You’ve probably heard catnip makes cats go wild — but have you tried silvervine? I tested both with my 10-year-old cat, and the difference was fascinating. Here’s what actually happened, what I’ve learned, and which one really wins in our home.
What Is Catnip?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant from the mint family that contains nepetalactone, a compound that binds to receptors in a cat’s nose and activates sensory neurons in the brain. That usually results in playful behavior like rolling, zooming, face rubbing, or straight-up silliness.
Around 2 out of 3 cats respond to catnip — and mine is one of them.
What Is Silvervine?
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) is a climbing vine found in the mountains of Japan and China. It contains two active compounds — actinidine and dihydronepetalactone — which can trigger similar euphoric effects in cats, often even more powerfully than catnip.
Fun fact: Silvervine has been used for centuries in traditional Eastern medicine, and it’s still more common in Asia than in the West. But for cats? It’s like an herbal upgrade.
My Cat’s Reaction to Catnip
She’s always been a fan of catnip. Every time I sprinkle some (usually around ¾ of a teaspoon), she:
- Rubs her face all over it
- Eats it like a treat
- Rolls and flops like she’s in ecstasy
- Acts “high” for several minutes before settling down
When she was younger, she’d sometimes even pee a little — something I talk more about in this post about “catnip and litter box accidents”. Now that she’s turning 10, that doesn’t happen anymore — but her love for catnip is still going strong. No side effects, just full-on delight every time.
My Cat’s Reaction to Silvervine
Silvervine? Oh boy. It can take things to a new level — but only when I don’t give it too often. If I use it too frequently, the effect definitely wears off.
- I only give her about ¼ teaspoon — anything more feels too intense.
- Her reaction is stronger than with catnip, especially at first.
- She mostly rubs her face in it and licks her arm a lot, and eats a little.
- The effects wear off faster, but the post-play nap is amazing — she crashes into the comfiest sleep.
- If I give it to her every day, she still reacts… but not as intensely. It really seems like she builds a tolerance, so I keep it special.
There are actually two types of silvervine powder I’ve seen: one that’s more greenish, and one that’s light brown. I use the light brown one — it seems finer and a little less messy, and my cat responds really well to it. I’m not sure if there’s a big difference in strength between them, but if you notice the color of the powder, that might explain it.
The video below actually shows what happens with regular use — her very first reaction was much more intense. If your cat is trying silvervine for the first time (or hasn’t had it in a while), the effect is usually much stronger than catnip. Unlike catnip, silvervine seems to build tolerance over time, and this clip captures that mellowed effect.
Silvervine vs Catnip: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Catnip | Silvervine |
|---|---|---|
| My cat’s initial reaction | 4/5 — playful & happy | 5/5 — Intense |
| Amount needed | ¾ tsp | ¼ tsp |
| Eating behavior | Eats a lot | Eats a little less |
| Face rubbing | Strong | Strong |
| Duration of effect | Lasts longer | Wears off quicker |
| Post-reaction | Calm but alert | Sleepy & relaxed |
| Tolerance over time | Stays consistent | Builds with daily use |
| Peeing from overstimulation | Occasionally (past) | Never |
What Forms Do Catnip and Silvervine Come In?
You can find both in several forms:
- Loose powder (my go-to — super easy to sprinkle on toys or mats)
- Compressed balls or sticks (some cats love chewing them, mine doesn’t)
- Blended toys (with both herbs combined inside)
Personally, I just use loose herb powder, sprinkled on the floor or cardboard scratcher. It’s simple to use because you can sprinkle it in any surface or object you want your cat to play with. I usually clean up right after she’s done playing — catnip is easy to sweep, and silvervine just takes a little more effort if it gets drooled on.
Cleanup & Storage Tips
- Catnip is dry and easy to sweep up or vacuum.
- Silvervine can get messier, especially if your cat drools on it (yup, been there).
- I store both in airtight glass jars in a cool cabinet to keep them fresh.
Pro tip: Herbs like these lose potency over time — if your cat isn’t reacting, check the expiration or swap it for a new batch.
What About Catnip + Silvervine Blends?
A lot of people love toys and powders that mix both herbs, and the reviews on Amazon are usually glowing. Some cats go absolutely bonkers for the combo. Personally, I prefer to keep them separate so I can see exactly how my cat reacts to each one. It helps me rotate between them and avoid any tolerance buildup — plus it’s fun to compare their effects on her mood and play style.
Which One Do I Recommend?
Honestly? Both. But they serve different purposes in my house:
- Catnip is great for regular enrichment and consistent fun.
- Silvervine is more intense, so I save it for when I want her to burn energy and relax afterward.
If your cat ignores catnip, silvervine is 100% worth trying. And if they like both? Even better — you’ve got options to rotate.
Final Thoughts
Watching your cat go wild over a sprinkle of herbs is one of the purest joys of being a cat parent. Just remember: every cat reacts differently. The fun part is figuring out what makes your cat tick.
In my case? Silvervine wins for intensity, and Catnip wins for consistency. And my cat wins either way!
Bonus: My Cat’s Favorite Brands
This is the catnip I use, I got it on Chewy here → SmartyKat
This is the silvervine I use, I got it on Amazon here → Ywaooh
Over to You!
Have you tried silvervine with your cat? How do they react compared to catnip? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your cat’s vibe.
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