# gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com AI-readable index of public store content. ## Collections - [Catnip Spray: Refresh Old Toys and Brings More Zoomies](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/collections/catnip-spray) Our Royal Elixir blends Extra Fancy grade organic catnip with silvervine in one spritz. That means extra zoomies, even for the fussiest of felines! Spray it on: Tired toys: 2–3 sprays, let dry, back in play Scratching posts: better than the sofa Carriers: a happy scent before vet day Two or three times a week keeps toys out of the landfill! Pair with our catnip & silvervine toys. Free UK delivery. 1% to Feline Care. - [Extra Strong Catnip Toys Your Cat Will Love!](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/collections/catnip-toys-for-cats) Designer plush toys filled with organic catnip and silvervine. When the scent fades, one spritz of Royal Elixir brings it back. Organic catnip + silvervine Refillable with spray 1% to Feline Care Each plush catnip toy is filled with organic catnip and silvervine — two plants that trigger play through different compounds, so they reach more cats than catnip alone. Free UK delivery and Flat Rate Delivery to the USA. - [Cat Anxiety Relief](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/collections/cat-anxiety-relief) Calm Enrichment for Nervous and Rescue Cats New home, new flatmate, vet day. Organic catnip and silvervine give a nervous cat something positive to investigate — on their own terms. What this can — and can't — do The first week with a rescue cat often looks like an empty room and two eyes under the bed. Nothing rushes that. What helps is giving them a reason to explore. A spritz of Royal Elixir on a blanket, a carrier or a new scratching post turns an unfamiliar object into an interesting one. A toy gives them something to do with the nervous energy. Moving house — spray a familiar blanket in their new spot Vet visits — spray the carrier ahead of time, leave it out with the door open New people or pets — one sprayed toy per cat in separate spaces Catnip isn't a sedative or a medicine. If your cat is hiding for weeks, not eating, or over-grooming, talk to your vet or a qualified behaviourist first. Organic catnip + silvervine · Nothing synthetic · Free UK delivery · 1% to Feline Care - [Catnip Toy Bundles — The Toy and the Refill, for Less](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/collections/bundles) A designer catnip toy for today, and the spray that keeps it interesting long after. Together, they cost less than buying separately. Duo — one toy, one 60ml spray. The sensible start and our most given gift. The Collection — three toys, one for each play style: kick, carry, bat The Royal Heist — all three toys plus the spray. The full set! These bundles offer great value and gifts for cats. Oh the glamour, go on and spoil your Feline Friend... Save min of 10% off products in a bundle - Free UK delivery - [Gifts for Cat Lovers](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/collections/gifts-for-cat-lovers) Designer catnip toys and silvervine spray, packaged to give. Organic, refillable, and far less likely to end up in a drawer than another cat mug. Free UK delivery · Order for Christmas · 1% to Feline Care Organic-sourced and gift-ready for the most demanding of cats! Year-round cat gifting — birthdays, rescues, new arrivals — and, yes, Christmas. - [Silvervine Cat Toys — For Cats Who Ignore Catnip](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/collections/silvervine-cat-toys) About 1 in 3 cats don't react to catnip. Silvervine works through a different compound, and in research most of those cats responded to it. Every silvervine cat toy and spray here pairs organic catnip with genuine silvervine fruit and concentrate, at full potency. The Count's Moustache is where most sceptical cats start — toy and spray, full strength. Built for the pickiest cats in the room. Organic catnip + real silvervine fruit · Toys and spray · Free UK delivery ## Products - [Royal Elixir Catnip Spray with Silvervine – 60ml](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/catnip-and-silvervine-spray-senior-active-blend-catnip-spray) | price 13.65 GBP | tags cat enrichment, cat toy refresher, catnip spray, scratching post spray, silvervine spray - [The Catnip Queen's Designer Clutch - Extra Fancy Catnip Toy with Silvervine](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/designer-clutch-extra-fancy-catnip-toy-silvervine) | price 11.25 GBP | tags catnip toys, interactive cat toy, plush cat toy, premium catnip toy, silvervine cat toy - [Strong Catnip Toy with Silvervine - The Catnip Queen's Count's Moustache](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/counts-moustache-extra-fancy-catnip-toy-silvervine) | price 10.35 GBP | tags bunny kick toy, cat mental stimulation, Cat Supplies, catnip toy, character cat toy, charitable cat products, conversation starter cat toy, designer cat toy, distinguished cat toy, extra fancy catnip, funny cat toy, gift cat toy, hunting behavior toy, indoor cat enrichment, interactive cat toys, luxury cat toys, moustache cat toy, mustache cat toy, novelty cat toy, organic catnip toys, premium cat toys, silvervine cat toy, sophisticated cat toys, sustainable cat toys, UK cat toy, unique cat toys - [The Catnip Queen’s Royal Catch - a Designer Fish Catnip Toy for Cats](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/catnip-fish-toy) | price 13.5 GBP | tags cat toys for cats, catnip toys, fish cat toy, interactive cat toy, plush cat toy - [Designer Clutch & Elixir Duo Bundle - Catnip Toy Plus Catnip & Silvervine Spray 60ml](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/elixir-duo-bag-catnip-toy-plus-catnip-silvervine-spray-50ml) | price 22.5 GBP | tags cat enrichment, catnip spray, catnip toys, interactive cat toy, silvervine spray - [Organic Catnip Toy & Catnip plus Silvervine Spray Set 60ml](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/counts-moustache-organic-catnip-toy-silvervine-spray-bundle) | price 19.75 GBP | tags cat enrichment, catnip spray, catnip toy, organic cat toys, silvervine spray - [The Royal Heist - Luxury Gifts for cat lovers - 3 Catnip Toys plus Royal Elixir Catnip Spray 60ml](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/the-royal-heist-luxury-gifts-for-cat-lovers-3-catnip-toys-plus-royal-elixir-catnip-spray-50ml) | price 35.5 GBP | tags cat enrichment, Cat Supplies, catnip spray, designer cat toy, distinguished cat toy, extra fancy catnip, interactive cat toy, silvervine spray, UK cat toy, unique cat toys - [The Royal Catch & Elixir Duo Catnip Toy - Catnip & Silvervine Spray - 60ml](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/the-royal-catch-elixir-duo-catnip-toy-plus-catnip-silvervine-spray-60ml) | price 21.5 GBP | tags bunny kick toy, cat enrichment, Cat Supplies, cat toys for cats, catnip toy, catnip toys, interactive cat toy, silvervine spray - [The Catnip Queen's Collection - 3 Luxury Catnip Toys for Cats - Extra Fancy Catnip with Silvervine](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/products/the-catnip-queens-collection-3-luxury-catnip-toys-for-cats-extra-fancy-catnip-with-silvevine) | price 28.0 GBP | tags cat enrichment, Cat Supplies, catnip spray, catnip toy, interactive cat toy, silvervine spray ## Pages - [Contact](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/contact) Get in touch with us via this form regarding your orders, product questions or general cat care and advice. Call the Catnip Queen on +44(0) 7883 304 355 or email hello@thecatnipqueen.com. - [Our Story - The Catnip Queen](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/about-the-catnip-queen) - [Your Privacy Choices](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/data-sharing-opt-out) At The Catnip Queen, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Information We Collect - We collect information you provide directly, such as your name, email address, postal address, and payment details when you place an order or create an account. We also collect information automatically through cookies and similar technologies to improve your browsing experience and understand how you use our website. How We Use Your Information - Your data is used to process orders, deliver products, provide customer support, and send you marketing communications (only with your consent). We use cookies to enhance site functionality and analyse website traffic. We never sell or share your personal information with third parties without your explicit consent. Your Rights Under GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data. You can withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly. You also have the right to data portability and to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Data Security - We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Contact Us - If you have questions about our privacy practices, please contact us at The Catnip Queen, and we'll be happy to help. hello@catnipqueen.com - [The Catnip Queen and Cat Anxiety FAQs](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/catnip-faqs) Your Questions, Answered Darling, even royalty needs a briefing now and then. Buying & getting in touch Where can I buy The Catnip Queen? Here on our website, thecatnipqueen.com, and on Amazon UK at our Amazon store. For the latest drops and behind-the-scenes, follow @thecatnipqueen on TikTok. How do I contact you? Email hello@thecatnipqueen.com for customer support or retail and wholesale enquiries. A real person reads every message. How do I hear about new toys first? Join the VIP list. You'll get early access to new drops, subscriber-only offers and the occasional peek behind the scenes. No daily spam, promise. Will you do limited editions? Yes. Keep an eye on TikTok and the VIP list – that's where they'll land first. Do you offer a subscription? Yes. Subscribe on thecatnipqueen.com and we'll keep your cat's collection fresh, swapping in the latest toy drops and catnip blends as they arrive. Prefer Amazon? Our Royal Elixir sprays are available on Subscribe & Save at our Amazon store. You can also subscribe through TikTok – find us at @thecatnipqueen. The toys How big are the toys? Each one is sized for a different kind of play: The Designer Clutch – 9cm long, 5cm high. Small and light, made for batting. The Count's Moustache – 12cm long, 3cm high. Easy to carry around the house. The Royal Catch – 13cm long, 8.5cm high. Our largest, built for bunny-kicking and suited to bigger cats and rougher play. Our product photos show each toy next to everyday objects, so you can picture the size before you buy. Why does a single toy cost around £12? Fair question. You're paying for Extra Fancy grade catnip – the top grade, mostly leaf and flower – blended with silvervine fruit, inside a toy designed to be played with, not binned after a week. The maths: a £12.50 toy that lasts a year works out at about 3p a day. Pair it with a Royal Elixir spray and a couple of spritzes revives the scent, so the toy keeps earning its place. Will a heavy chewer destroy them? Honestly? They're made for batting, kicking and carrying, not for chewing. They're stitched to take rough play, but a determined chewer can get through any fabric toy. If your cat is a serious chewer, play together and put the toy away afterwards. If you spot a torn seam or the inner pouch showing, take it away – and email us, we'd like to know. We have more than one cat. Any advice? Give each cat their own toy – it saves a lot of hissing. The Catnip Queen's Collection brings all three toys together (in Purple or Gold), and The Royal Heist adds a Royal Elixir spray, so you have enough to share and spares to rotate. How do I keep the catnip smelling strong? Store toys in a sealed bag or airtight jar between sessions. Rotate three or four toys across the week so each one gets a rest. Let toys air-dry after play before you put them away. Give them a gentle squeeze every few weeks to release fresh scent. When the scent fades, a couple of sprays of Royal Elixir brings it back – less waste than buying new. How do I keep an indoor cat entertained? Rotate toys through the week so there's always something "new". Join in: toss the toy, let them stalk and pounce. Hide a toy and let them hunt for it. Mix catnip play with other enrichment – window perches, climbing, scratching posts. Two or three catnip sessions a week tends to keep interest high. Catnip & silvervine: the science What does catnip actually do? Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains nepetalactone. When your cat smells it, it triggers a burst of happy behaviour – rolling, rubbing, playful kicking, sometimes a bit of drooling or chatter. It usually lasts around ten minutes, then your cat settles down for a while. Do cats eat catnip or just sniff it? Mostly they sniff, lick, rub and roll – the reaction comes from the smell. Some will chew too. In our toys the catnip sits in a pouch inside, so your cat can't eat much of it, and our sprays give the scent without the mess. Is catnip safe? Catnip is non-toxic to cats and isn't considered addictive. A few sensible notes: Eating a lot of loose catnip can cause a mild upset tummy. A few cats get a bit over-excited. If play turns swatty, end the session and try again another day. If your cat has a health condition or is on medication, check with your vet first. Can I give my cat catnip every day? You can, but you'll get less out of it. After a session, most cats go unresponsive to catnip for a while, and daily exposure can dull the novelty. Two or three sessions a week, with toys rotated, keeps it special. My cat ignores catnip. Is the toy faulty? Almost certainly not. Responding to catnip is inherited, and roughly one in three cats simply doesn't react to it. In a 2017 study of 100 cats, 68% responded to catnip. That's why every Catnip Queen toy also contains silvervine. In the same study, around 7 in 10 of the cats that ignored catnip did respond to silvervine – it works through different compounds. Still nothing? Email us and we'll help you troubleshoot. Source: Bol et al., BMC Veterinary Research, 2017. Is it suitable for kittens? No. Our toys are designed for adult cats and aren't suitable for kittens. What about senior cats? Older cats can still enjoy catnip, and a new scent can tempt a cat who's lost interest in toys. Keep sessions gentle and match the play to your cat's mobility. Dogs & other pets How do dogs react to catnip? Most dogs show little or no interest. When there is an effect, it tends to be mildly calming rather than exciting. Is it safe if my dog eats catnip? Catnip is generally regarded as non-toxic to dogs, and a small amount is usually fine. Eating a large quantity can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, and rarely a dog may have an allergic reaction (itching, swelling, difficulty breathing). Our toys are designed for cats, so please keep them away from dogs and young children, and supervise play. My dog has eaten some catnip. What should I do? If your dog seems normal, offer fresh water and keep an eye on them – most have no problems beyond mild drowsiness. If your dog has eaten a whole toy, contact your vet, as fabric and stitching can cause a blockage. Call your vet promptly too if you see repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, unusual lethargy, signs of an allergic reaction, or if your dog has health conditions or takes medication. Giving back Do you support any cat charities? Yes. 1% of every sale goes to Feline Care (Charity No. 1144830), supporting cat rescue, medical care and rehoming. Still have a question? Email hello@thecatnipqueen.com and we'll get back to you. - [Manage Subscriptions](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/manage-subscriptions) Manage your Catnip Queen subscriptions with ease. Update, pause, or cancel your orders anytime from one convenient place. - [The Rescue Cat Anxiety Guide: What Actually Works](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/the-rescue-cat-anxiety-guide-what-actually-works) By Veronika Purr-Ashworth aka "The Catnip Queen" Understanding Rescue Cat Anxiety Anxiety in rescue cats isn't personality. It's trauma response. Every cat entering a new home experiences significant stress. This is a behavioural response to environmental change, not a permanent character trait. What Rescue Cat Anxiety Looks Like Hiding (normal, expected) Over-grooming (bald patches, obsessive licking) Litter box avoidance (stress response, not spite) Fear-based aggression (defence, not meanness) Excessive vocalization (distress signaling) Destructive behaviour (stress outlet) Appetite changes (loss or stress eating) Hypervigilance (constant alertness, won't relax) The 3-3-3 Timeline 3 days: Survival mode, hiding, won't eat properly 3 weeks: Starting to explore, understanding routine 3 months: Beginning to show actual personality, building trust Cats need weeks to months, not days. First 48 Hours: Critical Actions 1. Create a Safe Base Room Don't give them the whole house. Overwhelming choice increases anxiety. Essential setup: One quiet room (bedroom or study) Litter tray in corner, food/water opposite side Hiding spaces: cardboard box, open carrier, under-bed access Vertical space: cat tree, shelves, wardrobe access Your worn clothing for scent familiarization London studio flat? Use bathroom or section off sleeping area with room divider. Space matters less than security. 