago.

If she 100% certain that there is absolutely nothing inside the toy except pure catnip.

Dried catnip itself is fine for cats to eat.

The reason I am being cautious is that earlier today someone posted a question giving the impression that their cat had become poisoned by a bag that catnip came in (perhaps not). And a couple of months ago someone posted about a cat toy filled with questionable stuff, I think pieces of garbage!

Be especially careful if the toy was manufactured somewhere like China where whatever regulations they do have are not enforced. I don’t want to malign people who make cat toys, I even make some myself, just tell your friend to err on the side of extreme caution unless she knows who made the toy.

Update: If your cat got the toy as described it should be totally okay for the cat to eat the catnip.

6 Responses to “Can cats eat the catnip inside catnip toys?”

  1. KimbeeJ Says:

    It won’t hurt him. Mostly they’ll just want to roll around on it rather than actually eat it.
    References :
    CVT

  2. susan n Says:

    If she 100% certain that there is absolutely nothing inside the toy except pure catnip.

    Dried catnip itself is fine for cats to eat.

    The reason I am being cautious is that earlier today someone posted a question giving the impression that their cat had become poisoned by a bag that catnip came in (perhaps not). And a couple of months ago someone posted about a cat toy filled with questionable stuff, I think pieces of garbage!

    Be especially careful if the toy was manufactured somewhere like China where whatever regulations they do have are not enforced. I don’t want to malign people who make cat toys, I even make some myself, just tell your friend to err on the side of extreme caution unless she knows who made the toy.

    Update: If your cat got the toy as described it should be totally okay for the cat to eat the catnip.
    References :

  3. Jesus Saves Says:

    Catnip is actually healthy for cats. I have a giant catnip plant in my back yard that I treat them with sometimes. It will be perfectly fine for the cat.
    References :
    Experience.

  4. Jenny S Says:

    I think it gives them a buzz, which is why the like it so much. The only reservation I have is someone putting something other than catnip and claiming it is. To be sure you can grow your own. Make sure you make it where the neighborhood cats can’t get it, otherwise there won’t be much of a plant left.
    References :
    lifelong cat lover

  5. otter_woman Says:

    Just make sure it is catnip and not sawdust mixed with catnip.
    catnip is good for humans as well
    It is a good digestive herb for stomach pain
    References :
    licensed rescue and foster agent for pitbulls, rottweilers,dobermans and bulldogs
    dog trainer and dog behavioural modifications trainer
    30years +

  6. Heather C Says:

    If it’s only catnip inside, it’s fine for the cat to eat. Dried and fresh catnip are both perfectly safe for cats.
    References :

Leave a Reply