Silvervine vs Catnip: What's the Difference?

If you have a cat, you know catnip. Sprinkle a little on the floor, and your cat rolls around, rubs their face, and enters a happy little world.

But you might have also heard of another name: silvervine.

They seem similar — both can make cats excited. But they're actually two completely different plants. And for cats, the experience isn't quite the same.

What Is Catnip?DesignerTeam

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a herb in the mint family.

Its active ingredient is called nepetalactone. When cats smell or eat it, this compound stimulates pleasure centers in the brain, causing a short burst of euphoria.

How cats react to catnip:

• Rolling on the ground, face rubbing

• Drooling, purring

• Chasing imaginary prey

• Excitement lasts about 5-15 minutes, then fades

About 50-70% of cats respond to catnip. Sensitivity is genetic — some cats just don't feel its effects.

Kittens and seniors usually show weaker reactions. Sensitivity typically appears between 6 months and 1 year of age.

What Is Silvervine?

Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) is a plant in the kiwifruit family. Its fruits, leaves, and stems can all excite cats.

Its active compounds include actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide. These work differently from catnip's active ingredient, and they appeal to a broader range of cats.

How cats react to silvervine:

• Chewing, licking the stem

• Rubbing face and body

• Drooling, rolling, trance-like states

• Some cats do "air kneading"

• Excitement may last longer than catnip

Here's the key: cats who don't respond to catnip may still react to silvervine. The two plants target different receptors, so they cover more cats.

Key Differences

Can You Use Them Together?

Yes.

Some toys combine both — like our Tanghulu catnip toy, which has a silvervine stem and catnip-filled balls. Together, they appeal to even more cats.

If you're not sure what your cat likes, start with catnip. If they ignore it, try silvervine. Many cats strongly prefer one over the other.

Are They Safe? Can Cats Get Addicted?

Both are completely safe. No addiction, no withdrawal.

The reaction is natural and temporary — like how a pleasant smell can lift your mood. After it wears off, cats return to normal.

A few simple rules:

• Don't let cats overdo it in one session

• Put toys away after play to keep them "fresh"

• Watch for extreme excitement; a short break helps if needed

How to Use Them

Catnip:

• Sprinkle on scratching posts or beds

• Stuff into toys

• Spray catnip spray on toys

Silvervine:

• Give sticks directly for chewing

• Make it part of a toy

• Sprinkle powder on toys or scratching posts

One Last Thing

Catnip and silvervine are different plants doing the same thing: making cats happy.

If your cat ignores catnip, don't worry. Try silvervine. If they love both, you have a cat who really knows how to have fun.

Either way, watching a cat in that happy, drooly, rolling state? That's pure joy for us too.