Potaroma Saury Fish 3-Pack Review: Catnip Kicker Toys That Last

Most catnip toys fall apart within weeks. The seams split, stuffing explodes everywhere, and you are left wondering why you bothered spending money on something your cat destroyed in three days.

The Potaroma Saury Fish 3-pack has survived six months of bunny kicks, aggressive carries, and weird grooming sessions in our house. The seams are still intact. The catnip still works. Our cat is still obsessed.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what makes these different from disposable catnip toys, what to expect, and whether they are worth the $10-12 price tag.

What You Actually Get

Three fish-shaped kicker toys, each about 9.4 inches long and 2.5 inches wide.

What is inside:

Organic catnip (packed throughout, not just sprinkled)
Crinkle material (makes noise when squeezed)
Soft polyester stuffing (for shape and heft)

Design details:

Fabric: Soft but durable canvas-like material
Colors: Multiple options (silver/blue, orange/red, rainbow)
Details: Embroidered eyes and fins (not glued on - safer)
Weight: About 2 oz each (light enough to carry, heavy enough to kick)

Each pack comes with three fish - enough to rotate through or give one to each cat if you have a multi-cat household.

Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Chewy for $10-12 for the 3-pack (about $3-4 per fish)

What Works Really Well

1. Perfect Size for Kicking

At 9.4 inches long, these are the ideal kicker toy size.

Why size matters:

Not too big (cats can fully wrap around it)
Not too small (satisfying to kick, not awkward)
Perfect for bunny kick behavior (grab with front paws, kick with back legs)

Our cat can wrap his front paws around it and execute rapid-fire bunny kicks without the toy being too bulky or too tiny.

2. Strong Catnip Quality

Fresh out of the package, these smell like quality organic catnip - earthy, herbal, potent.

Our cat’s reaction:

Immediate interest (sniffing, investigating)
Rolling and writhing within 30 seconds
Aggressive hugging and kicking
Carrying it around like a trophy

The catnip is distributed throughout the toy, not just concentrated in one spot. This means the scent lasts longer as cats bite and kick different areas.

3. Crinkle Sound Adds Interest

There is crinkle material inside that makes a satisfying noise when squeezed or bitten.

Why this matters:

Adds auditory stimulation (cats respond to sound)
Mimics prey sounds (rustling movement)
Keeps cats engaged longer
Some cats play specifically to hear the crinkle

Our cat will squeeze the fish just to hear it crinkle, then proceed to kick it. The sound element adds a layer of interest beyond just catnip.

4. Durability Is Legit

Six months of daily play and:

Seams are still intact (no splits)
Fabric has not torn
Zero stuffing explosions
Embroidered details still attached
Crinkle material still functional

What it has survived:

Daily bunny kick sessions (aggressive back leg attacks)
Being carried in cat’s mouth multiple times daily
Occasional aggressive chewing
Regular washing (machine washable)

This is exceptional durability for a $3-4 toy.

5. Three-Pack = Toy Rotation

You can keep one out and store the other two in a sealed container to preserve freshness.

Rotation strategy:

Week 1-2: Fish #1
Week 3-4: Fish #2
Week 5-6: Fish #3
Repeat cycle

This keeps toys novel and extends catnip potency. When the first one loses appeal, swap it out.

6. Machine Washable

When they get gross (and they will), you can wash them.

Washing instructions:

Machine wash on gentle cycle
Air dry completely (do not use dryer - can damage crinkle)
Refreshes fabric and removes cat saliva buildup

We wash ours monthly and they come out looking and smelling fresh.

7. Safe Design

Embroidered details (not glued on) mean:

No choking hazards from falling off parts
No toxic glue
Safer for aggressive chewers

The Reality Check (Cons)

1. Catnip Potency Fades Over Time

Like all catnip toys, these lose their appeal as the catnip breaks down with exposure to air and cat saliva.

Typical timeline:

Month 1-2: Intense interest, daily play
Month 3-4: Moderate interest, play every few days
Month 5-6: Declining interest, occasional play

You will get a few months of intense engagement, then diminishing returns. At $3-4 per fish, they are cheap enough to replace when that happens.

2. Not All Cats Respond to Catnip

About 30-50% of cats have no genetic response to catnip.

If your cat has never cared about catnip toys before, these will just be regular fish-shaped pillows. Still fine for kicking, but not magical.

Also: Kittens under 3-6 months do not respond to catnip yet (sensitivity develops with maturity).

3. Crinkle Can Be Loud

The crinkle sound is engaging for cats but noticeable for humans.

If your cat plays at 3am (and many do), the crinkle sound carries through quiet houses.

