Most cats enjoy the euphoric sensation they get from catnip. That’s why we put catnip in every ZippyClaws® cat toy. But did you know that catnip loses its potency over time? That’s right, the active ingredient found in catnip, a compound called nepetalactone, is an oil that will eventually break down and evaporate.
So, how can you renew and refresh your catnip toys after they’ve lost their potency? It’s quite easy to do. All you need is some catnip, a container with a lid, and the toys that you would like to revive.
For the purposes of this step-by-step guide, we used fresh homegrown catnip*, a 32 oz. Ball® Wide Mouth Mason Jar, and two ZippyClaws® toys (Rosé Catnip Crusherz and ZippyStick Unicorn Miniz).
Dried catnip can be purchased in bulk at most pet retailers or online. If your feline belongs to the one-third of cats who do not respond to catnip, try a catnip alternative like silvervine, Tatarian honeysuckle, or valerian root.
* If using fresh homegrown catnip, tie stems together and hang upside down to air-dry in a cool, dry location.
Step 1: Get a Sturdy Container with a Secure Lid
Choose a sturdy container with a lid that your cat can’t get into. A glass canning jar with a good sealing lid works best. The air-tight lid and non-porous glass will keep the scent of the catnip from escaping, thus helping to prevent your cat from attempting to reach its contents.
Step 2: Add Catnip to Container
Fill a quarter to half of the container with your preferred catnip. If using homegrown catnip, simply remove the leaves and flowers from the stems and crumble loosely into the bottom of the container. You may choose to blend catnip alternatives into the mix at this point.
Step 3: Drop Toys into Catnip
After choosing what toys you would like to breathe new life into, drop them into the container along with the crumbled catnip contents. Tighten lid and turn upside down and gently shake until toys are completely covered in catnip.
Step 4: Allow Time for Catnip to Re-Scent
Leave toys in jar to “marinate” for an hour or longer in a cool dry location. Depending on the potency of your catnip, it could take as little as 30 minutes to revive your cat toys. If unsure, leaving your toys in the jar overnight will definitely do the trick.
Step 5: Remove and Reintroduce Toys to Your Cat
Once your cat toys have had time to absorb the sweet and minty scent of the catnip, remove and reintroduce them to your cat. Carefully take the toys out slowly, lightly dusting them off as you do. Next, toss one to your cat and sit back and enjoy the show!
