If you've ever sprinkled dried catnip or powdered silvervine on a toy or scratching post, you might have witnessed your cat transform from a calm, dignified feline into a bundle of ecstatic energy. Catnip, a perennial herb from the mint family, and silvervine, a relative of kiwifruit vine, have a fascinating effect on many cats, eliciting responses that range from rolling and flipping to purring and drooling.
What are Catnip and Silvervine?
Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, contains a volatile oil called nepetalactone in its leaves, stems, and seeds. It's this compound that triggers a typically euphoric response in cats. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but can now be found worldwide due to its popularity as a cat attractant.
Silvervine, scientifically known as Actinidia polygama, is a climbing plant native to East Asia, particularly found in regions of Russia, Japan, Korea, and China. It is renowned for its potent effects on cats, similar to those of catnip, but often more intense and appealing to a broader range of felines.
Silvervine contains iridomyrmecin, isoiridomyrmecin, dihydronepetalactone, isodihydronepetalactone, and nepetalactol, and Catnip contains nepetalactone. These chemicals, known collectively as iridoids, are responsible for the euphoric effects when they stimulate cats' olfactory (smell) receptors, increasing endorphin levels. Research indicates that about 80% of cats respond positively to silvervine, compared to approximately 68% for catnip.
The effect is somewhat like a euphoric high, often compared to how humans react to hallucinogens. Cats may react by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. Typically, this "high" lasts for about 10 to 15 minutes, after which your cat will become temporarily immune to the effects for roughly 30 minutes to a couple of hours. Research has shown that these effects are not addictive to cats, and produce no apparent harm to the body (1).
Why Do Some Cats Ignore Catnip?
Since the ability to appreciate iridoids seens to be genetic, some cats may not respond as dramatically (or at all) to catnip or silvervine. Kittens under a few months old usually don't have a reaction because their olfactory systems are not yet fully developed. Likewise, senior cats may lose their interest or ability to respond to iridoids as their senses and cognitive functions decline.
The catnip response is believed to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait in domestic cats This means that if a cat inherits the gene for catnip sensitivity from either parent, it will likely respond to catnip. The variation in response behaviors and intensity seen in different cat populations reflects the complex nature of catnip response expression. This suggests that multiple genes or environmental factors may be involved in modulating the response.
Catnip and silvervine can be a lot of fun for both cats and their owners, offering a unique insight into your cat's personality and preferences. Whether your cat is a catnip aficionado or not, there are plenty of ways to enrich their environment and keep them engaged. Remember, each cat is unique, and part of the joy of owning a cat is discovering what makes yours purr with delight!
Assessing the safety and suitability of using silver vine as an olfactory enrichment for cats. Uenoyama, Reiko et al. iScience, Volume 26, Issue 10, 107848