Light sleepers: Consider where you store these or put them away at night.

4. They Will Get Slobbery

Cats carry these around in their mouths constantly. The fabric will get:

Wet from saliva
Slightly matted
Discolored over time

This is just reality with any toy cats carry. Wash regularly to manage grossness.

5. Limited Interaction Complexity

These are simple kicker toys. Your cat:

Grabs them
Kicks them
Carries them around
Repeats

There is no puzzle element, no complexity, no progression. Simple entertainment.

For cats who need more mental stimulation, combine with puzzle feeders or interactive toys.

6. Size May Not Suit All Cats

At 9.4 inches, these are perfect for average-sized cats (8-12 lbs).

May be too big for:

Very small cats (under 6 lbs)
Kittens (hard to kick properly)

May be too small for:

Very large cats (over 15 lbs like Maine Coons)

Average-sized cats will find these perfect.

How They Actually Get Used (Real-World Experience)

Our Cat’s Usage Pattern

One fish has become the favorite. He:

Carries it from room to room daily
Kicks it before meals (ritual murder?)
Brings it to us for validation (“Look what I killed!”)
Sleeps next to it occasionally
Kicks it during zoomie sessions

The other two get occasional rotation when the favorite is in the wash.

Typical Play Session (10-15 Minutes)

Grab: Pick up fish with front paws
Position: Flop onto side, hugging fish
Attack: Rapid-fire bunny kicks with back legs (5-10 seconds of intense kicking)
Carry: Walk around with fish in mouth like trophy
Groom: Aggressive licking and biting (weird but common)
Repeat: Cycle continues

Sometimes he just lays on it and drools. Cats are weird.

Perfect for Solo Play

We do not have to be involved. Our cat initiates play himself, which is perfect for:

When we are working from home
Overnight entertainment
Times when we are busy

Multi-Cat Household Benefits

Three fish means:

Each cat can have their own (reduces conflict)
Siblings can play together (one cat kicks while another watches)
Always a backup when one is in the wash

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Cat Ignores Them

Not all cats respond immediately.

Solutions:

Rub fish between your hands to release more catnip smell
Store in sealed container with fresh loose catnip to refresh
Introduce during cat’s active play time (morning or evening)
Play with your cat using the fish (engage them)
Be patient - some cats need time to investigate new items

Problem: They Got Wet and Gross

Cats drool on toys they love. It happens.

Solution:

Machine wash on gentle cycle with pet-safe detergent
Air dry completely (takes 12-24 hours)
Do not use dryer (heat can damage crinkle material and shrink fabric)
Wash monthly or when visibly dirty

Problem: Catnip Wore Off

After 3-6 months, catnip potency declines.

Solutions:

Slice small opening in seam
Add fresh dried catnip (available at pet stores)
Sew or staple shut
Or just buy new ones (cheap enough at $10-12 for 3)

Problem: Cat Destroyed It

If your cat is an aggressive destroyer who shreds everything, no toy will survive indefinitely.

Alternatives for destructive cats:

Puzzle feeders (harder to destroy)
Solid rubber toys (cannot shred)
Interactive toys that require problem-solving
Accept that toys are consumables for some cats

Problem: Crinkle Material Stopped Crinkling

Can happen after many wash cycles or extreme play.

Solution:

Accept that it is still a functional kicker toy (catnip still works)
Replace when it bothers you
Consider it a sign the toy has had a good long life

Making Them Last Longer

Store Properly Between Uses

Do not leave out 24/7. Instead:

Rotate toys (bring out every few days)
Store in sealed ziplock bag or container (preserves catnip)
Keep away from air and moisture

This extends catnip potency from 3 months to 6+ months.

Wash Regularly

Clean toys monthly to:

Remove saliva buildup (can inhibit catnip scent)
Refresh fabric (looks and smells better)
Extend toy lifespan

Refresh Catnip

When interest wanes:

Add fresh dried catnip through seam
Store with catnip spray
Rub catnip oil on exterior (use sparingly)

Rotate All Three

Do not use all three at once. Instead:

Use one at a time for 2-3 weeks
Store others in sealed container
Rotate when first one loses novelty

Comparison to Alternatives

vs Yeowww Banana

Yeowww Banana:

More potent catnip (100% organic catnip, no filler)
Single toy ($5-7)
Longer shape (good for kicking)
No crinkle sound

Potaroma Fish:

Good catnip quality
Three toys ($10-12)
Fish shape with fins
Crinkle sound adds interest

Verdict: Both are excellent. Yeowww is more potent, Potaroma offers better value (3-pack).

vs Kong Kickeroos

Kong Kickeroos:

Longer shape (10-11 inches)
More expensive ($8-12 per toy)
Very durable
Strong catnip

Potaroma Fish:

Slightly shorter (9.4 inches)
Cheaper ($3-4 per toy)
Durable enough
Good catnip + crinkle

Verdict: Kong is more premium, Potaroma is better value.

vs Cheap Generic Catnip Toys

Generic catnip toys:

$3-5 per toy
Fall apart within weeks
Weak catnip
Poor construction

Potaroma Fish:

$3-4 per toy (in 3-pack)
Last 6+ months
Strong catnip
Well-constructed

Verdict: Potaroma significantly better quality for same price.

