Cats, Mosquitoes, and Silver Vine: A Tale of Euphoria and Protection

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of catnip (Nepeta cataria) and silver vine (Actinidia polygama) on cats, specifically focusing on the chemical compound nepetalactol, which induces euphoria in felines. Research conducted by Masao Miyazaki at Iwate University identified nepetalactol as the most potent component, previously unrecognized for its effects on cats. The study demonstrated that both domestic and non-domestic cats, including a leopard and lynxes, responded positively to the compound, while dogs and mice showed no interest. Additionally, nepetalactone, another iridoid found in catnip, exhibits mosquito repellent properties akin to DEET.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of chemical compounds, specifically iridoids
  • Familiarity with the physiological effects of plant extracts on animals
  • Knowledge of animal behavior, particularly in felines
  • Awareness of mosquito repellent properties of natural substances
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the chemical structure and effects of nepetalactol
  • Explore the behavioral responses of various feline species to different iridoids
  • Investigate the mosquito repellent properties of nepetalactone and its applications
  • Study the impact of aroma on animal behavior and preference
USEFUL FOR

Pet owners, biologists, and researchers interested in animal behavior, particularly those studying the effects of natural compounds on feline species and their potential applications in pest control.

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TL;DR
Why are cats so crazy about catnip?
Chemicals, which are also mosquito repealants.
From a Science mag news article.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) and silver vine (Actinidia polygama) both contain chemical compounds called iridoids that protect the plants against aphids and are known to be the key to the euphoria produced in cats. To determine the physiological effect of these compounds, Iwate University biologist Masao Miyazaki spent 5 years running different experiments using the plants and their chemicals.

his team extracted chemicals present in both catnip and silver vine leaves and identified the most potent component that produces the feline high: a minty silver vine chemical called nepetalactol that had not been shown to affect cats until this study. (The substance is similar to nepetalactone, the key iridoid in catnip.)

It can also affect non-domestic cats:
they repeated the experiment with 30 feral cats—and one leopard, two lynxes, and two jaguars living in Japan’s Tennoji and Oji zoos. Big or small, the felines surrendered to the substance, rubbing their heads and bodies in the patches for an average of 10 minutes (see video, above). In contrast, dogs and mice that were tested showed no interest in the compound.

Apparently, nepetalactone is known to have mosquito repellent properties (similar to DEET).
Not that surprising if its supposed to protect the plants from aphids.
 
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To be honest I believe cats like it so much because of the smells. You see aromas are more influential than you might believe. See imagine you go to a doctor the room smells terrible then you go to a doctor's office that smells nice your going to the doctor that smells nice. Why? Because your mind tells you that the one that smells nice is better. So I might be wrong but I believe aroma has something to do with it.
 
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