4Cats Valerian Cushion - Classic

4Cats Valerian Cushion - Classic

Small but delightful, with the irresistible scent of valerian. This soft cushion filled with cotton wool and valerian will provide hours of fun. Its soft filling and handy size make it easy for your cat to hold between its paws, lick or carry to a quiet spot to enjoy the exciting scent of valerian.

Valerian has a strong stimulating effect on many cats, helping to keep the cushion interesting for a long time.

Expertly made and filled with pure, natural valerian root and cotton wool, the cushion stands up to plenty of enthusiastic cuddling. It is made in Germany to the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for textiles tested for harmful substances. Both you and your cat will love it.

Only carefully selected, safe materials and processes are used. There are no glues, plastic or metal parts, or loose components that could be swallowed.

Size: 7.5 × 10 cm
Colour: subject to current availability

4cats toys

Whether your cat is big or small, young or old, purebred or mixed, lively or a quiet cuddler, most cats find valerian irresistible.

Valerian toys are very popular with cats, and their surprising reactions to the herb often raise questions among their owners. Many owners wonder why valerian causes such enthusiasm and whether playing with a valerian-filled toy could harm their cat. Unfortunately, many online articles on the subject are of little value.

4cats toys are filled with pure, natural valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), which people have used since ancient times to help with insomnia, anxiety and other complaints.

The scent of valerian has a stimulating rather than calming effect on cats and encourages them to play. Cats cuddle with the toy, lick it, romp with it or rub against it. Some roll on the floor in sheer delight, while others enjoy it quietly, burying their heads in their fragrant cushion or another valerian toy.

The strong attraction is linked to actinidine in valerian root, a compound also found in catnip.

The scent of valerian root affects cats for only a few minutes (about 5–20 minutes). This is followed by a refractory phase lasting 30–120 minutes, during which they no longer respond to its aromatic compounds. Cats return to their normal routine and lose interest in the toy. There is no lasting state of excitement, addiction to the scent or withdrawal.

Humans did not discover valerian's stimulating effect on cats. Wild cats have been attracted to this 'cat herb' for centuries, and valerian is also used as a lure in wild cat research.

To preserve the root's strong aroma, store valerian toys in an airtight container and take them out only when offering them to your cat.

There are occasional reports of aggressive behaviour around valerian toys. These often involve dominant cats guarding their toys or trying to take another cat's toy. Giving each cat its own toy is the best way to prevent this.

When your cat loses interest, or you think it has played for long enough, let the toy dry and store it safely out of reach. This will help keep the toy interesting and preserve its appealing scent.

Valerian toys can also provide a distraction in stressful situations, such as a visit to the vet. Many veterinarians, animal therapists and animal behaviourists recommend and use them.

Make your cat happy – it's worth it!