Matatabi Cat Chew Stick - Natural
Why you'll love it
- 100% natural matatabi (silver vine) wood
- Raffia wrap adds texture for extra chewing satisfaction
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath naturally
- Stimulates cats who don't respond to catnip
Specifications
| Material | matatabi (silver vine) wood |
| Weight | 30 g |
| Styles | 1 |
| Best for | All cats, especially catnip-resistant |
| Price | $4.99 |
Which cat is this right for?
- If your cat ignores catnip → this is a strong pick — see the research note below.
- If you have multiple cats → get more than one so they don't compete.
- If your cat is a senior or low-energy → start with short, gentle sessions to spark interest.
Silvervine (matatabi) vs catnip — what the research says
In 2017, a study found about 80% of cats responded to silvervine (matatabi) versus about 68% to catnip; about 75% of cats that ignore catnip still respond to silvervine, and research shows 30–50% of cats lack the gene to react to catnip's nepetalactone. According to the PetMD (silvervine vs catnip), The 2017 study found ~75% of catnip-non-responders react to silvervine; 30–50% of cats lack the nepetalactone-response gene.
About 80% of cats responded to silvervine, versus about 68% to catnip.
— 2017 silvervine study, as reported by PetMD
For more, see Catster (vet-reviewed silvervine facts). About 75% of cats that do not respond to catnip do respond to silvervine.
About 75% of cats that do not respond to catnip do respond to silvervine.
— 2017 silvervine study, as reported by Catster
Frequently asked questions
Is the matatabi cat chew stick - natural safe for my cat?
It is made of matatabi (silver vine) wood and intended for all cats, especially catnip-resistant. As with any pet toy, inspect it regularly and discard it if pieces break off, and supervise the first sessions.
What size or style should I choose?
It comes in one standard size. Pick a size larger than your cat's mouth opening so it cannot be swallowed.
Silvervine (matatabi) vs catnip — what the research says?
In 2017, a study found about 80% of cats responded to silvervine (matatabi) versus about 68% to catnip; about 75% of cats that ignore catnip still respond to silvervine, and research shows 30–50% of cats lack the gene to react to catnip's nepetalactone.
How do I clean and care for it?
Wash with warm soapy water and air-dry. Inspect weekly and discard if damaged.
Written by the Roam Paws Team · Last updated June 2026 · Free shipping on orders $25+ · 30-day returns
Why you'll love it
- 100% natural matatabi (silver vine) wood
- Raffia wrap adds texture for extra chewing satisfaction
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath naturally
- Stimulates cats who don't respond to catnip
Specifications
| Material | matatabi (silver vine) wood |
| Weight | 30 g |
| Styles | 1 |
| Best for | All cats, especially catnip-resistant |
| Price | $4.99 |
Which cat is this right for?
- If your cat ignores catnip → this is a strong pick — see the research note below.
- If you have multiple cats → get more than one so they don't compete.
- If your cat is a senior or low-energy → start with short, gentle sessions to spark interest.
Silvervine (matatabi) vs catnip — what the research says
In 2017, a study found about 80% of cats responded to silvervine (matatabi) versus about 68% to catnip; about 75% of cats that ignore catnip still respond to silvervine, and research shows 30–50% of cats lack the gene to react to catnip's nepetalactone. According to the PetMD (silvervine vs catnip), The 2017 study found ~75% of catnip-non-responders react to silvervine; 30–50% of cats lack the nepetalactone-response gene.
About 80% of cats responded to silvervine, versus about 68% to catnip.
— 2017 silvervine study, as reported by PetMD
For more, see Catster (vet-reviewed silvervine facts). About 75% of cats that do not respond to catnip do respond to silvervine.
About 75% of cats that do not respond to catnip do respond to silvervine.
— 2017 silvervine study, as reported by Catster
Frequently asked questions
Is the matatabi cat chew stick - natural safe for my cat?
It is made of matatabi (silver vine) wood and intended for all cats, especially catnip-resistant. As with any pet toy, inspect it regularly and discard it if pieces break off, and supervise the first sessions.
What size or style should I choose?
It comes in one standard size. Pick a size larger than your cat's mouth opening so it cannot be swallowed.
Silvervine (matatabi) vs catnip — what the research says?
In 2017, a study found about 80% of cats responded to silvervine (matatabi) versus about 68% to catnip; about 75% of cats that ignore catnip still respond to silvervine, and research shows 30–50% of cats lack the gene to react to catnip's nepetalactone.
How do I clean and care for it?
Wash with warm soapy water and air-dry. Inspect weekly and discard if damaged.
Written by the Roam Paws Team · Last updated June 2026 · Free shipping on orders $25+ · 30-day returns
Ratings & Reviews
Better than catnip for my cat
I'd heard about matatabi but never tried it. Holy cow — my cat Bean (gray DSH, 4yo) reacts MORE strongly to these than to catnip. She gets all loopy and affectionate and then takes a huge nap. The sticks are natural wood so they're totally safe to chew. She's been through one stick in about a week. Buying again.
Finally something my senior cat engages with
My 13-year-old cat Whiskers had lost interest in most toys. These matatabi sticks brought her back — she rubs her face on them, licks them, chews them. It's been lovely to see her play again. The natural wood quality is obvious, no weird treatments or smells. Highly recommend for older cats.
Works great but messy
Cats love these (I have 2). Only complaint: they shed small wood fibers when chewed. I find little shavings on the rug and have to vacuum more. Not a dealbreaker but something to know. Cats are all over them. Natural quality, no shady smells. 4/5.