Who This Is For

Perfect for:

Cats who love kicker toys (bunny kick behavior)
Owners looking for durable catnip toys
Multi-cat households (three-pack means multiple toys)
Cats who respond strongly to catnip
Anyone tired of toys that fall apart immediately
Budget-conscious buyers ($10-12 for 3 toys)
People who want low-maintenance toy options

Not ideal for:

Cats who do not respond to catnip genetically
Kittens under 3 months (catnip sensitivity not developed)
Very large cats (may prefer longer kicker toys)
Cats who need complex puzzle toys (these are simple)

Value Analysis

Cost breakdown:

$10-12 for 3 fish = $3.33-$4 per toy
Lasts 6+ months per toy with proper care
Cost per month: $0.50-$0.67

Compare to:

Electronic toys: $20-40, last 3-6 months = $3-13/month
Cheap catnip toys: $3-5, last 2-4 weeks = $3-10/month
Kong Kickeroos: $8-12, last 6+ months = $1.33-$2/month

Verdict: Excellent value. Second only to Kong in durability, but cheaper upfront.

Final Verdict

The Potaroma Saury Fish 3-pack is one of the best-value cat toys available.

Pros:

Durable construction (survived 6+ months)
Strong catnip quality
Crinkle sound adds interest
Perfect kicker toy size
Three-pack = rotation and value
Machine washable
Safe embroidered details

Cons:

Catnip potency fades over 3-6 months (normal for all catnip toys)
Does not work for cats who do not respond to catnip
Crinkle can be loud at night
Simple interaction (no puzzle element)

Final score: 9/10 for catnip-responsive cats, 6/10 for cats who ignore catnip

Recommendation: Highly recommended for $10-12. Among the most durable and engaging catnip kicker toys at this price point.

Where to Buy

Available at:

Amazon: $10-12 (Prime shipping)
Chewy: $11-13
Some pet stores: $12-15

Buying tips:

Buy the 3-pack (better value than individual)
Check for sales (sometimes drops to $8-9)
Read recent reviews (quality control check)

What to Do Next

Assess if your cat responds to catnip (test with loose catnip or another catnip toy)
Buy 3-pack from retailer with return policy
Introduce one fish initially (save other two)
Store unused fish in sealed container
Rotate every 2-3 weeks to maintain novelty
Wash monthly to keep fresh
Replace or refresh catnip after 4-6 months when interest wanes

Who Should Skip It

Cats who don’t respond to catnip
Extremely aggressive chewers
Anyone wanting interactive human-cat play
Cats who prefer wands and chase toys
People sensitive to catnip smell

Value Assessment

At roughly $3-4 per fish, these are reasonably priced for the quality. They’ll last months with normal use, which is better than most catnip toys. The three-pack means you get toy rotation built in.

Compare that to cheap catnip toys that cost $2 but fall apart in a week, and these are actually cheaper long-term. Quality over quantity wins here.

Making Them Last Longer

Tips from experience:

Rotate the three fish - keep two stored
Store in sealed container when not in use
Wash regularly to keep them from getting disgusting
Don’t leave out 24/7 - maintain the novelty
Add fresh catnip when potency fades

The Honest Verdict

The Potaroma Saury Fish 3-pack is one of those purchases that just works. They’re well-made, cats love them (if they’re catnip-responsive), and they last way longer than expected. Not fancy, not expensive, just solid.

For under $12, you get three durable toys that will provide months of entertainment. That’s better than most cat toy purchases, which usually result in expensive dust collectors or shredded fabric disasters.

Price: $10-12 for 3
Durability: 8/10
Cat Engagement: 9/10 (for catnip lovers)
Value: 9/10
Crinkle Factor: Maximum
Dad Joke Rating: “He’s hooked on these fish”

Buy them if your cat likes kicker toys and catnip. You’ll probably end up buying more when these eventually wear out, which is the sign of a good toy. Just be prepared for your cat to bring you dead fish at odd hours.

That’s love, apparently.