Beaphar Catnip Bits, 35 g are crunchy pillows filled with catnip paste from the Dutch brand Beaphar. They're suitable for cats and kittens over six weeks old. According to the manufacturer, they contain vitamins and minerals to support health and vitality, including vitamin A for vision, skin and mucous membranes and vitamin B1 for carbohydrate metabolism. The pack holds 35 g, and there's no limit on how long they can be used.
Why cats love catnip
Catnip contains compounds that act on a cat's sense of smell: many cats roll, purr, rub and get playful afterwards. The effect is safe and short-lived. However, not all cats inherit the catnip response, and kittens usually develop it later. So the pillows are first and foremost a tasty treat, with catnip as a nice bonus. More ideas in how to entertain your cat at home.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | crunchy filled pillows |
| Filling | catnip paste |
| Protein / fat | 31% / 10% |
| Vitamins | A 4600 IU/kg, B1 4.1 mg/kg |
| For | cats and kittens over 6 weeks |
| Weight | 35 g |
| Brand | Beaphar, Netherlands |
Ingredients
Cereals, vegetable derivatives (catnip 0.12%), milk and dairy products, oils and fats, meat and animal derivatives, yeast. Analysis: 31% protein, 10% fat, 2.8% fibre, 8.5% moisture, 0.13% magnesium, 0.62% phosphorus. Ingredients are listed by category without exact meat percentages. For reading labels, see how to read pet food ingredients.
Pros
- Catnip. Many cats adore it.
- A crunchy shell and soft filling. An interesting texture.
- From 6 weeks. Suitable for kittens too.
- Clear dosage. Given by the cat's weight.
- Handy for rewards. Small pillows.
- Affordable. An inexpensive treat.
Cons
- Cereals come first. Less meat than you'd like.
- Little catnip. Only 0.12% — don't expect a strong effect.
- Contains dairy. Some cats don't tolerate lactose well.
- Not all cats respond to catnip. It's an inherited trait.
How many to give
The manufacturer recommends 1–5 pillows a day for cats under 3 kg and 5–10 for cats of 3–6 kg. Give them as rewards, not instead of meals, and count them in the daily diet, especially if your cat is prone to weight gain. Always provide clean drinking water. On which treats are good for cats, see cat treats: which are healthy.
Using them in training
Catnip treats are handy for getting your cat used to new things: a scratching post, a carrier, a bed. Put a pillow next to the scratching post or inside the carrier and your cat will approach more readily. More in how to train your cat to use a scratching post and how to choose a cat carrier. A reward after unpleasant routines like nail trims or brushing also works well.
For kittens
Kittens can have the treats from six weeks, but start with one pillow and watch their digestion. A kitten's diet is still based on kitten food, with treats as a small reward. For what a kitten needs in its first weeks at home, see new kitten shopping list.
Storage
Keep the pack closed in a dry place so the pillows don't go soft. Don't leave the bag where your cat can reach it — some cats can chew through packaging to get at a favourite treat.
Who it suits
Owners of cats and kittens looking for an inexpensive treat for rewards, play and getting used to new things. For playing with your cat, the TATRAPET Caty Funny Mouse wind-up toy is also handy. More treats are in the cat treats section.
Verdict
Beaphar Catnip Bits are crunchy pillows with catnip paste, vitamins A and B1 and clear dosage, suitable for cats and kittens from six weeks. Handy for rewards and getting used to a scratching post or carrier. The downsides are cereals as the first ingredient, little catnip and dairy that doesn't suit every cat.
FAQ
From what age can they be given?
From six weeks.
How many per day?
Under 3 kg: 1–5 pillows; 3–6 kg: 5–10 pillows.
How much catnip is in them?
0.12%.
Why doesn't my cat react to catnip?
The catnip response is inherited and not all cats have it.
Do they contain milk?
Yes, they contain milk and dairy products.
Can they be given long-term?
The manufacturer says there's no limit on duration.
How much does the pack weigh?
35 g.
