For years, catnip was the go-to herb for cat parents. A pinch in a toy or a sprinkle on the floor, and most cats would be off to the races - rolling, zooming, drooling, vibing.
But something's changed.
Silvervine, a lesser-known herb from East Asia, is starting to show up in more homes. And once cats get a taste, it's quickly becoming the new favorite.
What Is Silvervine?
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) is a plant native to the mountainous regions of Japan and China. Like catnip, it's non-toxic and totally safe. But the key difference is in the chemistry.
Catnip contains a single active compound: nepetalactone. Silvervine, on the other hand, has multiple - including actinidine and dihydronepetalactone.
More compounds = more chances to blow a cat's mind.
And in testing, silvervine tends to work on a wider group of cats - around 80% - compared to about 70% with catnip. That's a noticeable jump, especially for people whose cats have never reacted to catnip at all.
Why Catnip Is Losing Steam
Catnip isn't broken. It still works well for a lot of cats. But there are a few reasons it's not quite as exciting as it used to be:
- Some cats just don't respond to it - it's genetic.
- Others build up a tolerance, especially if it's used often.
- The effects wear off quickly, usually after 5-10 minutes.
- Old catnip goes stale, fast. If it's been sitting around in a plastic tube for months, it might be doing nothing at all.
It's still a solid herb. But it's not the only option anymore.
Why Silvervine Is Catching On
Silvervine's rise is pretty straightforward. It tends to create longer, stronger reactions in more cats. Here's what makes it stand out:
1. Higher response rate
Even cats that ignore catnip will often react to silvervine. For some, it's the first herb they've ever gone wild for.
2. More variety
Silvervine comes in a few different forms - ground powder, dried fruit galls, and even wood sticks. The sticks are especially popular because they double as a chew toy and help support dental health.
3. Long-lasting play
Some cats engage with silvervine toys or chews for 10-15 minutes at a time, and they often go back for round two later in the day.
4. A clean label
Pure silvervine doesn't need any additives or fillers. When it's fresh and natural, it's as simple as it gets.
So Why Isn't Everyone Using It Yet?
Awareness, mostly.
Silvervine has been a staple in Japan for years, but it's still relatively new in the U.S. A lot of cat owners just don't know it exists. And most of the big pet chains haven't caught up yet - they still mostly carry catnip-based products, especially in the budget aisles.
But that's starting to change. More boutique brands and small-batch sellers are introducing silvervine into their product lines, and word is getting out.
Worth a Try?
Absolutely.
If catnip's no longer getting the job done - or never did - silvervine is a great option to explore. It's safe, natural, and surprisingly effective. And in many cases, it helps re-spark interest in toys and scratchers that were previously getting ignored.
Just don't be surprised if it becomes the new go-to.
Ready to see what silvervine can do? Grab a pack of Chewie Doobies for satisfying chews or Silver Surfer for loose-leaf herbal bliss - both 100% natural and cat-approved.