2. Let Them Hide First instinct: "I want to bond with my new cat!" Reality: They need space for potentially 24-48 hours. Do this: Place essentials in safe room (like catnip toys!) Leave them alone except for: Daily litter cleaning Twice-daily food/water refresh Sit quietly in room reading (no eye contact, no interaction) Let them approach you when ready Don't do this: ❌ Force interaction ❌ Bring friends/family to meet them ❌ Pick them up or corner them ❌ Stare at them (direct eye contact = threat) ❌ Expect normal eating immediately 3. Understand Eating Patterns Stressed cats often won't eat for 24-48 hours. This is normal. After 48 hours without eating, contact your vet. Encourage eating: Offer strong-smelling food: tuna, sardines, chicken Warm food slightly (releases aroma) Leave food and exit (they'll eat when you're gone) Try different textures: pâté, chunks, dry Small portions, multiple times Week One: Building Foundation Establish Routine (Most Important) Cats are obsessive about routine. Consistency = safety. Morning (same time daily): 7:00am: Enter quietly, refill food/water 7:05am: Quick litter check/clean 7:10am: Sit with coffee/phone for 10-15 minutes (ignore cat) 7:25am: Exit quietly Evening (same time daily): 7:00pm: Feed dinner 7:30pm: Sit reading/working for 30 minutes 8:00pm: Exit Before bed: 11:00pm: Quick check, top up water Leave alone overnight London commuter? Automatic feeder for morning consistency. Evening routine is where you build trust. Reading Body Language Signs they're relaxing: Slow blinks (return them) Eating while you're present Self-grooming (maintenance, not stress) Exploring room with you there Sitting within 2-3 metres Tail up (confident) Signs they're still stressed: Flattened ears (afraid/aggressive) Dilated pupils in bright room (high alert) Tail wrapped tight (defensive) Low crouching (ready to flee) Hissing/growling (fear response) If they're showing stress signals, back off. You're moving too fast. Weeks 2-4: Gradual Expansion When to Expand Territory Only when they: Eat regularly in your presence Use litter tray consistently Approach you for attention (even briefly) Explore entire safe room confidently Sleep visibly (not hiding 24/7) Not ready? Don't expand. Some cats need 6 weeks in safe room. That's fine. How to Expand Week 2-3: One adjacent room Open door between rooms Let them explore at their pace Keep door open (they need escape route) Keep food/water/litter in original safe room Week 3-4: Two-room access Add another connected room Maintain safe room as base Consider second litter tray Week 4+: Whole home access Only when confident in 2-3 rooms Leave all doors open initially Multiple hiding spots throughout Multi-Cat Households Found a stray but already have cats? Completely different process. Do NOT introduce immediately. Proper introduction takes 4-6 weeks minimum. Week 1: Scent swapping Keep new cat in separate room (closed door) Swap bedding between cats daily Feed both on opposite sides of closed door Associate each other's scent with positive experiences Week 2-3: Visual introduction Crack door open 2-3cm (door wedge) Let them see each other while eating If hissing/aggression, slow down Week 3-4: Supervised meetings Brief (5-10 minute) supervised time together Multiple escape routes for both Positive reinforcement (treats, play) Separate immediately if stressed Week 4-6: Gradual integration Longer supervised periods Monitor for resource guarding Separate at night initially Rushing creates permanent tension. Do it properly once. Weeks 4-12: Building Confidence Environmental Enrichment Vertical Space = Security Cats feel safest when elevated. London flat solutions: Wall-mounted cat shelves (no floor space needed) Tall cat trees near windows Access to wardrobe tops/shelves Window perches Hiding Spaces Throughout Cardboard boxes in every room (free, effective) Cat tunnels (pop-up fabric) Under furniture access Covered beds/caves Window Access Visual stimulation comforts rescue cats Window sills with cushions "Cat TV": bird feeders outside 15 minutes window time daily helps Play Therapy Play isn't entertainment. It's therapeutic. Why play with Catnip Toys reduces anxiety: Mimics hunting (instinctual satisfaction) Burns stress-related energy Builds confidence through "catches" Creates positive human association Start with distance play: Wand toys (feather wands, string toys) Stay 2-3 metres away initially Move toy away from them (prey runs away) Let them "catch" every 3-4 attempts 5-10 minutes daily, same time Progress to interactive play: Laser pointers (end with physical toy they can "catch") Gradually decrease distance as they gain confidence Advanced play (confident cats): Hide treats around room Puzzle feeders Interactive toys they control Don't do this: ❌ Use hands as toys (creates aggression) ❌ Play too rough ❌ Force them to play Therapeutic Catnip Use What it does: Catnip (Nepeta cataria) triggers happiness receptors in ~70-80% of cats. It's a positive stimulant, not sedative. For anxious rescue cats: Creates positive environmental associations Encourages play behaviour Makes new spaces feel "good" Reduces stress during transitions Proper use: Therapeutic-grade catnip only (mass-market loses potency quickly) Apply to scratching posts, hiding spots, play areas Use during routine times Light application maintains efficacy Frequency: 2-3 times weekly maximum Part of play routine or enrichment Not a substitute for proper integration 20-30% of cats don't respond to catnip genetically. That's normal. Alternative botanicals: silvervine, valerian root (consult vet first). Month 3+: Long-Term Management When to Seek Professional Help Most rescue cat anxiety improves with time and consistency. Contact a vet or feline behaviourist if after 3+ months: Still won't eat normally (significant weight loss) Self-harms (serious over-grooming causing wounds) Constantly eliminates outside litter box Aggression escalating, not improving Won't leave hiding spot even when alone Appears physically unwell Rule out medical issues first: Urinary tract infections (elimination issues) Dental pain (not eating, aggression) Arthritis (mobility changes) Thyroid issues (hyperactivity, vocalization) Vet should examine within first week, then reassess at 3 months. When Medication Is Appropriate Behavioural medication isn't "giving up." Sometimes it's necessary. Appropriate scenarios: Severe trauma (hoarding, abuse cases) Self-harming despite proper environment Quality of life significantly impaired Environmental management isn't enough Common medications: Fluoxetine (Prozac): Long-term anxiety Gabapentin: Short-term stress reduction Feliway: Environmental support (not medication) Only prescribed by vets after proper assessment. Medication works best combined with routine, enrichment, behavioural modification, and time. Special Situations Found Street Cat (Stray vs Feral) Stray (previously owned): Shows interest in humans despite fear May vocalize (meowing is learned for humans) Responds to food being offered Integration: 3-8 weeks typically Feral (never socialized): Avoids all human contact Silent (doesn't meow at humans) May never fully socialize Integration: 6-12+ months, may never be lap cat If you found a street cat: First 24 hours: Vet check Scan for microchip (might be lost) Check for injuries, illness, parasites FIV/FeLV testing (affects introducing to other cats) Vaccination status Found vs keeping decision: Check local lost cat databases Post on local Facebook, NextDoor Contact local rescues Legally hold 2-3 weeks before permanent adoption If keeping: Follow standard rescue integration protocol Feral cats: Consider TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs. Ferals often have better quality of life outdoors in managed colonies. Senior Rescue Cats (10+ Years) Physical considerations: Arthritis common (low-entry litter trays essential) Dental issues (softer food needed) Reduced mobility (ramps to elevated spaces) More frequent vet checks Behavioural considerations: Often calmer, less initial anxiety Established preferences Change is harder (need more consistency) Previous home loss can cause depression Senior advantages: Known personality Often overlooked in shelters (saving a life) Lower exercise needs (perfect for smaller flats) Deep bonds form quickly Integration timeline: 6-16 weeks typically Pregnant/Nursing Found Cats Immediate actions: Vet check urgently Provide quiet, dark, enclosed space High-calorie food (nursing cats need 3x normal) Water constantly available Do NOT separate from kittens if nursing (extreme distress) Nursing space requirements: Completely separate from household Temperature controlled Zero loud noises Mum's anxiety: Needs to feel kittens are safe Minimal human interaction first 2 weeks Handle kittens only for health checks Her anxiety is protective instinct, not aggression Post-weaning (8-10 weeks): Spay mum immediately after weaning Keep kittens until 12 weeks minimum Mum's personality changes dramatically post-nursing Contact local rescue organizations immediately. They have foster programs better equipped for this situation. What Success Looks Like Realistic Expectations Fantasy outcome: Week 2: Cuddly, affectionate, loves everyone Month 1: Perfect lap cat Month 3: Social butterfly Actual common outcome: Month 1: Eating normally, hiding less Month 3: Comfortable in most of home, seeking some attention Month 6: Affectionate with primary caretaker, tolerates visitors Year 1: Settled personality, manageable quirks Some cats will never be: Lap cats (personality, not anxiety) Social with strangers (bond with 1-2 people only) Playful (some are just chill, especially seniors) Cuddly (prefer being near you, not on you) None of this means they're unhappy or traumatized. Signs Your Cat Is Settled You know they're okay when: Eating normally: Healthy weight, normal appetite Using litter tray consistently: No accidents Grooming: Normal grooming (not excessive, not stopped) Play behaviour: Even 5 minutes daily Sleep: Sleeping visibly in various spots Seeking attention: On their terms, at their pace Normal vocalizations: Not excessive, but comfortable Exploring confidently: Moving through home without hypervigilance Physical health: Healthy coat (shiny, not patchy) Clear eyes (no discharge) Normal energy for their age Healthy weight Regular toileting Relationship markers: Greeting you when home (even just looking up) Slow blinks (cat affection) Sitting in same room (proximity = trust) Eventually: Head bumps, rubbing, sitting near/on you Timeline: Most cats show these signs by 4-6 months post-adoption. If not showing most by 6 months, consult feline behaviourist. Crisis Management: Common Setbacks Regression After Progress Your cat was doing great, now suddenly hiding again. This is normal. Causes: Change in routine (holiday, work schedule shift) Household changes (new furniture, renovation, visitor) Outside stress (fireworks, building work) Medical issue developing (rule out first) What to do: Don't panic (regression doesn't erase progress) Return to basics: safe room access, consistent routine Check for environmental changes Vet check if persists beyond 1 week Give time—they'll bounce back within days-weeks Don't do this: ❌ Force interaction ❌ Assume all progress lost ❌ Change approach completely Moving House You're moving. Your rescue cat's worst nightmare. 2 weeks before: Keep one room packed-box-free (their safe room) Maintain normal routine despite chaos Feliway diffusers throughout Moving day: Keep cat in bathroom/small room with sign ("CAT INSIDE - DO NOT OPEN") Food, water, litter with them Move them last Set up their safe room in new place first New home: Start with ONE ROOM ONLY (from beginning again) All familiar items: same bowls, litter tray, bed Your worn clothing for scent Follow same integration timeline Expect 2-4 weeks before comfortable Expect regression. Plan for it. They will settle again. Introducing New Partners/Flatmates New person moving in. Cat is suspicious. Week 1: Scent introduction New person leaves worn clothing in cat's favourite spots New person does feeding (positive association) No forced interaction Week 2-3: Ignoring strategy New person completely ignores cat No eye contact, no attempts to pet Just existing in shared space Cat approaches on their terms Week 3+: Building relationship New person participates in play sessions (distance maintained) Treats offered (placed on ground, not hand-fed) Gradual desensitization Timeline: 4-8 weeks for acceptance, 3-6 months for bonding If new person is impatient: They need to understand this is non-negotiable. Rushing damages trust permanently. Tools & Products That Help Essential (Don't Skip) Quality litter tray: Large (1.5x cat's length), high-sided, uncovered Multiple trays: One per cat plus one extra (minimum) Clumping litter: Fine-grain, unscented Stainless steel bowls: Ceramic works, plastic causes chin acne Water fountain: Encourages drinking (kidney health) Scratching posts: Tall (full-stretch), sturdy, sisal or cardboard Hiding spots: Cardboard boxes (free is fine) Cat carrier: Hard-sided, top-loading (less stress) Helpful But Not Essential Feliway diffusers: Synthetic pheromones (£30/month, some cats respond) Calming treats: L-theanine based (evidence mixed, low-risk) Therapeutic catnip: Quality matters—mass-market loses potency Treat puzzles: Mental stimulation for confident cats Window perch: If no windowsill access Waste of Money for Anxious Cats Expensive cat beds (they'll use cardboard box) Elaborate furniture (until confident, simplicity better) Matching bowl sets (they don't care) Cat clothing (stressful, unnecessary) Automatic toys (overwhelming initially) London-Specific Essentials Air purifier: Flats are small, litter smell matters Enzyme cleaner: For accidents (essential in rentals) Tall cat tree: Uses vertical space in small flats The Most Important Thing Here's what matters: Time. You cannot rush healing. You cannot force trust. You cannot schedule when a traumatized cat decides to relax. What you CAN do: Provide safety (consistent environment) Provide routine (predictability reduces anxiety) Provide patience (time without pressure) Provide resources (proper food, enrichment, vet care) What you CANNOT do: Make them trust faster Erase their trauma Guarantee specific personality Control their timeline Every rescue cat I've worked with eventually settled. Some took 6 weeks. Some took 9 months. One took 14 months before sitting in the same room as me. They all got there. Your job isn't to fix them. Your job is to provide the space—physical and temporal—for them to heal themselves. Resources & Support UK Organizations Feline Care Rescue Sanctuary and Advice on Rehoming. Roundham Road, Harling, Norfolk NR17 2AB Email - info@felinecare.org.uk Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Free post-adoption behavioural support Phone: 0300 777 1897 Cats Protection Free neutering, support services Helpline: 03000 12 12 12 RSPCA Cat welfare advice 0300 1234 999 Blue Cross Pet bereavement support, behaviour advice 0800 096 6606 Final Thoughts Rescue cats aren't broken. They're healing. Every anxious cat hiding under your bed has survived something. They've lost their home, their humans, their security. Of course they're anxious. But here's what I know after 10 years: They remember kindness. They learn safety. They choose trust. Just not on your timeline. The cat hiding under your bed right now? In six months, they might be sleeping on your chest. In a year, they might greet you at the door. In two years, they might be the most affectionate creature you've ever met. Or they might always be a bit skittish, independent, particular about when and how they want affection. Both outcomes are success. Because they're safe. They're fed. They're cared for. And they're not in a shelter cage wondering if anyone will ever choose them. You already did the hard part. You chose them. Now just give them time. Document by Veronika Purr-Ashworth Former Fashion PR Director | Rescue Cat Advocate | 10+ years with Felinecare and London rescue organizations This is lived experience combined with feline behaviourist consultation. Not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for medical concerns. 1% of all Catnip Queen proceeds support Felinecare's rescue operations. Questions? Instagram: @CatnipQueenOfficial | Email: hello@thecatnipqueen.com If this guide helped, share with other rescue cat parents. - [When Should We Use Catnip for Anxious Cats?](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/how-does-catnip-reduce-anxiety) Does Catnip Help Cats With Anxiety? | Feline Calm Facts Evidence-based answers on catnip, anxiety reduction, and what actually works for stressed cats Let's address the question directly: Can catnip help with cat anxiety? The short answer: Sometimes. For the right cat, in the right situation, used correctly. The longer answer: It's complicated—and anyone selling you a simple solution either doesn't understand feline behaviour or hasn't worked with enough anxious cats to know better. Here's what ten years in luxury markets and seventeen rescue cats taught me: marketing promises are easy. Actual results require understanding the science, acknowledging limitations, and being honest about what works. When Should We Use Catnip for Anxious Cats? Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains nepetalactone, an essential oil that binds to receptors in a cat's nasal tissue. This activates parts of their brain associated with scent, mood, and behavioural regulation—specifically the limbic system, which controls emotions. The result? Most responding cats experience: Initial euphoria (5-15 minutes of heightened activity) Followed by relaxation and calm (the phase relevant to anxiety) Temporary immunity to catnip's effects (30 minutes to several hours) Think of it as a brief mood reset, not a long-term anxiety treatment. Critical context: Only 50-75% of cats respond to catnip at all. It's genetic. If your cat's one of the 25-50% without the receptor sensitivity, catnip does precisely nothing—no matter how premium the grade or how much you use. When is Catnip good for anxious cats? Based on veterinary research and behavioural studies, catnip shows potential for short-term, situational stress relief: 1. Travel & Vet Visits Sprinkling catnip in a carrier 10-15 minutes before departure can create a calming association. The initial euphoria distracts from the carrier anxiety, followed by relaxation during the journey. Reality check: This works for cats who (a) respond to catnip and (b) enter the calm phase rather than the hyperactive one. Test this at home first—discovering your cat becomes aggressive on catnip while trapped in a carrier at 70mph is poor planning. 2. Environmental Changes New home? Renovation chaos? Catnip-infused toys or spray in safe spaces can help some cats associate new environments with positive experiences. A 2010 study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found shelter cats exposed to catnip showed increased sleep and decreased stress behaviours. Not dramatic transformation—but measurable improvement for temporary disruption. 