Matatabi Cat Toy Set with Catnip
Why you'll love it
- Variety set: chew sticks, catnip balls, feather toys
- Natural matatabi silver vine — irresistible to cats
- Multiple textures engage different play styles
- Great for multi-cat households — enough to share
Specifications
| Material | matatabi |
| Weight | 80 g |
| Styles | 1 |
| Best for | All cats |
| 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 toy set with catnip safe for my cat?
It is made of matatabi and intended for all cats. 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
- Variety set: chew sticks, catnip balls, feather toys
- Natural matatabi silver vine — irresistible to cats
- Multiple textures engage different play styles
- Great for multi-cat households — enough to share
Specifications
| Material | matatabi |
| Weight | 80 g |
| Styles | 1 |
| Best for | All cats |
| 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 toy set with catnip safe for my cat?
It is made of matatabi and intended for all cats. 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
Great variety pack for picky cats
Have a notoriously picky cat (sabrina, 3yo DSH) who ignores most toys. This set has SOMETHING she'll engage with every single time — some days it's the chew sticks, other days the feather ones. The variety means she doesn't get bored. Matatabi effect is real, she gets so affectionate after playing. Great value.
Worth it for the variety alone
Two cats, two very different personalities, and this set works for both. My hunter-type loves the feather pieces, my chiller loves the chew sticks. The catnip-infused ones are potent (in a good way). Package was also nicely presented — would make a good gift for a cat-owner friend.
Some pieces better than others
Most pieces are great and my cats love them. There's one small ball in the set that neither cat cares about (it rolled under the couch and stayed there). But the chew sticks and the bigger feathered one are absolute hits. 9 out of 10 pieces engage — I'll take that. 4 stars only because of that one dud.
