Happy June, fellow pet parents and clowders!
This month we are going to unleash our inner cat whisperer! We’re gonna dive deep into the world of catnip and its lesser-known but equally awesome cousin, Silvervine.
I’m here to prepare you for a dose of education and all the benefits that’ll have you and your cats wanting more.
Catnip vs. Silvervine:
A ‘tail’ of two herbs, pun intended (and why your cat might be missing out). So let’s sprinkle in some of my birthday month fun and get those cats ready to pawty and zoomy.
When you hear “cat herb,” your brain more than likely conjures up images of a euphoric tabby rolling around in a pile of dried… well, you know, mess — aka catnip. The cats of the world love it (or at least a good chunk of them do). But what if they could talk and let you know that there’s another superstar waiting and ready to steal your cat’s attention? Silvervine! Tapping into their unique quirks, and why it might be time to introduce your kitty to something new.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the OG party starter. For many cats, a sniff or whiff of this leafy green is like a personal invitation to a discotheque. They’ll roll around, they’ll rub, they’ll drool, and they’ll pounce on invisible prey like it’s a feline rave. It’s all thanks to the magical little compound called nepetalactone. When inhaled or ingested, it binds to the receptors in your cat’s nose, activating their brain in a way that mimics certain feline pheromones. It can be thought of as a natural mood enhancer — a little happy pill.
Fun side effects from catnip:
- The Zoomies – Sudden burst of energy, often followed by an equally sudden nap.
- The Rolly Pollys – Your cat might become a contortionist, twisting and rolling around in pure happiness.
- The Drooling Fest – A sign of true enjoyment, and a slightly slobbery one.
- The Hunt & Seek – Toys become their nemesis; blankets become jungle gyms.
Though not all cats are enticed by catnip’s charms. Approximately 30 to 50% of cats are genuinely immune to its effects. Catnip is just a plant for them — like parsley or kale. If your cat gives catnip the cold shoulder, don’t worry! This is where our herbal understudy steps in.
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama)
Silvervine is lesser-known but becoming more popular among kitty families. A little history on Silvervine: hailing from the mountains in East Asia, it has been used for centuries in Japan and China to elicit playful responses from cats.
What makes it popular among some feline preferences? Silvervine boasts not one but several active compounds, including actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide.
Side lesson:
- Actinidine – This is a compound that some cats love. It works kind of like catnip, triggering happy or playful behaviour.
- Dihydroactinidiolide – This one is also found in certain plants and smells a bit like tea or herbs. It can have a calming or interesting effect on some cats.
This diverse herb is believed to be the reason why a significantly higher percentage of cats respond to Silvervine — some studies even suggest up to 80%!
Silvervine shenanigans:
- More intense reactions – Cats often show more robust and longer-lasting responses to Silvervine over catnip.
- Head rubbing and chinning – You may have to get ready for some serious affection if your cat tries to get every last bit of that good stuff on their face.
- Chewing and licking – Unlike catnip, which is often more about rolling, cats frequently enjoy chewing on Silvervine, such as Silvervine sticks. These are a good option to strengthen those teeth.
- Some cats will wander off into a relaxed, almost meditative state.
- Stress reduction – For anxious or stressed-out cats, Silvervine can act as a natural calming agent, helping them relax and feel more secure in their environment. Some examples could be moving, vet visits — I use it in mild inter-cat tension cases.
- Enrichment and exercise – Silvervine provides a lot of mental and physical stimulation, encouraging play activity that is especially important for our indoor kitties.
- Encouraging desirable behaviours – Use it to positively reinforce scratching posts, new toys, or even help them adjust to a new carrier.
- Dental benefit – As mentioned, use the Silvervine stick to encourage chewing; they can help clean teeth and gums (not to be used as a replacement for professional dental care with your veterinarian).
This concludes my birthday month edition. Happy birthday to whomever else celebrates — both human and cat — during the month of June.
Remember, everything in moderation! Overexposure can diminish the effect. A good pawty should be a special occasion, not an everyday affair. Just like cat toys, rotate these treats every few days to keep the interest alive.
Happy purring!
Looking to treat your cat? Shop a selection of home-grown, handmade catnip and silvervine toys — proudly made in Ontario, Canada!
Having Trouble with Your Cat’s Behaviour? Let’s Chat!
If your cat is trying to communicate and you’re unsure what they’re saying, I’m here to help. Book a free pre-consultation call, and we’ll go over what’s happening and how I can support you. Whether it’s litter box troubles, aggression, anxiety, or something else, we’ll talk about the best steps to restore peace in your home.
Book a Free Pre-Consultation Information Call with Krista, a fear-free, force-free, and positive reinforcement Certified Cat Behaviour Consultant & Fear Free Certified Professional in Ontario, Canada.
www.felinebehaviourcoach.com
Instagram: FelineBehaviourCoach
Facebook: FelineBehaviourCoach
