Silver Vine Sticks for Cats – Is Silver Vine Safe for Cats?
I saw an ad while scrolling through Instagram about Silvervine sticks for cats. I had never heard of it – so I wrote it down and reached out to a reader, Teresa, to see if she had. She replied that she had and knew it was safe for cats.
While emailing our vet about Charlie’s recent dental, I also asked her about silver vine sticks to see if they were safe. She said, “Silvervine is fine to try–every kitty is different, but I heard that most like it. I read a study they did with it, catnip, valerian root, and something else. Silvervine and catnip were the most popular.”
So I found some organic silvervine on Amazon and ordered it. Here’s how Charlie and Trigg reacted. I will also try it with Caymus and Murphy and see if Amy wants to try it with Ash and Addie.
What Does Silvervine Do to Cats?
Silvervine is very similar to catnip in its effects. After the cat comes into contact with the silvervine, it becomes excited and has a sudden burst of energy. It becomes very affectionate and vocal and rolls around in the silvervine. You will be able to notice its dilated pupils right away. Some cats may drool a little when exposed to silvervine, but there is nothing to worry about.
Are Silvervine Sticks Safe for Cats?
Yes, silvervine sticks are entirely safe. Veterinarians approve of them, so they will not harm your cat. However, remember that some cats do not react to silvervine so that you may notice no change.
Can Cats Eat Silvervine Sticks?
Yes, cats can eat silvervine sticks. The plant is entirely safe for cats, so eating it will not harm them. Most cats will settle to sniff and cuddle the silvervine sticks, but some might chew on them and eat them silvervine. Rest assured that it is ok for them to eat it.
Is Silvervine Good for Cats?
Yes, it is. Silvervine has a euphoric effect on cats, makes them active, playful, and affectionate, and has no side effects whatsoever. Aside from getting some exercise, the cat will also feel relaxed even after the effect of the silvervine has passed.
How Long Does Silvervine Last?
The effects of the silvervine become visible as soon as the cat is exposed to it, and they can last between 5 and 30 minutes. However, after the euphoric effects and boost of energy disappear, the cat will not be interested in silvervine for 20-30 minutes, so it is impossible to prologue the euphoric effects.
Silvervine Sticks for Dogs.
Silvervine is perfectly safe for dogs as well. They can play with the sticks, chew on them, and even eat some silvervine; they will not be harmed in any way. Keep in mind that dogs do not respond to silvervine as cats do. Most often, they do not react at all.
Where Does Silvervine Come From?
Silvervine comes from China and Japan. It is called Actinidia polygama, a species of kiwifruit that grows in the mountains. It is a climbing plant that can get as long as 5-6 meters. The plant is used in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine to treat many issues – from high cholesterol to kidney disease. It also has a euphoric effect on cats, and more cats respond to it than they do to catnip, which has similar effects but is far more popular.
Buy Organic Silvervine Sticks for Cats
Have you tried silvervine with your cats? How do they respond?
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
I haven’t used silver vine, but when I lived in Calgary the pet store sold honeysuckle wood sticks in an open bin. I used to choose one for my cat that was about 1/2 inch in diameter and 6 inches long because this was the perfect size for him to wrap his body around and bunny-kick. If it lost its potency I sanded it and he would go nuts again. Having a larger stick also felt safer to me, like he wouldn’t swallow chunks of it or poke his eye or nose. I haven’t found a good source of fresh honeysuckle wood in the US. The catnip was also more potent up there, with bigger leaves. They also sold a no scratch-type spray that smelled wonderful, like pine and cedar, that worked great for repelling him from chewing or scratching certain objects. Haven’t found this anywhere in the US either.
can you source it from Canada? Wonder if someone in Canada on Etsy sells that stuff?
My mom bought the boys some for Christmas. They LOVE them! Lots of skittering around on our forms chasing them from one end of the house to the other! We have to store the extras in the bread box so they cannot dig them out.
thanks for sharing – someone on youtube told me today that her cat really went nuts for silvervine when she accidentally got it wet!
I’m laughing so hard at Charlie’s reaction! How adorable! Oh my GOSH how adorable is Chiggy with that stick between his little paws! I can’t stand it! They are so adorable. Glad they liked it.
Wanted to also mention several things to consider too and the first one is a SAFETY issue:
1) Would never leave a kitty alone with one of the small sticks like Jenny pulled out first because they might break it off and could possibly be a choking hazard.
2) If you bruise the bark on the silvervine sticks with a knife or something sharp, it helps enhance the effect by causing the oils to come out and making the scent stronger. They can do that if they chew on it eventually, but sometimes just to peak their interest it is helpful at first before you give up and think they don’t like it. That said, some kitties, like Patti said about Miss Pink Sugarbelle, don’t react at all to it. My Gracie is repulsed by any and all catnip, silvervine, valerian, etc. Poor girl has to leave the room she is so sensitive and gets totally overwhelmed. She’s not allergic, just sensitive.
Glad Charlie and Chiggy liked it and hope that Addie and Ash, and Caymus and Murphy love it too, as well as all the other readers’ kitties out in Floppycat land!
thank you, teresa! you are the reader i reference, of course!
oh, thank you on #2…makes sense!
You are. so welcome Jenny! ♥️♥️
wow i’ve never heard of those either. my cats love chewing on sticks so i better get some .
let me know how your cats like them – someone mentioned on our youtube video that ebay is the cheapest place to buy them from.
Wonderful post & video, Jenny! Our Sweet Teresa is so savvy about cool kitty schtuff!!! Miss PSB is not a big fan of silvervine. She was pretty “Meh.” about it. She’s a bona fide Catnip Gal for sure!!! 🙂 <3
Very good information shared and the boys were simple adorable (as usual) in the video!!! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
Im blushing! Thanks Patti but it is Jenny who is the real kitty warrior!♥️♥️♥️
In my eyes you are both a trusted source of knowledge and experience in kitty care!!! 🙂 <3
Agreed! I bought these and none of my three cats were interested AT ALL. E-mailed company and they never responded. Finally had to message them saying I was going to contest the charge on my card. Then they finally responded and referred to the fine print that there is no guarantee. Don’t waste you time or money!!!
You mean were not interested? There are a lot of companies selling these silvervine sticks.