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.
