What is Silvervine?

What is Silvervine for cats? Silvervine is a climbing plant native to the mountainous regions of China and Japan, where it's been used in cat enrichment for centuries. Like catnip, it triggers a euphoric response in cats, but it works through a different set of compounds, which means cats who don't react to catnip often go wild for silvervine. According to a study by BMC Veterinarian Research, silvervine gets a response from roughly 80% of cats versus catnip's 50–70%. 

What does Silvervine do to cats?

Higher Responsiveness


Not every cat responds to catnip. in fact, the ability to react is genetic, and roughly a third of cats simply don't have it. Silvervine casts a wider net. Up to 80% of cats respond to silvervine, including many who are completely indifferent to catnip. If your cat has ever walked past a catnip toy without a second glance, silvervine may be the thing they've been waiting for

Multiple Attractants

Catnip's effects come from a single compound: nepetalactone. Silvervine contains multiple active attractants (mostly nepetalactol and actinidine), which work through different receptors to produce a response. This chemical complexity is part of why silvervine tends to elicit a stronger, longer-lasting reaction, and why blending the two together gives cats the best of both worlds.

Natural, Safe, and Effective

Research confirms that Silvervine is safe for cats and can be used for sensory enrichment, with no chance of addiction or other negative impacts. The Silvervine Gall Fruit contains the highest concentration of attractant.

Stress Relief

Silvervine has real behavioral benefits. Research has shown it can reduce stress in cats as the euphoric response appears to promote relaxation and positive affect, functioning almost like a reset button for an overstimulated or under-enriched cat. For indoor cats who can lack adequate stimulation, a regular silvervine session is a simple, effective way to support their mental wellbeing.