Silvervine: The Ultimate Catnip Alternative for Picky Cats

If you could ask your cat about catnip, there´s about 33% chance they'd say something in the lines of... Meh!

A study published in BMC Veterinary Research in 2017 found that approximately 33% of the cats did not respond to catnip....

Show me something exciting!” If your feline friend has ever sniffed catnip and walked away like you’ve offered them a stale cracker, don’t worry—you’re not alone.

However, among these catnip-skeptic cats, about 75% showed a positive reaction to silvervine, suggesting it as a viable alternative for cats indifferent to catnip.

Silvervine, nature's "secret weapon" for cats who turn their nose up at catnip.

Let’s dive into why this plant is becoming every cat parent’s best friend and why most brands are still not using it!

What Is Silvervine? (Nature's Cat Euphoria Plant)

Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) grows wild in the mountainous regions of Japan and China, where cat owners have been using it for centuries.

While Western cat parents have only recently caught on, this woody plant has been creating feline euphoria in Asia for generations. The locals call it "Matatabi" and consider it essential for indoor cat enrichment.  

If you are intending to buy silvervine for your  cat, you'll find it in three main forms:

• Silvervine sticks (pieces of dried wood that cats can chew and rub against)

• Powdered Silvervine (for sprinkling on toys or scratching posts)

• Dried Silvervine fruit galls (the most potent part of the plant)

What Does Silvervine Do to Cats? (Euphoria Effect)

The first time I gave Mia a Silvervine stick, the transformation was immediate and hilarious! She paws it out of my hand and chews it frantically until she decides to run away.

Why does this happen? Silvervine contains two compounds—actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide that trigger sensory receptors in cats. These compounds create effects like:

• Rolling, rubbing, and purring

• Drooling and enthusiastic licking

• Sudden bursts of playful energy (we call these the "Silvervine zoomies")

• A blissed-out, relaxed state afterward

Most cats stay interested for about 5-30 minutes, though Mia will return to her Silvervine stick throughout the day, taking little licks whenever she passes by.

Is Silvervine Safe for Cats? (Your Vet Wants You to Know)

When I told my mom what catnip and silvervine are, she was super skeptic at first, worrying about my cat from the other side of the world.

"Is it really okay for my cat to act this way?" she asked... Silvervine is non-toxic and safe when used in moderation.

Research published in BMC Veterinary Research backs this up, showing no harmful effects when cats interact with or ingest small amounts of Silvervine. In fact, the study found that over 80% of cats react positively to Silvervine, significantly more than those who respond to catnip.

For kittens, our vet suggests waiting until they're at least 3-4 months old before introducing Silvervine. Very young kittens may not show interest yet, as the sensitivity to these plants develops with maturity. If you're uncertain, always check with your own vet first.

Silvervine vs. Catnip: Which One Is Better for Your Cat?

Here's what makes them different:

• Catnip contains nepetalactone, which binds to receptors in the cat's nasal tissue

• Silvervine contains actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide, which affect cats through similar but distinct pathways

The most exciting difference? That same 2017 BMC Veterinary Research study found that many cats who completely ignore catnip will go wild for Silvervine.

My recommendation if you've never tried these herbs before, is to get a few toys that contain different herbs to find which one your cat likes most.

My friend Sarah's Maine Coon, Oliver, had never shown the slightest interest in catnip. When she tried a Silvervine stick with him, he was rolling in ecstasy within seconds!

Want to learn more about catnip and how it compares? Check out our complete guide to catnip for cats.

How to Introduce Silvervine to Your Cat Safely

Like everything when it comes to cats... slowly.

1. Start with just one small stick or a tiny pinch of powder. Too much can be overwhelming for first-timers. Here’s a complete guide on feeding cats to help you make informed choices.

2. Let your cat approach on their terms. Remember, cats hate being forced into anything—this should be a positive experience!

3. Watch their reaction closely. When I introduced Silvervine to my friend's shy rescue cat, she needed a quiet space to enjoy it without feeling exposed.

4. For sticks, you can let your cat chew on them directly or rub them on your cat's favorite scratching post to transfer the scent.

5. For powder, sprinkle a small amount on toys or bedding. I found that adding Silvervine powder to Mia's cat harness area helped her associate the harness with positive feelings.

Not every cat will react instantly, and as mentioned earlier, young cats might not react at all!

Are There Any Side Effects of Silvervine for Cats?

While Silvervine is safe, if you'd like to be extra careful, these are some of the side effects that some cats might experience when taking silvervine:

• Mild digestive upset can happen if your cat ingests large amounts of powder. Mia once got a bit too enthusiastic with a heavily dusted toy and had slightly softer stool the next day.

• Overstimulation signs include excessive vocalization, dilated pupils, or frantic movement. When my neighbor's cat Luna got overstimulated, she needed a quiet "cooldown" space.

• Temporary tiredness after the effects wear off is normal. After Mia's first Silvervine session, she napped for nearly three hours!

To prevent any issues, limit sessions to a few minutes, especially at first. Always keep fresh water available, and give your cat a quiet retreat option.

If you're interested in other ways to enrich your indoor cat's environment, our guide on correcting cat misbehavior shows how proper enrichment can prevent destructive behaviors.

How Often Can You Give Silvervine to Your Cat?

"Can my cat have Silvervine every day?" That's what everyone asks me after seeing how much their cats enjoy it. While it's tempting to give them this joy daily, moderation keeps the experience special.

Through trial and error with Mia, I've found that offering Silvervine 1-2 times per week maintains its effectiveness... but I really don't put a schedule to it... she's got a couple toys with catnip and another couple with silvervine that are always available to her. 

For cats who enjoy both plants, alternating between Silvervine and catnip can provide varied enrichment experiences.

Giving her straight herb dust happens more sporadically, more like once a month or every two months.

Where to Buy High-Quality Silvervine for Your Cat

After trying several brands, I've learned that quality matters enormously with Silvervine. Low-quality products often have little effect or create inconsistent reactions.

Here's what to look for:

• Organic, pesticide-free products (cats are sensitive to chemicals)

• Fresh Silvervine with a noticeable woody scent

• Products specifically marketed for cats

My top recommendations include:

• Silvervine sticks, which last for months and can be refreshed by sanding the surface lightly. You can check here.

• Silvervine powder for maximum potency when you want to create an immediate reaction

If your cat is among the rare few who don't respond to either catnip or Silvervine, try cat grass as another natural enrichment option. Don’t know how to introduce cat grass to your pet, here’s a useful guide on cat training that might help.

Unleash Your Cat's Playful Side

Discovering Silvervine transformed my relationship with Mia. It gave us a new way to play together and provided her with much-needed sensory enrichment as an indoor cat.

A few final tips from our experience:

• Store Silvervine in an airtight container to preserve its potency

• Record your cat's first Silvervine experience—these reactions are priceless!

• Try using Silvervine as a training aid. I've found it incredibly helpful when training Mia with a clicker

If your cat has been giving traditional catnip the cold shoulder, don’t despair—Silvervine might be their new obsession! So go ahead—grab some Silvervine sticks or powder and let the fun begin!

Keeping your cat enriched is key to having a happy cat!

Stay wild, stay safe, and see you outdoors!

Albert & Mia