DIY toy guide
Herb Sachet
A handmade catnip pouch — the organic, long-lasting option
Sew a small fabric pouch filled with dried catnip or valerian root. Lasts months and far more potent than commercial catnip toys.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Under £3
🧺 You will need
- Small piece of breathable fabric (muslin, linen, or cotton) — approximately 15 × 30 cm
- Needle and thread, or a sewing machine
- 3–4 tablespoons dried catnip (Nepeta cataria) or dried valerian root
- Scissors
- Optional: a small amount of dried silver vine (Actinidia polygama) for cats that don't respond to catnip
🔧 How to make it
- Cut two rectangles of fabric approximately 8 × 15 cm each.
- Place the two pieces together, right sides facing inward.
- Sew three sides closed with a 1 cm seam allowance, leaving one short end open.
- Turn the pouch right-side out and press the seams flat.
- Fill loosely with dried catnip — do not overstuff, as the scent releases best when the pouch can be compressed.
- Fold the open edge inward and stitch closed.
- Activate by crushing gently between your palms before presenting to your cat.
💡 Tips
Grow your own catnip — it's easy to cultivate in a pot and far more potent fresh-dried at home than the powder in commercial toys. About 50–70% of cats respond to catnip (it's genetic). For non-responders, try silver vine, which produces a response in roughly 80% of cats. Refresh the sachet by snipping a small opening, removing old catnip, and refilling.
Safety: Catnip is completely safe for cats — non-toxic and non-addictive. The response (rolling, rubbing, vocalisation) lasts 5–10 minutes and then cats become temporarily unresponsive to it for 30 minutes.
📝 Notes
Refresh catnip every 2–3 months. Store in an airtight container to preserve potency between play sessions.