3. Multi-Cat Household Tension Catnip can temporarily diffuse territorial disputes by redirecting focus to play rather than conflict. Emphasis on temporarily—if you have chronic cat relationship issues, catnip's a bandaid, not a solution. When Catnip Won't Help (And What Will) Catnip is NOT effective for: Chronic Anxiety The 5-15 minute effect window is too short for ongoing stress management. If your cat shows persistent anxiety symptoms—excessive grooming, hiding, elimination outside the litter box, chronic fearfulness—catnip alone won't address the root cause. What works instead: Environmental enrichment (vertical space, hiding spots, consistent routine) Pheromone diffusers (Feliway, backed by clinical studies) Behavioural modification with a qualified feline behaviorist Medical intervention for severe cases (consult your vet) Separation Anxiety Some sources suggest catnip for cats left alone. The problem? The effect ends 15 minutes after you leave. Your cat then spends the next 7 hours and 45 minutes exactly as anxious as before, just without the brief distraction. Better solutions: puzzle feeders, interactive toys, gradual desensitization to departures. Aggression-Based Anxiety Here's where catnip can backfire spectacularly. Some cats become more aggressive when exposed to catnip—heightened arousal manifests as territorial or predatory behaviour rather than calm. If your cat's anxiety presents as aggression, test catnip in a controlled situation before assuming it'll help. Introducing catnip into an already-tense multi-cat household without testing individual responses first is a masterclass in chaos. The Extra Fancy Difference: Why Quality Matters Not all catnip creates equal effects. Here's what you're actually paying for when you choose premium: Grade Classifications Extra Fancy Grade (what we use): Highest nepetalactone concentration Minimal stems and filler Maximum potency per application Consistent, reliable response in sensitive cats Standard/Commercial Grade: Lower essential oil content More plant material, less active compound Requires larger quantities for similar effect Faster potency degradation The practical difference: Extra Fancy organic catnip produces stronger, longer-lasting effects from smaller amounts. This matters for anxious cats who need reliable results, not hit-or-miss responses from inconsistent product. Silvervine: The Alternative 95% of Cats Respond To Remember those 25-50% of cats genetically unresponsive to catnip? Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) activates different feline receptors. Research shows that combining catnip with silvervine achieves response rates above 95%—even cats who ignore pure catnip typically react to silvervine blends. Why this matters for anxiety: If you've tried catnip for stress relief and saw zero response, your cat might not be broken—they might just need the alternative compound. Our Royal Catch toys use Extra Fancy catnip plus silvervine specifically for this reason. It's not marketing—it's addressing the genetic limitation of catnip-only products. How To Use Catnip For Anxiety (Properly) If you're going to try catnip for stress relief, do it correctly: 1. Test Response First Before using catnip for anxiety management, determine: Does your cat respond at all? Do they enter hyperactive or calm phase? Any aggressive behaviour? Duration of effect? Testing method: Offer small amount of dried catnip in a calm, controlled environment. Observe for 30 minutes. Document response. 2. Timing Matters Apply catnip 10-15 minutes before the stressful event when possible. This allows the initial euphoria to pass and the calm phase to coincide with the actual stressor. For ongoing situations (moving house), refresh catnip in designated safe spaces every 2-3 days rather than constant exposure (which causes desensitization). 3. Storage Extends Potency Catnip loses effectiveness when exposed to air and light. Store in sealed, airtight containers between uses. Properly stored Extra Fancy grade maintains potency for months. Pro tip: Our Royal Elixir Spray refreshes toys that have lost potency—sustainability meets effectiveness. 4. Don't Overuse More frequent exposure = faster tolerance buildup. Use catnip strategically for specific situations rather than daily entertainment. This preserves its effectiveness when you actually need it for stress management. Catnip Toys vs. Dried Catnip vs. Spray: What Works Best? Different delivery methods suit different anxiety scenarios: Catnip Toys Best for: Redirecting anxious energy into play, creating positive associations with new spaces How it works: Physical engagement + catnip exposure combines mental and physical enrichment. The toy becomes the focus rather than the stressor. Limitation: Potency decreases with repeated exposure as nepetalactone dissipates. Dried Catnip Best for: Controlled dosing, carrier preparation, introducing new furniture/scratchers How it works: Direct application allows precise placement in strategic locations. Pinch in carrier, sprinkle on new cat tree, refresh old toys. Limitation: Messy, requires cleanup, some cats eat it (which changes the effect—ingestion typically produces mellowing rather than euphoria). Catnip Spray Best for: Refreshing toys, treating large areas, travel situations How it works: Liquid delivery spreads nepetalactone over wider surface area. Convenient for quick application to carriers, bedding, or play areas. Limitation: Generally less potent than dried catnip, requires more frequent reapplication. What Rescue Work Taught Me About Anxious Cats Seventeen rescue cats. Various backgrounds—abandoned, surrendered, feral-born, rehomed multiple times. All presenting some level of anxiety. What actually worked: Consistent routine outperformed every product. Same feeding times, same play schedule, same sleep locations. Predictability reduces anxiety more effectively than any herb. Environmental design matters more than toys. Vertical escape routes, multiple hiding spots, separate resource stations (food/water/litter in different locations)—these addressed root causes rather than symptoms. Catnip had its place—specifically for transition periods. Moving a rescue from shelter to foster home? Catnip in the carrier, catnip spray in the safe room. It helped, but it wasn't the hero. Time was non-negotiable. Anxious rescues need weeks to months of consistent, patient habituation. Anyone promising faster results through products alone is selling hope, not solutions. The Honest Assessment: Catnip's Role in Anxiety Management Catnip works as one tool in a comprehensive anxiety management strategy—not a standalone solution. Use it for: Short-term situational stress (travel, vet visits, temporary environmental changes) Positive reinforcement during behavioural modification Mental enrichment that coincidentally provides brief calm periods Testing whether your cat responds (before investing in expensive calming products that use similar compounds) Don't rely on it for: Chronic, ongoing anxiety disorders Severe separation anxiety Aggression management (can worsen) Long-term stress relief (effects too brief) Combine it with: Structured environmental enrichment Consistent routines and predictable schedules Appropriate veterinary care when needed Behavioural consultation for persistent issues Evidence-based products (pheromone diffusers, calming supplements recommended by vets) Safety Notes: When Catnip Becomes a Problem Catnip is non-toxic and non-addictive. Cats cannot fatally overdose. However: Overconsumption (typically from eating large quantities) can cause: Mild gastrointestinal upset Vomiting or diarrhea Temporary loss of coordination Overstimulation in sensitive cats manifests as: Aggressive behaviour Hyperactivity that increases stress rather than reducing it Territorial disputes in multi-cat homes Allergic reactions (rare) include: Sneezing, coughing Skin irritation from direct contact When to supervise: First exposure (unknown response) Multi-cat households (prevent resource guarding) Cats with known aggression issues During travel/transport (safety concern if hyperactive in carrier) When to Consult a Vet Instead If your cat shows these signs, catnip isn't the answer—professional evaluation is: Persistent anxiety lasting weeks despite environmental management Elimination outside litter box (can indicate medical issues, not just stress) Excessive grooming causing hair loss or skin damage Aggression toward people or other pets Changes in appetite lasting more than 2-3 days Hiding that extends beyond normal adjustment periods Vocalization that's new, excessive, or distressing Anxiety can mask medical problems. Hyperthyroidism, pain, cognitive decline in senior cats—all present as "anxiety" to untrained observers. Rule out physical causes before treating as purely behavioural. The Bottom Line Does catnip help cats with anxiety? For about 50-75% of cats, in specific short-term situations, when used correctly as part of a broader strategy—yes. For chronic anxiety, as a standalone treatment, or as a substitute for addressing root causes—no. We make premium catnip products because quality matters and the right tool used correctly produces better results than mediocre alternatives. But we're not going to pretend catnip solves every anxiety problem. It doesn't. Your anxious cat deserves actual solutions, not marketing promises. Sometimes that's therapeutic-grade catnip in the right situations. Often it's consistent routine, environmental modification, and professional guidance. We provide the former. You provide the latter. Together, that's how anxiety actually improves. Products mentioned: Royal Catch of the Day: Extra Fancy catnip + silvervine in designer fish toy Royal Elixir Spray: Refresh catnip toys, extend product life Resources: Consult certified feline behaviourists for persistent anxiety Felinecare (Charity No. 1144830) for rescue-specific anxiety support Your veterinarian for medical evaluation Written with input from feline behavioural research, veterinary science, and seventeen anxious rescues who taught me more than any textbook. — V Did this help? Share it with cat parents who need honest answers, not marketing fluff. Meta Description (for SEO): Does catnip help cats with anxiety? Evidence-based guide covering when catnip works for stress relief, when it doesn't, and what actually helps anxious cats long-term. Key Takeaways (Shareable): ✓ 50-75% of cats respond to catnip (genetic) ✓ Effects last 5-15 minutes (too brief for chronic anxiety) ✓ Works best for situational stress (travel, vet visits) ✓ Combine with environmental enrichment for real results ✓ Silvervine alternative for catnip non-responders           i need it to be shorter 17:26         Does Catnip Help Cats With Anxiety? | Feline Calm Facts Evidence-based answers on catnip and anxiety—what works, what doesn't The Direct Answer Can catnip help with cat anxiety? Sometimes. For the right cat, in the right situation. Here's what seventeen rescue cats and veterinary research actually show: catnip works for short-term, situational stress—not chronic anxiety disorders. Anyone promising more either doesn't understand feline behaviour or is overselling what the science supports. How Catnip Actually Works Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains nepetalactone, an essential oil that binds to receptors in a cat's nasal tissue. This activates the limbic system—the part of the brain controlling emotions. The typical response: Initial euphoria (5-15 minutes of activity) Followed by relaxation and calm Temporary immunity to effects (30 minutes to hours) Critical limitation: Only 50-75% of cats respond to catnip at all. It's genetic. If your cat lacks the receptor sensitivity, premium-grade catnip does exactly nothing. When Catnip Actually Helps Based on veterinary studies, catnip shows potential for short-term situational stress: Travel & Vet Visits Catnip in the carrier 10-15 minutes before departure can ease transport anxiety. The initial euphoria distracts, followed by calm during the journey. Reality check: Test at home first. Some cats become aggressive on catnip—discovering this at 70mph in a carrier is poor planning. Environmental Changes New home? Moving chaos? Catnip-infused toys in safe spaces help some cats associate disruption with positive experiences. Research in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found shelter cats exposed to catnip showed increased sleep and decreased stress behaviours. Not dramatic—but measurable for temporary situations. Multi-Cat Household Tension Can temporarily redirect territorial disputes toward play. Emphasis on temporarily—chronic relationship issues need behavioural intervention, not herbs. When Catnip Won't Help Chronic Anxiety The 5-15 minute effect is too short for ongoing stress. Persistent symptoms—excessive grooming, hiding, litter box issues—require comprehensive solutions. What works instead: Environmental enrichment (vertical space, hiding spots, consistent routine) Pheromone diffusers (Feliway—clinically backed) Qualified feline behaviourist Veterinary intervention for severe cases Separation Anxiety The effect ends 15 minutes after you leave. Your cat spends the remaining hours exactly as anxious, minus the brief distraction. Better: puzzle feeders, interactive toys, gradual desensitization. Aggression-Based Anxiety Some cats become more aggressive on catnip. Heightened arousal manifests as territorial behaviour, not calm. Test individual responses before introducing catnip to tense situations. Why Quality Matters: Extra Fancy vs. Standard Extra Fancy Grade (what we use): Highest nepetalactone concentration Minimal stems, maximum potency Consistent response in sensitive cats Standard/Commercial Grade: Lower essential oil content More filler, less active compound Inconsistent results Practical difference: Extra Fancy produces stronger effects from smaller amounts. For anxious cats needing reliable results, quality isn't negotiable. Silvervine: The 95% Solution 25-50% of cats don't respond to catnip genetically. Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) activates different receptors. Combining catnip with silvervine achieves 95%+ response rates—even genetic catnip non-responders typically react. Why this matters: Your cat might not be broken. They might just need the alternative compound. Our Royal Catch toys use Extra Fancy catnip plus silvervine for this exact reason. How To Use Catnip Properly 1. Test Response First Before using for anxiety, determine: Does your cat respond? Hyperactive or calm phase? Any aggression? Method: Small amount in calm environment. Observe 30 minutes. Document. 2. Timing Matters Apply 10-15 minutes before stressful events when possible. Initial euphoria passes, calm phase coincides with actual stressor. For ongoing situations, refresh every 2-3 days rather than constant exposure (causes tolerance). 3. Storage Preserves Potency Store in sealed, airtight containers. Properly stored Extra Fancy maintains effectiveness for months. 4. Don't Overuse More frequent exposure = faster tolerance. Use strategically for specific situations, not daily entertainment. What Rescue Work Actually Taught Me Seventeen rescue cats. Various trauma backgrounds. All anxious. What worked: Consistent routine outperformed every product. Same feeding times, play schedule, sleep locations. Predictability beats products. Environmental design mattered more than toys. Vertical escape routes, hiding spots, separate resources—these addressed causes, not symptoms. Catnip had its place—transition periods specifically. Shelter to foster home? Catnip in carrier, spray in safe room. Helped, but wasn't the solution. Time was non-negotiable. Anxious rescues need weeks to months. Anyone promising faster results through products alone is selling hope. The Honest Assessment Catnip works as one tool in comprehensive anxiety management—not standalone. Use it for: Short-term situational stress (travel, vet visits, temporary changes) Positive reinforcement during behavioural modification Mental enrichment with brief calm periods Don't rely on it for: Chronic anxiety disorders Severe separation anxiety Aggression management Long-term stress relief Combine with: Structured environmental enrichment Consistent routines Veterinary care when needed Evidence-based products (pheromones, vet-recommended supplements) Safety Notes Catnip is non-toxic, non-addictive. Cats cannot fatally overdose. However: Overconsumption (eating large quantities): Mild GI upset Vomiting or diarrhea Overstimulation: Aggressive behaviour Hyperactivity increasing stress Territorial disputes When to supervise: First exposure Multi-cat households Cats with aggression history During travel When to Consult a Vet Catnip isn't the answer if your cat shows: Persistent anxiety lasting weeks Elimination outside litter box Excessive grooming causing hair loss Aggression toward people/pets Appetite changes lasting 2+ days Extended hiding beyond adjustment New/excessive vocalization Anxiety masks medical problems. Hyperthyroidism, pain, cognitive decline—all present as "anxiety." Rule out physical causes first. The Bottom Line Does catnip help cats with anxiety? For 50-75% of cats, in specific short-term situations, used correctly as part of broader strategy—yes. For chronic anxiety, standalone treatment, or substitute for addressing root causes—no. We make premium catnip products because quality matters and the right tool used correctly works. But we won't pretend catnip solves every anxiety problem. Your anxious cat deserves actual solutions, not marketing promises. Sometimes that's therapeutic-grade catnip in the right situations. Often it's consistent routine, environmental modification, professional guidance. We provide the former. You provide the latter. Together, that's how anxiety actually improves. Products mentioned: Royal Catch of the Day: Extra Fancy catnip + silvervine designer toy Royal Elixir Spray: Refresh toys, extend life Resources: Certified feline behaviourists for persistent anxiety Felinecare (Charity No. 1144830) for rescue support Your vet for medical evaluation   Understanding How Catnip Affects Anxious Cats     Catnip for anxious cats can be helpful, but it does not work the same way for every cat. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a natural compound that may trigger playful, relaxed, or hyperactive behavior in some cats. For others, it has little to no effect. When used at the right time, it may offer a short distraction from stress and encourage calm behavior during low-pressure moments. However, catnip should not be viewed as a cure for anxiety. Instead, it is best treated as one possible comfort tool within a larger routine that includes a safe environment, predictable schedules, and proper veterinary care when needed.     Best Times to Offer Catnip During Stress     The best time to use catnip for anxious cats is usually before a known stress trigger or during a quiet period when the cat can explore it safely. For example, it may be offered before a car ride, a visitor arriving, or a minor change in the home, such as moving furniture. Catnip can also be used during enrichment time to help redirect nervous energy into play. It is not ideal to give catnip during severe panic, aggression, or after the cat has already become highly upset. In those cases, reducing noise, offering hiding spots, and keeping the cat undisturbed is often more effective and less stressful.     