Valerian root cat toy

Name: Valerian root cat toy
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 toys
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon dried valerian root, in small pieces; 2 pieces of sturdy cotton or felt, 10 × 15 cm (or an old, clean sock); a handful of stuffing (wadding or fabric scraps); a needle and strong thread

Updated on 10 October 2026

Makes: 2 toys
Time: 30 min
From: Valerian

Ingredients

1 tablespoon dried valerian root, in small pieces
2 pieces of sturdy cotton or felt, 10 × 15 cm (or an old, clean sock)
a handful of stuffing (wadding or fabric scraps)
a needle and strong thread

Method

Fold each piece in half, right sides together, and sew two sides closed with small, firm stitches. Turn the bag right side out.
Tuck the pieces of root into the middle of the stuffing so they do not press against the fabric, and fill the bags without packing them too tightly.
Sew the opening closed twice so the cat cannot bite it open.
Give it to your cat and watch how it reacts: many cats roll, lick and rub their heads against it, including some cats that ignore catnip.

Storing: Store the toy in a closed jar between play sessions: it will keep its scent longer. Throw it away once it is torn, so your cat does not swallow the root or the stuffing. Not every cat reacts to valerian.