How to Clean and Care for a Catnip Plush Toy

Quick answer

Spot-clean the toy first, then hand-wash or machine-wash on a gentle cycle, air-dry, and refresh the scent with a small amount of loose catnip or silvervine.

Step-by-step cleaning and care

1. Step 1: Spot-clean first: Use a damp cloth with a drop of mild soap to gently wipe away visible dirt or stains. Avoid soaking the toy, as excess water can damage the stuffing and reduce the catnip potency. A common mistake is skipping this step and going straight to the washing machine, which can set stains deeper into the fabric.
2. Step 2: Hand-wash or machine-wash gently: For hand-washing, submerge the toy in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent, gently squeeze, and rinse thoroughly. For machine-washing, place the toy in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Machine-washing without a bag can cause the toy's seams to fray or the elastic loop to get tangled. Always use a bag.
3. Step 3: Air-dry completely: Press out excess water with a towel, then let the toy air-dry on a drying rack or in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colors and degrade the fabric. Do not use a dryer, as heat can melt synthetic fibers and ruin the catnip blend. A common mistake is using a dryer to speed things up, which can shrink the toy or cause the stuffing to clump.
4. Step 4: Refresh the scent: Once the toy is completely dry, sprinkle a small amount of loose catnip or silvervine (available in pet stores) into the toy's fabric or seams. Gently massage the toy to distribute the herb. This restores the scent without overwashing. Avoid overstuffing, as too much loose catnip can leak out through seams or cause the toy to lose its shape.
5. Step 5: Store properly between play sessions: Keep the toy in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container when not in use to preserve the scent. Place it in a cool, dark area away from humidity. This extends the life of the catnip blend and keeps the toy fresh for longer. A common mistake is leaving the toy out in a sunny spot, which accelerates scent loss and fabric fading.

Product facts

• Mad Cat Sling Shot Critter Butterfly Catnip Plush Toy: The Mad Cat Sling Shot Critter Butterfly is filled with a custom Silvernip blend of North American-grown catnip and potent Silvervine. Silvervine is more potent and longer-lasting than standard catnip, so you may need to refresh the toy less often, but cleaning still helps maintain the blend's effectiveness.