When Catnip May Not Be the Right Choice     Catnip for anxious cats is not always appropriate, especially if the cat has a history of becoming more excitable rather than calmer. Some cats may become rough, restless, or overstimulated after exposure, which can make anxiety worse instead of better. Kittens under a few months old often do not respond, and older cats may respond less strongly over time. Catnip should also be used cautiously if a cat has a medical condition, is recovering from surgery, or becomes stressed by strong sensory input. If your cat shows no benefit or seems more agitated, stop using it and talk with a veterinarian about safer calming options that better match your cat’s needs.     How to Use Catnip Safely and Effectively     To get the most from catnip for anxious cats, start with a small amount and watch how your cat responds. A little dried catnip, a catnip toy, or a spray on bedding can be enough. Use it in a calm space where your cat already feels secure, and always pair it with gentle handling and routine. Limit use so the cat does not become uninterested or overstimulated, since too-frequent exposure may reduce its effect. Most importantly, observe your cat’s body language. If the cat appears relaxed, curious, or playful, catnip may be a useful tool. If the cat becomes tense or upset, discontinue use and explore other stress-reduction methods.     In summary, catnip for anxious cats can be useful when timed well, used in moderation, and matched to your cat’s personality. It works best for mild stress or as part of a positive routine, not as an emergency fix for severe fear. By watching your cat’s reactions and knowing when to avoid it, you can make better decisions that support comfort and safety. If anxiety is frequent or intense, professional guidance is the best next step. A veterinarian can help rule out medical causes and recommend a more complete plan for long-term calm and well-being.       Understanding How Catnip Affects Anxious Cats     Catnip for anxious cats can be helpful, but it does not work the same way for every cat. Catnip contains nepetalactone, a natural compound that may trigger playful, relaxed, or hyperactive behavior in some cats. For others, it has little to no effect. When used at the right time, it may offer a short distraction from stress and encourage calm behavior during low-pressure moments. However, catnip should not be viewed as a cure for anxiety. Instead, it is best treated as one possible comfort tool within a larger routine that includes a safe environment, predictable schedules, and proper veterinary care when needed.     Best Times to Offer Catnip During Stress     The best time to use catnip for anxious cats is usually before a known stress trigger or during a quiet period when the cat can explore it safely. For example, it may be offered before a car ride, a visitor arriving, or a minor change in the home, such as moving furniture. Catnip can also be used during enrichment time to help redirect nervous energy into play. It is not ideal to give catnip during severe panic, aggression, or after the cat has already become highly upset. In those cases, reducing noise, offering hiding spots, and keeping the cat undisturbed is often more effective and less stressful.     When Catnip May Not Be the Right Choice     Catnip for anxious cats is not always appropriate, especially if the cat has a history of becoming more excitable rather than calmer. Some cats may become rough, restless, or overstimulated after exposure, which can make anxiety worse instead of better. Kittens under a few months old often do not respond, and older cats may respond less strongly over time. Catnip should also be used cautiously if a cat has a medical condition, is recovering from surgery, or becomes stressed by strong sensory input. If your cat shows no benefit or seems more agitated, stop using it and talk with a veterinarian about safer calming options that better match your cat’s needs.     How to Use Catnip Safely and Effectively     To get the most from catnip for anxious cats, start with a small amount and watch how your cat responds. A little dried catnip, a catnip toy, or a spray on bedding can be enough. Use it in a calm space where your cat already feels secure, and always pair it with gentle handling and routine. Limit use so the cat does not become uninterested or overstimulated, since too-frequent exposure may reduce its effect. Most importantly, observe your cat’s body language. If the cat appears relaxed, curious, or playful, catnip may be a useful tool. If the cat becomes tense or upset, discontinue use and explore other stress-reduction methods.     In summary, catnip for anxious cats can be useful when timed well, used in moderation, and matched to your cat’s personality. It works best for mild stress or as part of a positive routine, not as an emergency fix for severe fear. By watching your cat’s reactions and knowing when to avoid it, you can make better decisions that support comfort and safety. If anxiety is frequent or intense, professional guidance is the best next step. A veterinarian can help rule out medical causes and recommend a more complete plan for long-term calm and well-being. - [The Catnip Queen Delivery and Returns Policy](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/delivery-information) Terms of Service - The Catnip Queen Delivery and Returns Policy Delivery Information Orders placed before 2pm will be picked, packed and dispatched on the same day by Royal Mail delivery within 48hrs, or next day by DPD. Returns Portal - Click here.: At The Catnip Queen, we want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you need to return an item, please review our returns policy below. How to Return: Contact our customer service on this link, to process your returns request. Returns Window: You have 30 days from the date of delivery to return items in their original condition with all packaging and documentation included. Refunds: Once we receive and inspect your returned item, we'll process your refund within 5-7 working days. Refunds are issued to your original payment method. Non-Returnable Items: Items that have been used, damaged, or are missing original packaging cannot be returned. Personalised or custom orders are also non-returnable unless faulty. Faulty Items: If you receive a faulty or damaged item, please contact us immediately with photos of the damage. We'll arrange a replacement or full refund at no cost to you. Delivery Information: Orders placed before 2pm are picked, packed and dispatched the same day via Royal Mail, with delivery within 48 hours. For any questions about our returns policy, please get in touch with our team. Contact information: You can always contact us on hello@thecatnipqueen.com or telephone +44(0) 7883 304 355 Shipping and Delivery Overview Terms of Service - The Catnip Queen explains how orders are processed, shipped, and delivered so customers know what to expect before buying. Once an order is placed, it is prepared for shipment as quickly as possible during normal business hours. Delivery times may vary based on product availability, shipping method, destination, and carrier delays. The Catnip Queen works to provide accurate estimates, but those dates are not guaranteed. Customers should review their order details carefully, including shipping address and contact information, to help avoid delays. If a package is returned because of an incorrect address, additional shipping charges may apply before reshipment. Returns, Exchanges, and Eligibility Terms of Service - The Catnip Queen also outlines when returns or exchanges may be accepted. To protect product quality and customer safety, items typically must be unused, unopened, and returned within the stated return window. Some products may not be eligible for return, especially if they are personal, hygiene-related, or final sale items. Customers should keep original packaging and proof of purchase, since these details may be required to process a request. If an item arrives damaged or incorrect, The Catnip Queen asks customers to contact support promptly with order information and photos so the issue can be reviewed quickly and fairly. Refund Process and Customer Support   When a return is approved, the refund process will usually begin after the item has been received and inspected. Refunds are generally issued to the original payment method, though processing times can vary depending on the bank or card provider. Shipping fees may be non-refundable unless the return is the result of a shipping error or a defective item. The Catnip Queen encourages customers to reach out with any questions about delivery status, missing packages, or return steps, as clear communication helps resolve concerns faster. By reviewing these terms before ordering, customers can shop with greater confidence and understand how the service process works. - [About Catnip - What does catnip actually do?](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/about-catnip-what-does-catnip-actually-do) Catnip isn't magic. It's botany. Nepeta cataria—therapeutic-grade organic catnip, not the dust in plastic pouches at supermarkets—contains nepetalactone, a compound that triggers euphoria receptors in approximately 70-80% of cats. It's not a sedative. It's not a drug. It's a natural stimulant that creates temporary positive behavioural responses. The Science Behind the Response When cats encounter nepetalactone (via scent, primarily), their olfactory system activates happiness receptors in the brain. The result: Rolling and rubbing (scent-marking behaviour) Increased playfulness (hunting instinct activation) Vocalization (excitement response) Brief hyperactivity (typically 5-15 minutes) Followed by calm (refractory period, 30-60 minutes) This isn't chaos. It's predictable neurochemistry. 20-30% of Cats Don't Respond Catnip sensitivity is genetic. If your cat ignores it completely, that's normal. They lack the specific receptor gene. No amount of "better quality" catnip changes this. Alternative botanical options for non-responders: silver vine, valerian root. Consult your vet before introducing new botanicals or try a Silverine spray as an alternative.  Our Silverine and Catnip Royal Elixir spray is worth a try!  Therapeutic Applications For rescue cats and anxiety management, therapeutic-grade catnip serves specific purposes: Environmental enrichment: Applied to scratching posts, new furniture, or unfamiliar spaces to create positive associations. Play encouragement: Incorporated into toys to stimulate natural hunting behaviours (therapeutic for anxious cats). Stress reduction during transitions: Light application in carriers, new rooms, or during environmental changes. Not a cure-all. Catnip supports anxiety management as part of comprehensive environmental enrichment—not as standalone treatment. Quality Matters Mass-market catnip loses potency within weeks of packaging. Therapeutic-grade organic catnip maintains nepetalactone concentration for months when properly stored. What to look for: Organic certification (no pesticides) Recent harvest date Whole-leaf or coarsely ground (not dust) Proper storage (airtight, cool, dark) What to avoid: Synthetic additives "Catnip-scented" products (fragrance, not actual catnip) Plastic packaging (degrades potency faster) No sourcing information Proper Use Application frequency: 2-3 times weekly maximum. Daily use reduces response over time as receptors become desensitized. Amount: Light application. A pinch (½ teaspoon) is sufficient. Oversaturation doesn't increase effect—it wastes product. Where to apply: Scratching posts (encourages use) Play areas (creates positive association) New hiding spots (reduces anxiety about unfamiliar spaces) Toys (stimulates play behaviour) Where NOT to apply: Food bowls (not edible in large quantities) Litter trays (creates confusion) Everywhere (targeted use maintains efficacy) Safety Considerations Catnip is non-toxic and non-addictive. Cats cannot overdose on catnip—they'll simply stop responding and walk away. However: Kittens under 6 months typically don't respond (receptors not fully developed) Pregnant cats should avoid catnip (consult vet) Aggressive cats may become overstimulated (monitor first exposure) If your cat shows unusual aggression or distress with catnip, discontinue use and consult your vet. Growing Your Own Fresh catnip is more potent than dried. Growing your own ensures organic quality and maximum nepetalactone concentration. London growing tips: Container growing works for flats (no garden needed) Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade Minimal water requirements Hardy perennial (returns yearly) Harvest before flowering for peak potency Protect your plant: Cats will destroy fresh catnip plants if given access. Grow in inaccessible location or use protective netting. What Catnip Isn't Let's be clear about what catnip doesn't do: It's not sedation. The post-response calm is a refractory period, not sedative effect. It's not training reinforcement. Catnip creates generalized euphoria, not specific behavioural reinforcement. It's not medication. It supports environmental enrichment but doesn't treat medical anxiety disorders. It's not universal. 20-30% genetic non-response rate means it won't work for every cat. The Actual Benefits When used appropriately, therapeutic-grade catnip: Encourages exercise through play stimulation Reduces environmental stress during transitions Creates positive associations with new spaces Provides mental stimulation for indoor cats Supports natural behaviours (scratching, hunting, exploring) Combined with proper environmental management, consistent routine, and appropriate veterinary care, catnip serves as effective support tool for cat wellness. Not magic. Just well-applied botany. Catnip Queen uses organic, Extra Fancy Catnip, a therapeutic-grade Nepeta cataria . Every product maintains peak nepetalactone concentration through proper harvesting, processing, and storage protocols. 1% of proceeds support Felinecare's rescue operations. Questions about catnip application for anxious rescue cats? Contact hello@thecatnipqueen.com - [Terms of Service](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/terms-of-service) This website is operated by The Catnip Queen a brand owned by Sandersgate Consultancy Ltd. Throughout the site, the terms “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Sandersgate Consultancy Ltd. Sandersgate Consultancy Ltd offers this website, including all information, tools and Services available from this site to you, the user, conditioned upon your acceptance of all terms, conditions, policies and notices stated here. By visiting our site and/ or purchasing something from us, you engage in our “Service” and agree to be bound by the following terms and conditions (“Terms of Service”, “Terms”), including those additional terms and conditions and policies referenced herein and/or available by hyperlink. These Terms of Service apply to all users of the site, including without limitation users who are browsers, vendors, customers, merchants, and/ or contributors of content. Please read these Terms of Service carefully before accessing or using our website. By accessing or using any part of the site, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree to all the terms and conditions of this agreement, then you may not access the website or use any Services. If these Terms of Service are considered an offer, acceptance is expressly limited to these Terms of Service. Any new features or tools which are added to the current store shall also be subject to the Terms of Service. You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time on this page. We reserve the right to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and/or changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to the website following the posting of any changes constitutes acceptance of those changes. Our store is hosted on Shopify Inc. They provide us with the online e-commerce platform that allows us to sell our products and Services to you. SECTION 1 - ONLINE STORE TERMS By agreeing to these Terms of Service, you represent that you are at least the age of majority in your state or province of residence, or that you are the age of majority in your state or province of residence and you have given us your consent to allow any of your minor dependents to use this site. You may not use our products for any illegal or unauthorized purpose nor may you, in the use of the Service, violate any laws in your jurisdiction (including but not limited to copyright laws). You must not transmit any worms or viruses or any code of a destructive nature. A breach or violation of any of the Terms will result in an immediate termination of your Services. SECTION 2 - GENERAL CONDITIONS We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time. You understand that your content (not including credit card information), may be transferred unencrypted and involve (a) transmissions over various networks; and (b) changes to conform and adapt to technical requirements of connecting networks or devices. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer over networks. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell or exploit any portion of the Service, use of the Service, or access to the Service or any contact on the website through which the service is provided, without express written permission by us. The headings used in this agreement are included for convenience only and will not limit or otherwise affect these Terms. SECTION 3 - ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS AND TIMELINESS OF INFORMATION We are not responsible if information made available on this site is not accurate, complete or current. The material on this site is provided for general information only and should not be relied upon or used as the sole basis for making decisions without consulting primary, more accurate, more complete or more timely sources of information. Any reliance on the material on this site is at your own risk. This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reserve This site may contain certain historical information. Historical information, necessarily, is not current and is provided for your reference only. We reservethe right to modify the contents of this site at any time, but we have no obligation to update any information on our site. You agree that it is your responsibility to monitor changes to our site. SECTION 4 - MODIFICATIONS TO THE SERVICE AND PRICES Prices for our products are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right at any time to modify or discontinue the Service (or any part or content thereof) without notice at any time. We shall not be liable to you or to any third-party for any modification, price change, suspension or discontinuance of the Service. SECTION 5 - PRODUCTS OR SERVICES (if applicable) Certain products or Services may be available exclusively online through the website. These products or Services may have limited quantities and are subject to return or exchange only according to our Return Policy. To view our Return Policy, please visit - Our returns policy - We have made every effort to display as accurately as possible the colours and images of our products that appear at the store. We cannot guarantee that your computer monitor's display of any color will be accurate. We reserve the right, but are not obligated, to limit the sales of our products or Services to any person, geographic region or jurisdiction. We may exercise this right on a case-by-case basis. We reserve the right to limit the quantities of any products or Services that we offer. All descriptions of products or product pricing are subject to change at anytime without notice, at the sole discretion of us. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. Any offer for any product or service made on this site is void where prohibited. We do not warrant that the quality of any products, Services, information, or other material purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the Service will be corrected.  SECTION 6 - ACCURACY OF BILLING AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION We reserve the right to refuse any order you place with us. We may, in our sole discretion, limit or cancel quantities purchased per person, per household or per order. These restrictions may include orders placed by or under the same customer account, the same credit card, and/or orders that use the same billing and/or shipping address. In the event that we make a change to or cancel an order, we may attempt to notify you by contacting the e-mail and/or billing address/phone number provided at the time the order was made. We reserve the right to limit or prohibit orders that, in our sole judgment, appear to be placed by dealers, resellers or distributors. You agree to provide current, complete and accurate purchase and account information for all purchases made at our store. You agree to promptly update your account and other information, including your email address and credit card numbers and expiration dates, so that we can complete your transactions and contact you as needed. For more detail, please review our Returns Policy. SECTION 7 - OPTIONAL TOOLS We may provide you with access to third-party tools over which we neither monitor nor have any control nor input. You acknowledge and agree that we provide access to such tools ”as is” and “as available” without any warranties, representations or conditions of any kind and without any endorsement. We shall have no liability whatsoever arising from or relating to your use of optional third-party tools. Any use by you of the optional tools offered through the site is entirely at your own risk and discretion and you should ensure that you are familiar with and approve of the terms on which tools are provided by the relevant third-party provider(s). We may also, in the future, offer new Services and/or features through the website (including, the release of new tools and resources). Such new features and/or Services shall also be subject to these Terms of Service.  SECTION 8 - THIRD-PARTY LINKS Certain content, products and Services available via our Service may include materials from third-parties. Third-party links on this site may direct you to third-party websites that are not affiliated with us. We are not responsible for examining or evaluating thecontent or accuracy and we do not warrant and will not have any liability or responsibility for any third-party materials or websites, or for any other materials, products, or Services of third-parties. We are not liable for any harm or damages related to the purchase or use of goods, Services, resources, content, or any other transactions made in connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party's policies and practices and make sure you understand them before you connection with any third-party websites. Please review carefully the third-party's policies and practices and make sure you understand them before youengage in any transaction. Complaints, claims, concerns, or questions regarding third-party products should be directed to the third-party. SECTION 9 - USER COMMENTS, FEEDBACK AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS If, at our request, you send certain specific submissions (for example contest entries) or without a request from us you send creative ideas, suggestions, proposals, plans, or other materials, whether online, by email, by postal mail, or otherwise (collectively, 'comments'), you agree that we may, at any time, without restriction, edit, copy, publish, distribute, translate and otherwise use in any medium any comments that you forward to us. We are and shall be under no obligation (1) to maintain any comments in confidence; (2) to pay compensation for any comments; or (3) to respond to any comments. We may, but have no obligation to, monitor, edit or remove content that we determine in our sole discretion to be unlawful, offensive, threatening, libelous, defamatory, pornographic, obscene or otherwise objectionable or violates any party’s intellectual property or these Terms of Service. You agree that your comments will not violate any right of any third-party, including copyright, trademark, privacy, personality or other personal or proprietary right. You further agree that your comments will not contain libelous or otherwise unlawful, abusive or obscene material, or contain any computer virus or other malware that could in any way affect the operation of the Service or any related website. You may not use a false e-mail address, pretend to be someone other than yourself, or otherwise mislead us or third-parties as to the origin of any comments. You are solely responsible for any comments you make and their accuracy. We take no responsibility and assume no liability for any comments posted by you or any third-party.  SECTION 10 - PERSONAL INFORMATION Your submission of personal information through the store is governed by our Privacy Policy. To view our Privacy Policy, please see [LINK TO PRIVACY POLICY] SECTION 11 - ERRORS, INACCURACIES AND OMISSIONS Occasionally there may be information on our site or in the Service that contains typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to product descriptions, pricing, promotions, offers, product shipping charges, transit times and availability. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, and to change or update information or cancel orders if any information in the Service or on any related website is inaccurate at any time without prior notice (including after you have submitted your order). We undertake no obligation to update, amend or clarify information in the Service or on any related website, including without limitation, pricing information, except as required by law. No specified update or refresh date applied in the Service or on any related website, should be taken to indicate that all information in the Service or on any related website has been modified or updated. SECTION 12 - PROHIBITED USES In addition to other prohibitions as set forth in the Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using the site or its content: (a) for any unlawful purpose; (b) to solicit others to perform or participate in any unlawful acts; (c) to violate any international, federal, provincial or state regulations, rules, laws, or local ordinances; (d) to infringe upon or violate our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others; (e) to harass, abuse, insult, harm, defame, slander, disparage, intimidate, or discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, race, age, national origin, or disability; (f) to submit false or misleading information; (g) to upload or transmit viruses or any other type of malicious code that will or may be used in any way that will affect the functionality or operation of the Service or of any related website, other websites, or the Internet; (h) to collect or track the personal information of others; (i) to spam, phish, pharm, pretext, spider, crawl, or scrape; (j) for any obscene or immoral purpose; or (k) to interfere with or circumvent the security features of the Service or any related website, other websites, or the Internet. We reserve the right to terminate your use of the Service or any related website for violating any of the prohibited uses. SECTION 13 - DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY We do not guarantee, represent or warrant that your use of our service will be uninterrupted, timely, secure or error-free. We do not warrant that the results that may be obtained from the use of the service will be accurate or reliable. You agree that from time to time we may remove the service for indefinite periods of time or cancel the service at any time, without notice to you. You expressly agree that your use of, or inability to use, the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products and Services delivered to you through the service are (except as expressly stated by us) provided 'as is' and 'as available' for your use, without any representation, warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied, including all implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, merchantable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, durability, title, and non-infringement. In no case shall Sandersgate Consultancy Ltd, our directors, officers, employees, affiliates, agents, contractors, interns, suppliers, service providers or licensors be liable for any injury, loss, claim, or any direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, special, or consequential damages of any kind, including, without limitation lost profits, lost revenue, lost savings, loss of data, replacement costs, or any similar damages, whether based in contract, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, arising from your use of any of the service or any products procured using the service, or for any other claim related in any way to your use of the service or any product, including, but not limited to, any errors or omissions in any content, or any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, Powered by Shopify www.shopify.com of any kind incurred as a result of the use of the service or any content (or product) posted, transmitted, or otherwise made available via the service, even if advised of their possibility. Because some states or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or the limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, in such states or jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law. SECTION 14 - INDEMNIFICATION You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sandersgate Consultancy Ltd and our parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party. SECTION 15 - SEVERABILITY In the event that any provision of these Terms of Service is determined to be unlawful, void or unenforceable, such provision shall nonetheless be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, and the unenforceable portion shall be deemed to be severed from these Terms of Service, such determination shall not affect the validity and enforceability of any other remaining provisions. SECTION 16 - TERMINATION The obligations and liabilities of the parties incurred prior to the termination date shall survive the termination of this agreement for all purposes. These Terms of Service are effective unless and until terminated by either you or us. You may terminate these Terms of Service at any time by notifying us that you no longer wish to use our Services, or when you cease using our site. If in our sole judgment you fail, or we suspect that you have failed, to comply with any term or provision of these Terms of Service, we also may terminate this agreement at any time without notice and you will remain liable for all amounts due up to and including the date of termination; and/or accordingly may deny you access to our Services (or any part thereof). SECTION 17 - ENTIRE AGREEMENT The failure of us to exercise or enforce any right or provision of these Terms of Service shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. These Terms of Service and any policies or operating rules posted by us on this site or in respect to The Service constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between you and us and govern your use of the Service, superseding any prior or contemporaneous agreements, communications and proposals, whether oral or written, between you and us (including, but not limited to, any prior versions of the Terms of Service). Any ambiguities in the interpretation of these Terms of Service shall not be construed against the drafting party. SECTION 18 - GOVERNING LAW These Terms of Service and any separate agreements whereby we provide you Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of United Kingdom. SECTION 19 - CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE You can review the most current version of the Terms of Service at any time at this page. We reserve the right, at our sole discretion, to update, change or replace any part of these Terms of Service by posting updates and changes to our website. It is your responsibility to check our website periodically for changes. Your continued use of or access to our website or the Service following theposting of any changes to these Terms of Service constitutes acceptance of those changes. SECTION 20 - CONTACT INFORMATION Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at Hello@TheCatnipQueen.com Our contact information is posted below:   Gascoyne House, Moseleys Farm Business Centre, Fornham All Saints, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, United Kingdom, IP28 6JY - [Feline Care Cat Rescue Charity Partnership](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/feline-care-charty-partnership) Cat Rescue Charity Partnership for Better Feline Care Feline Care is what we believe in, as well as homing two strays ourselves at CNQ HQ, Cat welfare is something we are passionate about!  As a result, 1% of every Catnip Queen sale goes directly to Feline Care Cat Rescue — a Norfolk-based sanctuary that does the unglamorous, essential work the rescue system depends on but rarely celebrates. They take in the cats no one else will. The ones deemed too difficult, too old, too feral, too broken. Four acres of cat-proofed gardens and woodland. Heated indoor rooms. An intensive care unit for the ones who arrive in a bad way. A Trap, Neuter and Return programme for the cats who'll never be rehomed but still deserve safety. They're not a slick operation with a big marketing budget. They're the people actually doing it, tirelessly there for the kitties! So that's when The Catnip Queen stepped in to help.  Why Feline Care? Because "1% to charity" only means something if it goes somewhere real. Feline Care runs on donations, volunteers, pop-up shops, and a £1-a-month lottery. Charity No. 1144830. Based in East Harling since before most pet wellness brands existed. Their patron is Rick Wakeman. Their work is verifiable, unglamorous, and but necessary!  We chose them because they take in the cats our customers rescue, rehome, and fight for. The connection isn't performative. It's practical and we love them for it.  What your purchase funds Every Catnip Queen order contributes to the day-to-day running of a sanctuary that prioritises the least adoptable cats in the system — the ones where "unadoptable" just means no one's tried hard enough yet. We track donations quarterly and report back. Not because we're legally required to. Because you should know where your money goes.     