Catnip and Silvervine: understanding the differences and benefits
Humans have been captivated the playful and mysterious behaviors of cats for thousands of years. Among the various stimuli that can elicit a response from our feline friends, catnip and silvervine hold a special place. These plants have been used for centuries to entice and entertain cats, but what exactly are the differences between them? In this blog post, we will delve into the scientific research surrounding catnip and silvervine to understand their unique properties and effects on our fabulous furry companions.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria):
Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has since been introduced to various regions around the world. The active ingredient in catnip that elicits a response in cats is nepetalactone, which is found in the leaves, stems, and seeds of the plant.
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama):
Silvervine, also known as matatabi or Japanese catnip, is a climbing vine native to eastern Asia. Unlike catnip, which belongs to the mint family, silvervine is a member of the Actinidiaceae family, which also includes kiwi fruit plants. The active compounds responsible for its effects on cats are actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide, found in the fruit of the plant.
Differences in Chemical Composition:
While both catnip and silvervine elicit similar responses in cats, they contain different chemical compounds. Catnip contains nepetalactone, which binds to receptors in a cat's nasal tissue, leading to behavioral changes such as rolling, rubbing, and increased vocalization.
On the other paw, silvervine contains actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide, which also trigger a response in cats but may be more potent than nepetalactone for some individuals.
Behavioral Effects:
Research has shown that both catnip and silvervine can induce a range of behaviors in cats, including rolling, rubbing, licking, and heightened activity. However, individual cats may respond differently to each plant, with some showing a preference for one over the other. Additionally, while the effects of catnip typically last for about 10 to 15 minutes, silvervine may produce a longer-lasting response in some cats.
Preference and Sensitivity:
Studies have suggested that genetic factors may influence a cat's sensitivity to catnip and silvervine. Some cats may not respond to either plant, while others may exhibit a strong reaction. Only about 60-75% of kitties respond to either catnip or silvervine, so only about one in three will have any reaction at all! Furthermore, a cat's age, sex, and overall health may also play a role in their sensitivity to these plants. Both catnip and silver vine can be dried or used fresh.
It's essential for cat parents to observe their cat's behavior and use catnip or silvervine in moderation to prevent overstimulation.
Benefits:
Silvervine and catnip are great enrichment options to try for your cat through olfactory stimulation. Silvervine also offers a natural way for cats to gnaw and chew, promoting dental health by removing tartar and plaque from their teeth. New research shows that both plants also provide kitties with a chemical defense against mosquitoes, where cats know to use the plants as their own natural mosquito repellant!
Understanding these plants can help cat parents choose the most suitable plant-based toy or treat for their feline companions. Whether it's catnip and silvervine, or other toys and play, providing enrichment activities that stimulate a cat's natural behaviors contribute significantly to their overall health and well-being.
References:
Bol, S., Scaffidi, A., Bunnik, E.M. et al., Behavioral differences among domestic cats in the response to cat-attracting plants and their volatile compounds reveal a potential distinct mechanism of action for actinidine. BMC Biol 20, 192 (2022).
https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-022-01369-1
S. Bol, J. Caspers, L. Buckingham, G. D. Anderson-Shelton, C. Ridgway, C. A. Buffington, S. Schulz, E. M. Bunnik, Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). BMC Vet. Res. 13, 70 (2017).
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6
Luz Teresa Espín-Iturbe, Bernardo A. López Yañez, Apolo Carrasco García, Rodolfo Canseco-Sedano, Maribel Vázquez-Hernández, Genaro A. Coria-Avila, Active and passive responses to catnip (Nepeta cataria) are affected by age, sex and early gonadectomy in male and female cats, Behavioural Processes, Volume 142, 110-115 (2017).
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635717301766
Reiko Uenoyama et al., The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes.Sci. Adv.7,eabd9135 (2021).