Cats loved them! They usually don't care about catnip, and I don't really smell it. I think they like the shape, texture, and weight. Soft fluffy batting inside, lightweight. Fly well when being flung. Bounces across the rug nicely. Woven tail is stiff, yet flexible (looks like twisted jute?) Cute little ears. Eyes are fabric knots and there isn't a nose, so aren't any plastic bits that might come off.