Why This Partnership Matters This cat rescue charity partnership is built to give vulnerable cats a safer path to recovery, comfort, and adoption. By combining resources, care, and community support, the program helps address the urgent needs of abandoned, injured, and neglected cats. Every effort is centered on improving feline welfare through rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible rehoming. The goal is simple: create stronger outcomes for cats while making it easier for supporters to take part in meaningful change. With a clear focus on compassion and long-term impact, this partnership brings together people who want to make a real difference. How Support Helps Cats in Need Support for the cat rescue charity goes directly toward essential care that improves a cat’s quality of life. This includes food, shelter, medical treatment, spay and neuter services, vaccinations, and safe spaces for recovery. Many rescued cats arrive frightened, underweight, or sick, so early intervention is critical. Through this partnership, donations and community involvement help provide the steady care these animals need to heal and thrive. The more support the program receives, the more cats can be rescued from unsafe conditions and given the chance to live healthier, happier lives in loving homes. Building a Stronger Future for Adoption     A successful cat rescue charity does more than save cats in the moment; it also helps build a better future for adoption and responsible pet ownership. This partnership supports adoption readiness by helping cats become healthy, socialized, and fully prepared for new homes. It also raises awareness about the importance of rescue, fostering, and long-term commitment to animal care. When communities understand the value of adoption, more cats can leave shelters and enter stable homes. Through education and outreach, the partnership strengthens both the rescue network and the people who choose to support it. Join the Mission for Lasting Impact Working with a cat rescue charity partnership is an effective way to support real change for cats that need it most. Whether through donations, collaboration, or community promotion, each action adds value to the mission of rescue and care. This initiative encourages people and organizations to stand behind feline welfare with purpose and consistency. It is about more than temporary help; it is about creating lasting impact through compassionate action and shared responsibility. By supporting this partnership, you help give rescued cats the chance to recover, find homes, and live with dignity. Why This Partnership Matters This cat rescue charity partnership is built to give vulnerable cats a safer path to recovery, comfort, and adoption. By combining resources, care, and community support, the program helps address the urgent needs of abandoned, injured, and neglected cats. Every effort is centered on improving feline welfare through rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible rehoming. The goal is simple: create stronger outcomes for cats while making it easier for supporters to take part in meaningful change. With a clear focus on compassion and long-term impact, this partnership brings together people who want to make a real difference. How Support Helps Cats in Need     Support for the cat rescue charity goes directly toward essential care that improves a cat’s quality of life. This includes food, shelter, medical treatment, spay and neuter services, vaccinations, and safe spaces for recovery. Many rescued cats arrive frightened, underweight, or sick, so early intervention is critical. Through this partnership, donations and community involvement help provide the steady care these animals need to heal and thrive. The more support the program receives, the more cats can be rescued from unsafe conditions and given the chance to live healthier, happier lives in loving homes. Building a Stronger Future for Adoption A successful cat rescue charity does more than save cats in the moment; it also helps build a better future for adoption and responsible pet ownership. This partnership supports adoption readiness by helping cats become healthy, socialized, and fully prepared for new homes. It also raises awareness about the importance of rescue, fostering, and long-term commitment to animal care. When communities understand the value of adoption, more cats can leave shelters and enter stable homes. Through education and outreach, the partnership strengthens both the rescue network and the people who choose to support it. Join the Mission for Lasting Impact   Working with a cat rescue charity partnership is an effective way to support real change for cats that need it most. Whether through donations, collaboration, or community promotion, each action adds value to the mission of rescue and care. This initiative encourages people and organizations to stand behind feline welfare with purpose and consistency. It is about more than temporary help; it is about creating lasting impact through compassionate action and shared responsibility. By supporting this partnership, you help give rescued cats the chance to recover, find homes, and live with dignity. - [Newsletter form](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/newsletter-form) Sign up for The Catnip Queen newsletter and get feline fabulous tips, offers, and cat care inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. - [html sitemap Catnip products](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/html-sitemap-products) Products Strong Catnip Spray with Silve... The Catnip Queen's Designer Cl... Strong Catnip Toy with Silverv... The Catnip Queen’s Royal Catch... The Catnip Queen's Collection ... The Royal Heist - Luxury Gifts... The Royal Catch & Elixir Duo C... The Designer Clutch & Elixir D... Organic Catnip Toy & Catnip pl... 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Collections Catnip Sprays Catnip Toys Cat Anxiety Relief Catnip Toy Bundles Gifts for Cat Lovers Silvervine for cats Blogs News Blog Posts Can Kittens Have Catnip? The S... Your Dog Ate a Catnip Toy. Now... Catnip Bubbles: Beyond the Hyp... How to Introduce a Second Cat:... Your Cat Isn't Lazy. She's Und... Vet Care In The UK. Preventati... How to Look After a Cat: The C... Caring for an Elderly Cat: Sig... How to Clean a Cat's Teeth (an... All Articles Pages Contact Our Story - The Catnip Queen Your Privacy Choices The Catnip Queen and Cat Anxie... Manage Subscriptions The Rescue Cat Anxiety Guide: ... How does catnip reduce anxiety Delivery and Returns Policy Terms of Service All Pages Powered by SEOAnt - [Search Results](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/search-results-page) - [Subscribe & Save with CQ](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/pages/subscribe-and-save-with-the-catnip-queen) Your Royal Invitation To Join Our Exclusive Subscribe & Save VIP Club Your cat has exquisite taste, so naturally you deserve a little something extra, too! Welcome to The Catnip Queen VIPs — your exclusive invitation to enjoy more of the #FelineFabulous life, with 15% off our two limited-edition sprays, Royal Elixir and Royal Ritual, when you subscribe. Designed for discerning cats and the humans who adore them, these special formulas bring a little extra magic to playtime, helping you refresh favourite toys, encourage feline curiosity and create moments worth purring about. Why buy once when you can make your cat’s favourite rituals part of everyday life — and save while you do? Join the VIPs. Save 15% on our two Limited-Edition Sprays. One Very Happy Cat.  Discover the duo designed to make every play session feel a little more special. Royal Elixir — Bring Their Favourite Toys Back to Life. More play. More pouncing. More feline fabulousness. Have a favourite toy that’s lost a little of its magic? Meet Royal Elixir, our potent-strength organic catnip and silvervine spray, created to breathe new life into old toys and turn everyday spaces into irresistible feline playgrounds. Combining premium “extra fancy” organic catnip extract with silvervine fruit extract, Royal Elixir offers a powerful botanical blend designed to appeal to even the most discerning feline noses. And a little goes a long way, each of our 60ml bottles provides 100+ applications, so you can spritz away each month, guilt-free, knowing next month a new bottle will arrive!   Royal Ritual — Make Relaxation a Royal Affair A little ritual for your cat's wind-down or bedtime regime! Every cat has their own little rituals. Royal Ritual (coming soon) is our super-relaxing limited-edition spray for cat lovers who want to make those everyday moments feel extra special. The new Royal Ritual Spray is packed with organic catnip and Valerian to help create a peaceful atmosphere as part of your cat’s wind-down or bedtime regime! Because Royalty Deserves Rewards  Being a Catnip Queen VIP means making more of the products you love — with a little extra value along the way. Subscribe to Royal Elixir or Royal Ritual and enjoy 15% off your eligible subscription orders. Your VIP benefits: ✨ Exclusive savings Enjoy 15% off our two limited-edition sprays when you subscribe, helping you keep your cat's favourite playtime rituals going for less. 🐈 Everyday feline fabulousness Make refreshing toys and creating engaging play spaces part of your regular routine. 👑 A little luxury, on repeat Keep your favourite sprays close at hand, so your cat's playtime routine is easier to maintain. 💚 Shopping with heart With Royal Elixir, every purchase also contributes to supporting feline welfare through our donation to Feline Care. Buy Now! No fuss. More fabulousness. A little extra value for you and your favourite feline! ## Blog posts ### News https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news - [Can Kittens Have Catnip? Age & Timing Guide](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/cat-kittens-have-catnip-should-you-give-your-heirs-to-the-throne-catnip) | tags cat care, Cat Health, catnip, kittens | published 2026-04-10T17:56:02Z | updated 2026-08-03T18:22:12Z Not yet. Not because anything is wrong—because everything is. You place the toy down. A small ceremony. Your kitten inspects it with faint curiosity, then leaves—unmoved, unimpressed, entirely unbothered. This is not rejection. It’s timing. Catnip is chemistry, not mysticism. The active compound—nepetalactone—requires receptors that simply don’t exist in very young cats. No receptors, no reaction. Just a polite sniff and a quiet exit. Your kitten isn’t indifferent. She’s unfinished—in the most correct way. The Timeline (Elegantly Simple) Under 3 months - Nothing. No response, no matter how exquisite the blend. 3–6 months - Awakening. Sensitivity begins. Subtle at first, then unmistakable. 8 months and beyond, still nothing - not late—just different. Around 20–30% of cats will never respond. It’s genetic. Immutable. Entirely fine. For them, silvervine often succeeds where catnip does not. Same theatre, different script. The Introduction (When the Moment Arrives) Start quietly. A pinch on fabric. A trace on a toy. Offer it during play, not as a performance. Watch, lightly. Rolling, rubbing—this is the classic response. Frenetic energy, sharp vocalisation—too much, too soon. Edit accordingly. Indifference? Believe it. It’s not attitude. It’s biology. And, did you hear the word on the catwalk? 1% of every Catnip Queen sale goes to Felinecare, who do the incredibly hard work of rehabilitating cats that the system wrote off.    The content published in our blog - [Your Dog Ate a Catnip Toy. Now What?](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/your-dog-ate-a-catnip-toy-now-what) | tags Cat Health, catnip, Dogs | published 2026-03-28T18:50:00Z | updated 2026-08-23T18:52:31Z If you share your postcode with both a cat and a dog, this one's for you. Relax. Really. Yes, it happened. The new, organic, therapeutic-grade catnip toy for cats—vanished into the corner of the sofa, commandeered by the dog. But let’s be clear: this is not a disaster. It is a logistical hiccup. Catnip Itself Non-toxic. Nepeta cataria will not harm your dog. At worst: a little stomach upset if they gorge. Unpleasant, transient, not emergency-room material. But “non-toxic” ≠ “designed for dogs.” That’s where nuance lives. The True Danger It’s structural, not botanical. Cat toys are calibrated for small mouths, gentle play, and precision engagement. Your Labrador? Not gentle. Feathers, bells, strings, weak seams—under canine jaws, these become choking hazards, swallowed stuffing, or a vet visit. The toy is the risk. Not the catnip. Behavioural Effects Dog reactions to catnip are minimal and unpredictable: Mild calm, sometimes. Brief hyperactivity, occasionally. Mostly… nothing. Neurologically, dogs don’t process catnip the way cats do.  Buying for Dogs? Only if deliberate. Only if the toy is built to withstand canine play. Otherwise: dog toys exist for good reason. Designed for their mouths. For their movement. For their species-specific satisfaction.   Managing Multi-Pet Homes Supervise interactions initially. Create zones—feeding corners, separate play spaces. Store catnip toys out of reach. Consider dog-specific sensory toys—anise, chamomile, or othe - [Catnip Bubbles: Do They Actually Work for Cats?](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-the-best-results-with-catnip-bubbles) | tags catnip, catnip bubbles, cats | published 2026-03-25T15:39:00Z | updated 2026-09-14T14:11:22Z Soap solution infused with catnip oil. You blow them. Your cat theoretically loses its mind. Here's what actually happens. The promise is simple: blow catnip-scented bubbles, watch feline chaos ensue. Reality? Variable. Glorious for some, mildly intriguing for most, invisible for others. The reality, based on testing across seventeen cats and multiple product brands: works brilliantly for some, mildly interesting for most, completely invisible to others. Which, to be fair, describes most enrichment products. The difference here is that catnip bubbles have attracted a level of hype that warrants an honest look. The Numbers, Plainly Seventeen cats tested: 35% went full euphoria—chasing, swatting, sustained engagement. Unsurprisingly, these were already catnip devotees. 47% inspected briefly, swatted a few bubbles, and moved on. Polite, not obsessed. 18% ignored them entirely. One chose a cardboard box instead. Honest reviews don’t get more candid than that. Rule of thumb: if your cat already loves catnip, bubbles are worth trying. If not, don’t expect miracles. Kittens under six months and less mobile seniors may also find them underwhelming. What Actually Makes Them Work? The usual suspects: Room size: too big = bubbles vanish, too small = trapped cat. Bubble quality: cheap solutions pop before anyone gets a swipe. Handler enthusiasm: cats read energy. Half-hearted blows? They know. Check labels: real catnip oil matters more than fragrance. Non-toxic soap, decent - [Introducing a Second Cat: What Actually Works](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/introducing-second-cat-what-actually-works) | tags Cat Health, cats | published 2026-04-06T16:06:00Z | updated 2026-08-23T18:53:30Z Most people rush this. Then they wonder why one cat vanishes under the bed while the other stops eating. There is, fortunately, a more elegant way for harmony! Let’s begin with a small untruth: “introduce them over a few days.” That’s not guidance—it’s wishful thinking. Real timelines stretch from two to eight weeks, often longer. Biology, not optimism, sets the pace. Choreography rather than chaos. Because cats are not casually territorial. Their space is not preference—it is survival. When a new cat arrives, your resident cat doesn’t see a companion. It registers loss, competition, intrusion. In simpler terms: threat. Once you understand that, everything else becomes choreography rather than chaos.   The Four Phases (Consider Them Non-Negotiable) Phase 1: Scent Before Sight (Weeks 1–2) Closed doors. Separate worlds. What passes between them is scent—on fabric, bedding, air. Feed both cats near the door, gradually closer. Swap rooms, briefly. You are building a quiet association: the other cat exists, and nothing terrible follows. Success looks like calm curiosity. If not, linger here. Time spent now saves weeks later.   Phase 2: The Glimpse (Weeks 2–4) A door ajar, a gate between. They see—but cannot touch. Short, curated encounters. Distraction is your ally: treats, play, lightness. Watch for softness—loose posture, fleeting eye contact. Tension means retreat. Extend this phase without apology.   Phase 3: The Nonchalant Encounter (Weeks 4–6) Neutral groun - [Your Cat Isn't Lazy. She's Understimulated.](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/lazy-cat-understimulated) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare, cats | published 2026-04-08T14:39:00Z | updated 2026-09-14T14:14:24Z And the 3am chaos? Not personality. Messaging. Somewhere along the way, the narrative forms: she sleeps all day, dismantles your home at night, and carries a faint air of dissatisfaction. This is not temperament. It is unmet design. Cats are hunters—cognitively, physically, instinctively. When that circuitry has nowhere to go, it doesn’t disappear. It reroutes. Into cables, curtains, and the fragile architecture of your sleep. Enrichment isn’t indulgence. It’s alignment. Rotation (The Art of Disappearance...) A toy left out indefinitely becomes invisible. Familiarity, in this context, is erosion. That once-beloved mouse fades within days—not because it failed, but because it stayed. What works is absence. Three or four toys at a time. The rest removed—completely, decisively. Reintroduce after a week, and suddenly: novelty returns. It’s not accumulation. It’s curation. And what your cat chooses will rarely match what you imagined. Observe. Adjust. Edit without sentiment. Vertical Space (The Quiet Expansion) A small flat is only small in one dimension. To a cat, height is territory. Add shelves, a perch, a tree—and the space unfolds vertically into something far more expansive. No drilling required. No architectural drama. Just elevation. The effect is subtle but transformative: more territory, less tension. Hunting (Because Instinct Doesn’t Retire Indoors) A cat that works for food is a cat completing a sequence. Stalk. Solve. Reward. Remove that sequen - [Cat Preventative Vet Care UK | Save Money & Lives](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/cat-preventative-vet-care-uk) | tags Cat Health, catnip, cats, vetcare | published 2026-03-27T15:39:00Z | updated 2026-09-02T17:21:15Z Most cats seem perfectly fine right up until they don't. That's the species. They are extraordinarily good at masking illness, which means the window between "nothing to worry about" and "emergency" is shorter than it is for most animals. Preventative care is how you catch what they're hiding. Early-stage kidney disease: manageable. Late-stage, discovered too late: £3,000 and a very different conversation. This isn’t fear. It’s arithmetic dressed in clinical lighting. And it quietly dismantles the idea that “they seem fine” is a reliable metric. Cats excel at appearing fine. Right up until they don’t. Preventative care is not indulgence. It is interception. The Annual Exam (A Surprisingly Modest Luxury) £45–£80, once a year. In return: early detection—dental disease, thyroid imbalance, kidney decline, subtle weight shifts that suggest something beneath the surface. Ignore it, and the narrative becomes more expensive: £200–£500 for urgency. £1,000–£5,000 for consequences. The annual exam is not glamorous. It is, however, the most cost-effective decision you will make all year. Dental Health (The Quiet Catastrophe) By the time a cat stops eating, the story is already advanced. Routine cleaning: £200–£400. Delayed intervention: £1,500 and upward. At home, think restraint over perfection. Thirty seconds of brushing, occasionally. A lifted lip once a month. Redness, tartar, anything inelegant—investigate early. As for the beautifully packaged “solutions”? Mostly the - [The Indoor Cat Enrichment Guide. What Actually Works, What's a Waste of Money, and Why Your Cat Is Destroying Your Sofa.](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/the-pawsitive-guide-to-catnip-toys-for-indoor-cats) | tags Cat Health | published 2026-07-22T12:53:51Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:08Z Indoor cats live two to five years longer than outdoor cats on average. That's the good news. The less comfortable news: those extra years only count for something if they're actually well-lived. There's a version of indoor cat ownership that looks like success from the outside — healthy, safe, never at risk from traffic or foxes — and slowly turns into something else. Excessive sleeping. Furniture that doesn't survive the year. A 3am chaos routine you've started describing as "just her personality." These aren't personality quirks. They're behavioural indicators. Your cat isn't difficult. She's bored.  Outdoor cats get hunting opportunities, territorial exploration, sensory variety that changes by the hour. Indoor cats get your home, the same walls and same furniture.  Understanding that gap is where good enrichment strategy starts.  