Looking for Catnip Toy
September 4, 2010 9:07 PM Subscribe
Where can I find a durable, refillable catnip pouch toy?
I once saw this little catnip pouch toy, something sort of like this -- except that it had a velcro seal and was refillable. I've eBayed, Amazoned, and Googled but can't seem to find anything like it. Preference would be for a simple design -- no mouse shapes or crazy patterns -- just a plain pouch toy. Does it exist?
I once saw this little catnip pouch toy, something sort of like this -- except that it had a velcro seal and was refillable. I've eBayed, Amazoned, and Googled but can't seem to find anything like it. Preference would be for a simple design -- no mouse shapes or crazy patterns -- just a plain pouch toy. Does it exist?
Not sure where you're located but I got our cat one of those a few months ago at Pet Supplies Plus. They had several options that were refillable, and I'm almost positive that one of them was plain like you described. (They unfortunately do not have product listings online.)
posted by ella wren at 9:35 PM on September 4, 2010
posted by ella wren at 9:35 PM on September 4, 2010
I've seen them at Pet Valu here in Canada. Store locator.
posted by cranberrymonger at 10:02 PM on September 4, 2010
posted by cranberrymonger at 10:02 PM on September 4, 2010
Best answer: I've found them at supermarkets.
However, I've found that a big bin of good catnip and a sock tied at the end is much cheaper, and the cat seems to like it just as much.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:14 PM on September 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
However, I've found that a big bin of good catnip and a sock tied at the end is much cheaper, and the cat seems to like it just as much.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 10:14 PM on September 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Best answer: Seconding socks for catnip fun. I take old socks, put in a shake of catnip, put another old sock inside, more catnip, etc. until it is full. Tied off, my cat loves that it is the perfect size, and firm enough to bite and rabbit kick at the same time. Plus, essentially free to make and replace.
posted by gilsonal at 10:28 PM on September 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by gilsonal at 10:28 PM on September 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: A sock sounds like a really simple solution! Thank you for the other suggestions as well.
posted by whiskeyspider at 10:51 PM on September 4, 2010
posted by whiskeyspider at 10:51 PM on September 4, 2010
Sock thing thirded, but with a variation: after you've worn the heel out of an old sock, cut it at some point between the heel and toe. Add loose catnip and a little bit of crumpled paper to make it crinkly, then tie it off with a twisty-tie (like what's used to close bread or garbage bags), being sure to tuck the ends under and out of harm's way. If your cat tries to eat the twisty-tie, you can use thread to tie it or sew the sock shut.
When the catnip has lost its scent the sock can be opened, emptied, washed, and refilled. (And yes, just tying a knot in a whole sock is easier, but my cat won't play with a toy that large. She likes her toys mouse-sized. YMMV.)
One last tip: sometimes these toys seem to have lost their scent when they just need to be shaken up a bit. Pick up one end, whack the sock against something hard a few times, and put it under kitty's nose as a test. If kitty shows no interest, then it's time for a wash & refill.
posted by Marla Singer at 1:11 AM on September 5, 2010
When the catnip has lost its scent the sock can be opened, emptied, washed, and refilled. (And yes, just tying a knot in a whole sock is easier, but my cat won't play with a toy that large. She likes her toys mouse-sized. YMMV.)
One last tip: sometimes these toys seem to have lost their scent when they just need to be shaken up a bit. Pick up one end, whack the sock against something hard a few times, and put it under kitty's nose as a test. If kitty shows no interest, then it's time for a wash & refill.
posted by Marla Singer at 1:11 AM on September 5, 2010
My cats have one of these catnip squirrels that has a velcro opening to replace the catnip. When the little catnip 'teabag' lost its potency, I just wrapped some dried catnip in a bit of kitchen paper and put it inside.
They love this toy, not just because of the catnip but I think because it also looks like the critters which torment them through the patio windows.
posted by essexjan at 11:17 AM on September 5, 2010
They love this toy, not just because of the catnip but I think because it also looks like the critters which torment them through the patio windows.
posted by essexjan at 11:17 AM on September 5, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by melissasaurus at 9:33 PM on September 4, 2010