FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS CATNIP AND HOW DO I USE IT?
Catnip triggers fun, playful, Zoomie behavior in cats. Catnip belongs to the mint family, meaning it is a safe and natural stimulant that is effective in both dried and fresh forms. Simply sprinkle catnip on the floor or in a dish, and your cat will instinctively engage with it. While many cats simply sniff and roll in the catnip, others may choose to consume it, which is purrfectly fine!
WHAT DOES CATNIP DO TO A CAT?
The active ingredient in catnip, Nepetalactone, is a stimulant when sniffed or eaten by a cat. It's what gives cats the Ka-Zoom effect they crave! Most cats experience 5-15 minutes of wild, euphoric play — rolling, rubbing, leaping, and purring — followed by a relaxed cool-down. When eaten rather than sniffed, catnip can act more like a calming sedative, so every cat's experience is a little different.
MY CAT DOESN'T SEEM TO RESPOND TO CATNIP — IS THAT NORMAL?
Most felines inherit a "catnip gene," making them crave and receptive to catnip, but some don't. Cats that do not have the "catnip gene" often respond to other herbs like Valerian Root and Silvervine. Kittens and cats under six months old do not react to catnip, so we advise waiting a few months before treating young Sir Whiskerstein to his inaugural bag of 'nip.
ARE THERE ANY CATNIP ALTERNATIVES?
Indeed! For the felines not intrigued by catnip, try a mix of catnip and Valerian Root such as our Valerian Root Roar catnip mix, or catnip and Silvervine, which you can find in a bag of our SILVERVINE SURGE mix! Both Valerian Root and Silvervine have very complementary effects to catnip, however, they appeal to cats that are not normally intrigued by catnip.
SINCE THE SPRAYS ARE PRESERVATIVE-FREE, HOW DO YOU PREVENT MICROBIAL GROWTH?
The catnip oil has anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties. We employ a high catnip oil ratio and exclusively blend it with distilled water. The product is then filled and packaged in a facility certified by GMP/FDA and ISO 9001:2015 standards.
HOW MUCH CATNIP SHOULD I GIVE MY CAT?
A little goes a long way! A small pinch — about the size of a blueberry — is all most cats need to trigger the Ka-Zoom effect. Sprinkle it on a toy, in a dish, or directly on the floor. More is not necessarily better, and overuse can temporarily dull your cat's response. Start small and let your cat set the pace.
HOW OFTEN CAN I GIVE MY CAT CATNIP?
We recommend limiting catnip sessions to once every few days. With too-frequent exposure, cats can temporarily become desensitized to the scent and stop reacting. Spacing out sessions keeps the excitement fresh and your cat coming back for more Ka-Zoom energy!
WHY DID MY CAT STOP REACTING TO CATNIP?
Don't panic — this is totally normal and temporary! Your cat's nose has likely gotten used to the constant scent. The fix: remove catnip toys and products for 24-48 hours, then reintroduce them. To revive a tired toy, crumble fresh catnip on the outside to release the potent essential oils. Crumbling (not just sprinkling) is key.
HOW SHOULD I STORE CATNIP TO KEEP IT POTENT?
Freshness is everything when it comes to catnip. Store your Kitty Ka-Zoom catnip in an airtight container away from heat and light. For maximum shelf life, keep it in the freezer — this preserves the Nepetalactone oils that give catnip its Ka-Zoom power. If your catnip has little to no smell when you open it, it's lost its potency and it's time for a fresh bag.
IS CATNIP SAFE IF MY CAT EATS IT?
Yes! Catnip is completely non-toxic and safe if consumed. When eaten, it typically acts as a gentle calming agent rather than a stimulant — so your cat may get mellow instead of zoomy. Very large amounts could cause mild, temporary digestive upset, but this passes quickly. There's no known toxicity level for catnip.
CAN KITTENS USE KITTY KA-ZOOM PRODUCTS?
Kittens under 6 months typically don't respond to catnip — their sensitivity hasn't developed yet. This is completely normal and not a health concern. Once your kitten reaches 6 months, feel free to introduce them to the Ka-Zoom world! Start with a small amount to gauge their reaction.
HOW DO I REFILL THE KITTY KA-ZOOM REFILLABLE TOYS?
Our refillable toys are designed to be reloaded with fresh catnip again and again — because the fun shouldn't stop after the first go! Simply open the refill pocket (usually a zippered or velcro side opening), remove any old catnip, add a fresh pinch of your favorite Kitty Ka-Zoom catnip blend, and close it back up. Your cat will know immediately when there's fresh 'nip inside.
WHAT IS SILVERVINE AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM CATNIP?
Silvervine is a plant native to Asia that produces a response in cats similar to catnip — but often stronger and more widespread. While about 50-75% of cats respond to catnip, silvervine works on an even broader range of cats, including many that are catnip-resistant. Our ZOOM STICKS and SILVERVINE SURGE blend harness silvervine's feline-enticing properties for cats that need that extra kick.
WHAT IS VALERIAN ROOT AND IS IT SAFE FOR CATS?
Valerian root is a natural botanical that acts similarly to catnip — producing playful, euphoric behavior in many cats, especially those that don't respond to catnip. It's completely safe for cats in the small amounts used in our products. Note: valerian root has a strong, earthy smell that some humans find pungent, but cats absolutely love it. Our Valerian Root Roar mix is a great starting point for catnip-resistant cats.
HOW DO I USE THE KITTY KA-ZOOM CATNIP SPRAY?
Our Crazy Good Catnip Spray is one of the easiest ways to get your cat zooming! Spritz 2-3 times on any toy, scratching post, cat bed, or play surface to instantly refresh it with potent catnip oil. It's water-based and safe to use on virtually any surface. Pro tip: spray it on a scratching post to redirect your cat away from furniture — cats find freshly sprayed surfaces irresistible.
MY ORDER ARRIVED DAMAGED OR IS MISSING AN ITEM — WHAT DO I DO?
We're so sorry about that! Please reach out to us through the Contact page on kittykazoom.com with your order number and a photo of the issue, and we'll make it right with a replacement or refund right away. You don't need to return the damaged item — we just need to see the photo.
WHERE DO YOU SHIP, AND HOW LONG DOES DELIVERY TAKE?
We ship throughout the United States! Orders over $28.99 qualify for free US shipping. Standard shipping typically takes 3-5 business days. Once your order ships, you'll receive a tracking email so you can follow your package every step of the way.
WHERE CAN I BUY KITTY KA-ZOOM PRODUCTS IN STORES?
Kitty Ka-Zoom products are available at select pet retailers and specialty shops. Check our website for the most up-to-date list of retail locations. Can't find us locally? Shop the full Kitty Ka-Zoom collection at kittykazoom.com — we ship right to your door!
HOW DO I CONTACT KITTY KA-ZOOM CUSTOMER SUPPORT?
We'd love to hear from you! Visit the Contact page at kittykazoom.com/pages/contact to send us a message. We typically respond within 1 business day, Monday through Friday.
DO YOU OFFER WHOLESALE PRICING FOR RETAILERS?
Yes! We work with pet boutiques, specialty stores, and gift shops. If you're interested in carrying Kitty Ka-Zoom products in your store, reach out through our contact page and our wholesale team will get back to you with details on pricing and minimum order requirements.