The Rotation Principle (The Thing Almost Nobody Does) The single most common mistake: buying a catnip toy, leaving it on the floor permanently, and concluding that your cat "doesn't really like toys" when she stops engaging after three days. Cats habituate to constant stimuli. That catnip mouse isn't boring because it's a bad toy. It's boring because it's always there. What actually works is rotation. Keep three or four toys accessible at any time. Store the rest completely out of reach, sealed container, airtight bag, out of the room entirely. Swap every five to seven days. When the "new" toy comes back out, it smells fresh, unfamiliar, in - [How to Look After a Cat: The Complete Guide](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/how-to-look-after-a-cat-the-complete-guide) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare | published 2026-04-22T19:44:30Z | updated 2026-09-14T14:11:49Z There's a version of cat ownership that looks competent from the outside and quietly unravels by month three. The litter box situation gets complicated. The scratching becomes structural. The 4am behaviour you assumed was a phase has, it turns out, become permanent. Most of this is preventable. Most of it isn't covered in the leaflet the rescue centre hands you on the way out. Here's what actually matters. The basics nobody makes sufficiently clear Cats are not low-maintenance. They're self-sufficient, which is different. The distinction matters because self-sufficient animals still have needs — territorial, sensory, social, physical — they simply won't verbalise them in ways you can easily decode. What you get instead are behavioural indicators: overgrooming, aggression, elimination outside the litter box, the 3am chaos routine that everyone describes as personality and nobody addresses as what it actually is. Good cat care means reading the behaviour before it escalates. That starts with understanding what a cat needs at baseline. Nutrition: get this right before anything else High-protein, species-appropriate diet. Cats are obligate carnivores, which sounds obvious until you read the ingredients on most budget wet food. Taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid — these are non-negotiable nutrients cats cannot synthesise in sufficient quantities on their own. Deficiencies show up slowly and expensively. The honest position on dry food: it's convenient, it's calorie-dense, - [Elderly Cat Care: Signs, Needs & What to Do](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/caring-for-an-elderly-cat-signs-needs-what-to-do) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare, vetcare | published 2026-06-10T15:02:00Z | updated 2026-10-11T15:14:04Z Your cat slept a bit more than usual last week. Moved a little slower on the stairs. Was less interested in the morning play session that used to occupy twenty minutes of enthusiastic predatory behaviour. You might have filed it under "she's just getting older." You're probably right. The question is what that actually means in practical terms. When does a cat become elderly? Senior typically starts around 11. Geriatric around 15. Both terms are somewhat arbitrary — individual variation matters more than the number. A well-cared-for 14-year-old often presents more vitally than a poorly-managed 10-year-old. The indicators matter more than the age. What changes as cats age: metabolic rate slows, lean muscle mass decreases, immune response weakens, joint flexibility reduces, sensory acuity (hearing, vision, smell) typically declines. The kidneys are the organ most commonly implicated in feline ageing — chronic kidney disease affects a significant proportion of cats over 12. Dental disease accumulates. Hyperthyroidism and hypertension become more common. None of this is inevitable in the acute sense. Much of it is manageable if you're watching. The signs worth paying attention to Weight loss, even subtle. In an elderly cat, this warrants a vet visit rather than a wait-and-see approach — it can indicate kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, dental pain, or cancer. Weigh your cat monthly and record it. Increased water consumption and urination. Again, kidney and thyroid flags. - [Senior Cat Care: Making Every Year Count](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/senior-cat-care-making-every-year-count) | tags cat care, Cat Health, vetcare | published 2026-07-22T13:00:05Z | updated 2026-09-14T14:12:22Z The most common mistake in senior cat care is treating it as a waiting game rather than an active strategy. Good senior care isn't about managing decline, it's about extending the period of genuine quality of life for as long as possible. The cats who age best are rarely the ones whose owners simply "love them." They're the ones whose owners made specific, informed decisions about nutrition, environment, veterinary monitoring, and mental stimulation. Love is the motivation. The specific decisions are the mechanism. Nutrition: recalibrate at 11 Energy requirements drop. Protein requirements, contra older guidance, stay high or increase. The reasoning: lean muscle mass decreases with age and adequate protein intake is the primary dietary lever for slowing that process. Quality matters more at this stage. Digestibility drops with age, meaning a lower-quality protein source that was adequate at five may not meet needs at twelve. If your cat is losing muscle mass despite adequate caloric intake, the protein source and digestibility is worth examining. Supplements worth discussing with your vet: omega-3 fatty acids for joint and cognitive support. Antioxidants. Probiotics if there are digestive changes. These have varying evidence bases — discuss specifics rather than general "senior health" blends. The twice-yearly vet visit: do it! Blood panels at this age catch things that are entirely manageable early and significantly harder to manage late. Kidney values, thyroid hormon - [How to Clean a Cat's Teeth (and Why It Matters)](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/how-to-clean-a-cats-teeth-and-why-it-matters) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare, cats, vetcare | published 2026-06-10T15:02:10Z | updated 2026-09-11T13:29:08Z Dental disease affects approximately 70% of cats over the age of three. It is among the most common health issues in domestic cats and among the most consistently underaddressed by owners. It's also the starting point for problems that extend well beyond the mouth — bacteria from periodontal disease enter the bloodstream and connect to kidney, heart, and liver disease. None of this is catastrophic if you catch it early. Most of it is preventable. What you're dealing with Plaque forms on teeth within hours of eating. Without removal, it mineralises into tartar within days. Tartar creates pockets between tooth and gum where bacteria accumulate. Left alone, this progresses to gingivitis, then periodontitis, then tooth resorption, bone loss, and pain that your cat will not tell you about directly but will express through reluctance to eat hard food, pawing at the mouth, or simply reduced food intake. Professional dental cleaning under anaesthesia is available and effective. It is also expensive and carries the normal risks of general anaesthesia. Prevention is less expensive and carries no anaesthetic risk. The gold standard: daily brushing A cat-specific toothbrush (or a finger brush) and enzymatic cat toothpaste. Never human toothpaste — xylitol is toxic to cats, and fluoride at cat-consumption levels is problematic. The introduction process takes weeks and is worth doing properly. Start by getting your cat comfortable with you handling her muzzle: brief, gentle, followe - [The Best Catnip Toys for Cats and Indoor Cats](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/the-best-catnip-toys-for-indoor-cats) | tags Cat Welfare, catnip, cats | published 2026-08-04T17:56:33Z | updated 2026-10-21T16:50:57Z Indoor cats live two to five years longer than outdoor cats on average. The tradeoff: they live in a controlled, sensory-limited environment that provides none of the hunting opportunity, territorial exploration, or environmental variety that sustains outdoor cats psychologically. Catnip toys, used correctly, address a specific portion of that gap. Here's how to use them well. Catnip response is genetic. Approximately 68 to 80% of cats carry the gene that makes them responsive to nepetalactone, the active compound in Nepeta cataria. The remaining 20 to 32% are non-responsive — not broken, not low-quality cats, simply missing the relevant receptor sensitivity. As a result, the best catnip toys also include a silvervine cat toy option, since there's a wider response rate for cats to silvervine too. Kittens under six months are typically non-responsive regardless of genetics; the response develops with sexual maturity. If yours isn't responding, this is the most likely explanation. This matters because it means catnip toys should be selected based on whether they work for your specific cat, not because they're marketed as premium. What makes a catnip toy actually effective Catnip potency is everything. The nepetalactone content in budget catnip products ranges from trace to minimal; the response you get reflects that. Therapeutic-grade organic catnip — from a traceable source, stored correctly, without synthetic fragrance additions — produces a measurably different re - [Are Catnip Toys Safe? What the Research Actually Says](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/are-catnip-toys-safe-what-the-research-actually-says) | tags cat care, catnip | published 2026-08-04T13:27:51Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:18Z This question comes up constantly. The short answer is yes. Here's the complete picture. The active compound and what it does Nepeta cataria — common catnip — contains nepetalactone, a bicyclic monoterpenoid that binds to feline olfactory receptors and triggers a temporary neurological response in genetically susceptible cats. The response typically lasts 5 to 15 minutes and is followed by a refractory period of roughly 30 minutes to two hours during which the cat won't respond. The neurological effect is stimulatory: rolling, vocalisation, rubbing, sometimes mild aggression or heightened energy. It has been compared pharmacologically to feline sex pheromones. It is not a hallucinogen in any mechanistic sense, though the colloquial description persists. Is it toxic? No. Catnip is non-toxic to cats at normal exposure levels. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic. The mechanism produces a behavioural effect, not a biochemical harm. In very large ingested quantities, catnip can cause mild gastrointestinal upset — drooling, vomiting, or diarrhoea. This is generally self-limiting and does not require veterinary intervention. The practical scenario: a cat who destroys a toy and consumes the filling. Unpleasant temporarily, not dangerous. Is it addictive? No. The refractory period after each exposure is a neurological reset, not a withdrawal state. Cats don't develop dependency on catnip. They don't seek it compulsively or display distress in its absence. You can offer it freely w - [How Does Catnip Work? The Science Explained](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/how-does-catnip-work-the-science-behind-the-madness) | tags catnip, cats | published 2026-06-10T15:02:51Z | updated 2026-10-12T09:16:55Z Your cat is rolling on the floor making sounds you've not heard before. The catnip toy you offered two minutes ago has been subjected to levels of enthusiasm previously directed at nothing in your home. Here's what's actually happening. The compound Catnip — Nepeta cataria — contains nepetalactone, a bicyclic monoterpenoid produced in the plant's trichomes (the small hair-like structures on the leaves and stems). When a cat encounters catnip, the physical action of rubbing, biting, or rolling releases more nepetalactone from the plant material by breaking these structures. This is why the "if you crush the leaves slightly before offering catnip" advice you'll see in various places has a legitimate basis: you're releasing more of the active compound. What happens in the cat's brain Nepetalactone binds to olfactory receptors in the nasal tissue and stimulates sensory neurons connected to the olfactory bulb. From there, the signal reaches the amygdala and hypothalamus — areas involved in emotional responses and hormonal regulation respectively. The current understanding is that the response mimics the effect of feline sex pheromones. Neutered cats respond in the same way as intact cats, suggesting it's the receptor pathway rather than actual hormonal activity producing the effect. The response is neurological, not chemical in the pharmacological sense — nepetalactone doesn't enter the bloodstream and produce an effect throughout the body the way a drug does. The response - [Why Refillable Catnip Toys Are Better (and Cheaper Long-Term)](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/why-refillable-catnip-toys-are-better-and-cheaper-long-term) | tags catnip, environment | published 2026-05-21T16:30:18Z | updated 2026-09-02T17:21:15Z There are two reasons to buy refillable catnip toys. Both are practical. Neither requires any particular commitment to sustainability as a value — though if that's also relevant to you, the environmental logic holds. Reason one: potency degrades Nepetalactone — the active compound in catnip — is volatile. It evaporates. It degrades with exposure to air, light, heat, and time. A toy left in your living room for eight months has significantly less active compound than the same toy when first purchased, regardless of initial quality. This is why cats who responded enthusiastically to a toy in the first few weeks gradually lose interest. The toy isn't boring. The potency has dropped below the threshold that produces a meaningful response. A refillable toy solves this at the source. When response drops, you replace the catnip, not the toy. The fabric, construction, and form — which your cat has already learned to engage with — remain. The stimulus is refreshed. Reason two: the economics A non-refillable catnip toy costs £8 to £14. Useful engagement period: one to three months, after which the potency is inadequate. Annual cost if you replace quarterly: £32 to £56 per toy. A quality refillable toy costs £12 to £18 upfront. Refill pouches cost £4 to £8. Annual cost for quarterly refills: £16 to £32. Lower than the non-refillable option from year one, more significantly lower in subsequent years. This is before accounting for the construction quality differential. A refillabl - [10 Cat Enrichment Ideas for Indoor Cats](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/10-cat-enrichment-ideas-for-indoor-cats) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare | published 2026-05-21T16:30:45Z | updated 2026-09-14T14:12:59Z Indoor cats live longer. They also live in an environment that provides none of the hunting, territorial exploration, or sensory variety that outdoor cats experience daily. The gap matters behaviourally. Here's how to close it. 1. The rotation principle for toys Not buying more cat toys — using the ones you have correctly. Keep three or four accessible. Store the rest completely out of reach in an airtight container. Swap every five to seven days. When a toy returns after two weeks, it's effectively new to a cat who habituates to constant stimuli. Cost: nothing beyond the toys you already own. 2. Fifteen minutes of interactive play before bed Non-negotiable. Self-play enrichment is supplementary. Interactive play — wand toys, anything that mimics prey movement — provides the hunting sequence that cats require daily. Stalk, chase, pounce, capture. The capture matters: let them win regularly. A hunt that never ends in success is frustrating, not stimulating. Pre-bedtime timing specifically: consistent play before the evening wind-down redirects nocturnal hunting energy appropriately. 3. Vertical space Cats are not exclusively ground-level animals. Height is territory. Multiple levels throughout the home — cat trees, wall-mounted shelves, a stable window perch — transform the effective square footage of a flat dramatically. The investment for a basic setup: £40 to £80 and an afternoon. 