Silvervine（Matatabi） Sticks for Cats

Premium silvervine sticks, carefully selected for curious cats.

Each Sprig & Whisker silvervine stick is carefully selected for suitable thickness, intact bark and overall freshness. We avoid overly thin, heavily damaged or poor-condition pieces to provide a more consistent scent, texture and chewing experience.

Silvervine, also known as matatabi, is a naturally aromatic climbing plant used as olfactory enrichment for cats.

Research suggests that around 80% of cats respond to silvervine in at least one form. Responses can vary widely — from quiet sniffing and rubbing to energetic rolling, chasing and zoomies.

What you might notice

• Sniffing and scent exploration
• Face rubbing and rolling
  
• Pawing, batting and holding
• Biting and chewing
• Chasing, pouncing or sudden zoomies
• Licking or occasional drooling
• A calmer, more settled period afterwards

Responses can range from subtle curiosity to very energetic play. Every cat explores differently.

Why our sticks are different

• Carefully selected premium-grade sticks
• Chosen for suitable thickness and intact bark
• Selected with freshness and condition in mind
• 100% pure silvervine
• No blends, fillers or added fragrance
• Naturally dried
• Reusable — lightly scrape the outer surface to refresh the scent

Natural chewing may also help provide gentle mechanical cleaning during play, while the overall enrichment experience may support a natural cycle of stimulation, play and settling.

Product details

• 15 sticks per pack
• 100% silvervine (Actinidia polygama)
• Naturally dried
• No catnip
• No added fragrance

How to use

Offer one stick at a time and allow your cat to explore freely.

For a stronger scent, gently scrape or peel a small area of the outer surface before offering.

Use under supervision and store sealed in a cool, dry place between sessions to help preserve the natural scent.

After each session, store the stick sealed and somewhere your cat can’t reach it. This helps preserve the natural scent and prevents curious paws from helping themselves between sessions.

As a general guide, offer 1–2 times per week. Every cat is different, and some may benefit from a longer break between sessions — around 7–10 days — to help maintain interest in the scent and experience.

Good to know

Around 1 in 5 cats may show little or no interest in silvervine, and that is completely normal. (compared with around 1 in 3 cats that may not respond to catnip). 

A cat that isn’t interested in sticks may still respond differently to other silvervine forms such as gall fruit, fruit powder or leaves.

For supervised enrichment use only. Not intended as food. If a small amount is accidentally swallowed during licking or chewing, there is usually no need for concern.

Stick care & replacement
Most sticks can be reused around 3 times if they remain in good condition. For enthusiastic chewers, replace after 1–2 sessions. Always replace sooner if the stick becomes heavily chewed, split or broken.

Store intact sticks sealed between uses to help preserve their natural scent. For hygiene and safety, we recommend replacing opened sticks within 2 weeks.