4. A dedicated scratching station Placed near sleeping areas and, critically, near th - [Silvervine Cat Benefits vs Catnip: The Full Safety Guide](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/silvervine-for-cats-10923-42) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare, catnip | published 2026-07-30T14:57:56Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:18Z A cat that suddenly starts rolling on the floor after sniffing a toy is not being mysterious for the sake of it. Silvervine often triggers that kind of lively, curious response, which is why it has become a useful option for enrichment alongside catnip. For owners comparing a silvervine cat toy against regular catnip options, the main question is usually simple: what is it, how does it differ from catnip, and is it worth trying for a particular cat? What Is Silvervine? Silvervine is a natural herb cats react to mainly through scent, although some will also lick or chew it. It comes from the silvervine plant, a climbing vine native to parts of Asia, and the parts used for cats are usually dried sticks, powder, or infused toy fillings. The plant has a slightly woody, herbal look, which is one reason it shows up in cat enrichment products rather than everyday pet food. Cat owners often explore it as an alternative to catnip when a cat seems uninterested in familiar cat toys. How Silvervine Affects Cats The response to silvervine can be dramatic or barely noticeable, depending on the cat. Some roll, rub their cheeks, lick the surface, or dart around the room; others become calm and settled after a short burst of interest. These reactions usually come from sensory stimulation rather than anything harmful. The effect is temporary, often fading after a few minutes, which makes silvervine useful for short enrichment sessions rather than constant exposure. Because each cat’s sens - [Catnip Queen Spray & Toys: Catmum Journal Review](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/catmum-journal-review-of-the-catnip-queen-spray-and-toys) | tags Cat Health, Cat Welfare, catnip | published 2026-06-25T11:43:41Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:41:44Z Here at Catnip Queen HQ we are absolutely delighted by this wonderful tried-and-tested review from Cat Mum Journal. Rachel has become one of our favourite bloggers, not only because of her honest and thoughtful reviews, but because of the genuine love and care she shows for every cat she features. Seeing Drax, Simba, Nobby enjoying our toys and Royal Elixir Spray was incredibly rewarding, especially as creating products that cats truly love is at the heart of everything we do. We were thrilled to read about the cats' reactions to our catnip and silvervine blends, and it means so much to see the quality, sustainability and durability of our products recognised. Thank you, Rachel, for taking the time to put our toys through their paces and for sharing such a detailed, heartfelt review with your readers. We are proud to have Cat Mum Journal as part of The Catnip Queen family and can't wait to see what your feline testers think of our future creations! Do take a read of the full blog here - [What is the difference between silvervine and catnip for cats?](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/silvervine-vs-catnip-why-80-of-cats-prefer-the-vine) | published 2026-07-10T17:54:05Z | updated 2026-09-14T14:13:38Z Princess ignores catnip entirely. Always has. She strolls straight past it like a toy that's beneath her. Give her a stick of silvervine or silvervine fruit though, and she's on the floor within ten seconds, doing what the Japanese researchers who study this properly call the matatabi response, and what the rest of us call a cat having the best afternoon of her life! That's not a fluke. It's chemistry. And if your cat has ever looked at a catnip toy with total indifference, silvervine is very likely the reason you haven't seen them properly lose the plot yet. It's why we added it to our silvervine cat toy range, blended with our top of the range organic catnip! Quick answer: Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) works on roughly 80% of cats, compared to around 60% for catnip. It's non-addictive, backed by long-term safety data, and often effective on cats who show zero interest in catnip. Here's the actual science. What Silvervine Actually Is Silvervine is a plant native to Japan and parts of Asia, sold in the UK mostly as dried fruit galls, powder, leaves, or chew sticks. It's been used for centuries, but the research into why it works so well on cats is more recent, and more interesting than most pet product marketing lets on. Catnip relies on a single active compound: nepetalactone. One trick, done well. Silvervine brings at least two additional iridoid compounds to the party, actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide, giving it a broader chemical signature. Researchers believ - [How to WIN A Catnip Toy Set For Your Kitty from Ecohome Magazine](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/how-to-win-a-catnip-toy-set-for-your-kitty-from-ecohome-magazine) | tags catnip | published 2026-08-04T17:47:32Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:18Z Your cat deserves the very best, and we're giving one lucky winner the chance to treat their feline friend to pure luxury. Enter our competition now for a chance to win The Queen's Collection by Catnip Queen – a curated selection of premium toys that even the most discerning cats will absolutely adore. Go to the Eco Home Website for more info > here <  Why Your Cat Will Love This Prize Let's be honest: cats have impeccable taste. That toy you picked up last week? The one gathering dust in the corner? Your cat knew it wasn't worth their time. But The Queen's Collection is different. Each toy is infused with Extra Fancy organic catnip blended with silvervine fruit – a combination that achieves a 95%+ feline response rate. While standard catnip works on just 70-80% of cats, this premium dual-ingredient formula is practically irresistible. Even the pickiest, most judgmental cats lose their minds for these toys. What You Could Win One lucky winner will receive a stunning prize bundle featuring: A stylish Clutch toy with premium fabric exterior The Catch of the Day toy The adorable Count's Moustache toy All toys feature sustainable catnip filling and beautiful design that looks as good on your living room floor as it does in your cat's paws. We're Giving Back Too When you enter this competition, you're supporting something bigger. For every Designer Clutch toy purchased, Catnip Queen donates 1% of sales to Feline Care (Registered Charity No. 1144830), supporting cat rescu - [Gifts for Cat Lovers: The 2026 Christmas Guide](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/gifts-for-cat-lovers-the-2026-christmas-guide) | tags cat care, Cat Health | published 2026-08-24T16:51:47Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:42:22Z New for Christmas 2026, because your cat deserves only the most en vogue gifts, is the VIP Christmas Luxury Gift Box. Every pampered kitty needs their own designer clutch, which is why the most beautiful accessories of the French luxury fashion houses have inspired The Catnip Queen’s new limited-edition box, set to become a highly coveted collector's item. Prices start from £28. Featuring a new calming spritz, alongside the enviable clutch, the box sets are the ultimate way to reward your feline friend after a year of being fabulous. The boxes even come in their very own dustbag to keep your kitty’s designer paw-candy looking pristine. The new Royal Ritual Spray is packed with organic catnip and Valerian to help create a peaceful atmosphere as part of your cat’s wind-down or bedtime regime! But what about a few little stocking fillers too, we hear you say! Well check out these simply pawesome ideas below! For the newly cat-obsessed friend They got a kitten in the spring, and now every conversation somehow loops back to litter trays. They don't need another toy shaped vaguely like a mouse — they need one their cat will still be interested in come February. The Royal Catch — £12.75 Our best-seller, and for a straightforward reason: it's organic catnip and silvervine in a fish-shaped design that plays to actual feline hunting instinct, not just a novelty shape. 34 reviews in, it's the toy we recommend when someone asks "what should I actually buy?" It's also refillable w - [Summer Highlights at The Catnip Queen: What a Season It's Been!](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/summer-highlights-at-the-catnip-queen) | tags cat care, Cat Health, catnip | published 2026-09-02T08:50:38Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:18Z As summer begins to draw to a close, we’ve been taking a little moment to pause, reflect and look back at some of the #felinefabulous catwalk moments that have been happening at The Catnip Queen! From blogger reviews, magazine features and memorable adventures to discovering an amazing community of pet parents on TikTok, it’s been a summer filled with exciting moments, wonderful feedback and, most importantly, lots of love for our favourite feline friends.  And honestly? We couldn’t be more grateful. From the pages of magazines to your homes One of the highlights of our summer has been seeing The Catnip Queen featured across some brilliant publications, including Women & Home, Women's Weekly, The Mirror and The Daily Express. Seeing our products and brand reach new audiences is always incredibly exciting, but what makes these features particularly special is knowing that they introduce even more cat lovers to what we’re passionate about: creating products that celebrate the joy, personality and individuality of our cats. Because, as every cat parent knows, our cats aren’t just pets. They’re family, companions, characters and sometimes the boss of the entire household! Adventures with the Pussycat Dads 🐱🚇 We’ve also loved seeing The Catnip Queen alongside some truly wonderful social media personalities, including the fabulous Lupin in London. For those who haven’t yet met him (where have you been!?), Lupin is a famous and incredibly calm Russian Blue adventure cat wh - [How can I reduce the amount of cat toy waste in my household?](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/how-can-i-reduce-the-amount-of-cat-toy-waste-in-my-household) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare, catnip | published 2026-09-08T10:00:47Z | updated 2026-10-15T11:20:29Z Open any cat owner's cupboard and you'll find the same crime scene. A dozen catnip mice, most of them flat, one abandoned feather wand, and a Amazon multi-pack catnip toys, that your cat sniffed once and never acknowledged again! None of it is illegal... But All of it is landfill in waiting. Here's the uncomfortable bit: buying your way out of a bored cat doesn't work. Cats habituate. A toy that sat on the floor for a fortnight isn't boring because it's a bad toy. It's boring because it's always there. The fix isn't more plastic. It's a system to keep your feline curious! Rotate. Don't Replace. Keep three or four toys out at any time. Everything else goes in a box, sealed, out of sight, out of scent. Swap every five to seven days. When last month's toy reappears, it smells unfamiliar again, and your cat treats it like new stock. This one habit does more for waste reduction than any "eco-friendly" label ever will. You're not buying less because you're being virtuous about it. You're buying less because you're finally using what you've already got. Repair Before You Replace Loose feather. Frayed seam. A bell that's come slightly unstitched. None of that means bin it. A needle and five minutes will get you another six months out of most fabric toys. Keep toys fresh with a quick spritz of catnip spray too. Genuinely broken is different: exposed stuffing, a detached small part, string that's starting to unravel. That's not a repair job. That's a hazard, so try and recyc - [The Ultimate Guide to Catnip Toys (and How to Choose the Right One)](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/the-ultimate-guide-to-catnip-toys-and-how-to-choose-the-right-one) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare, cats, environment | published 2026-09-16T16:22:29Z | updated 2026-10-21T16:36:28Z Picture the scene: you've bought the "premium" catnip toy — glossy packaging, an influencer's name attached, twelve quid down — and your cat sniffed it once, walked away, and hasn't looked at it since. Meanwhile the £3 catnip mouse from three Christmases ago is still getting nightly assaults. This isn't bad luck. It's what happens when a category built on genuine feline biology gets marketed like a fashion accessory. Catnip toys aren't a difficult category to get right. Most brands just aren't trying. Here's what's actually going on, and how to choose one that works. What Catnip Actually Does Catnip — Nepeta cataria — contains a compound called nepetalactone. Cats detect it through scent receptors in the roof of the mouth, and in roughly 70–80% of cats it triggers the familiar response: rolling, rubbing, that slightly unhinged fifteen minutes of joy, followed by a nap. The 20–30% who don't respond aren't broken. Sensitivity to nepetalactone is genetic, and kittens under about three months old typically don't react at all yet, regardless of pedigree. If your cat has never so much as blinked at catnip, the answer usually isn't "buy a stronger one." It's "try silvervine" — more on that below (or read our blog on Silvervine Vs Catnip) The bigger issue with most catnip toys on the market has nothing to do with your cat's biology and everything to do with what's inside the toy. Nepetalactone degrades. Fast. A toy stuffed with low-grade, over-processed catnip filler loses its - [Can Catnip Help an Anxious Cat? A Look at Enrichment That Actually Works](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/can-catnip-help-an-anxious-cat-a-look-at-enrichment-that-actually-works) | tags cat care, Cat Health, Cat Welfare, cats | published 2026-09-17T16:30:01Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:18Z There's a particular kind of quiet that anxious cats do. Not the peaceful, sun-patch kind. The kind where they've wedged themselves behind the sofa for the third day running, and you've started wondering whether "that's just her personality" is actually true, or whether it's something you're meant to be doing something about! It's usually the second one. What Anxiety Actually Looks Like in Cats It rarely looks like panic. More often, it looks like withdrawal: hiding, over-grooming to the point of bald patches, sudden litter tray avoidance, a cat who was fine with visitors and now isn't. Scratching gets blamed a lot here too — if you've ever searched why do cats claw you mid-cuddle, or wondered whether your sofa is simply doomed, the honest answer is that scratching is rarely aggression. It's a stress release and a scent-marking behaviour, and a cat who's doing it more than usual is very often telling you something about their environment, not their character....! None of this means your cat is broken, a under stimulated cat, or that you've failed at some invisible standard of cat ownership. It means the environment isn't giving them enough to do with the instincts they still fully have, rescue background or not. Enrichment Is the Actual Answer — Not a Buzzword "Enrichment" gets used so loosely in pet marketing that it's started to mean nothing. Here's what it actually means: giving a cat outlets for the behaviours evolution built into them — hunting, stalking, chewing, - [How to protect and maintain bedding when you share your bed with cats](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/how-to-deal-with-a-cats-bedding-for-an-easy-life) | tags Cat Health, Cat Welfare, cats | published 2026-09-19T16:30:03Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:18Z The alarm goes off at 7am and you're clinging to approximately one-third of the duvet. The rest has been claimed by a small, warm, completely unapologetic creature who arrived in the night and hasn't moved since. You notice, not for the first time, the little pulls across the cover you bought three months ago. The fur situation is best left without comment. Here's the thing: most cat owners aren't going to banish their cat from the bedroom, and honestly, there's no need to feel guilty about that. What does need to change is the approach to bedding itself. Sharing bedding with cats creates two problems worth solving at the same time: making the shared bed more resilient, and giving your cat a spot so appealing that they actually choose it. Follow both, and everyone sleeps better! By the end of this guide, you'll know which fabrics hold up best when it comes to bedding with cats, how to layer protection so your mattress survives the long term, and how to pick the right cat bed for your cat's age and personality. Practical, actionable, and yes, the solutions are all available in the UK. The fabrics and fills that actually survive bedding with cats Which bedlinen materials resist hair and launder well Some fabrics collect cat hair like a magnet and begin pilling after only a few washes. Four materials consistently perform better than the rest: microfibre, cotton percale, bamboo/lyocell, and pure flax linen. Microfibre wins on hair resistance because its dense, smooth, low-st - [Celebrating Black Cats This October: Giving Every Cat the Chance of a Loving Home 🐈‍⬛](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/celebrating-black-cats-this-october-giving-every-cat-the-chance-of-a-loving-home-🐈‍⬛) | tags cat care, Cat Welfare, cats | published 2026-10-12T08:52:10Z | updated 2026-10-15T10:40:18Z October is National Black Cat Awareness Month, and here at Catnip Queen, we’re celebrating the beautiful black cats who deserve just as much love, attention and opportunity as every other feline friend. Alongside our wonderful charity partner, Feline Care, we’re proud to help raise awareness of the thousands of black cats across the UK who are waiting for their forever homes. Because every cat deserves a loving family, a safe place to sleep and a human who adores them — regardless of the colour of their coat. Why Do Black Cats Need Our Support? Black cats are some of the most striking and beautiful cats around, with their glossy coats, bright eyes and wonderfully individual personalities. Yet, sadly, they can still be overlooked by people looking to adopt. Outdated superstitions, misconceptions about their personalities and even the belief that they don't photograph as well as other cats can all play a part in making it harder for some black cats to find their forever homes. The statistics are a reminder of why raising awareness matters. According to the RSPCA, black and black-and-white cats accounted for 47% of the cats in its care in the year reported in 2025. Its figures also showed that black cats spent an average of 71 days in care before finding a home, compared with 64 days for tabby cats. What Makes Black Cats So Special? At Catnip Queen, we think black cats are absolutely magical — and not just because October is the perfect time of year to celebrate them! Ca - [Keeping Our Cats Calm This Halloween and Bonfire Night 🎃](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/blogs/news/keeping-our-cats-calm-this-halloween-and-bonfire-night-🎃) | tags cat care, Cat Health | published 2026-10-15T08:28:11Z | updated 2026-10-15T08:41:03Z Advice from The Catnip Queen, with a little help from our Chief Toy Testers, Princess and Tiger. Halloween and Bonfire Night can be an exciting time for us, but for our pets, the increase in noise and activity can be unsettling. From trick-or-treaters knocking at the door to fireworks lighting up the sky, there are plenty of things that can leave cats and other pets feeling anxious. As a pet owner of two cats, Princess and Tiger, I know how important it is to help them feel safe and comfortable. Here’s what we do at Catnip Queen HQ to help keep our two calm during the spooky season. 🎶 1. Put on Some Calming Background Music One of our go-to tricks is putting Classic FM on in the room where Princess and Tiger are relaxing. Background music can help mask some of the sudden noises from outside, including knocks at the door and fireworks. We keep the volume comfortable and make sure they can move away from the sound whenever they like. 👑 2. Our Royal Elixir Strong Catnip Spray We have launched The Royal Elixir Catnip and Silvervine Spray, this heady mix means your cat is more likely to respond than Catnip alone. This will provide a distraction for the cats and a relaxing sleep after exercise.  During Halloween and Bonfire Night, we spray their toys as part of creating a familiar, comfortable environment for them. It's one of the little things we do alongside providing a quiet space and plenty of reassurance. Always follow the product instructions and check that any spr ## Optional - [robots.txt](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/robots.txt) - [sitemap.xml](https://gb0i9m-1d.myshopify.com/sitemap.xml)