Cats love to rub and roll in the leaves of catnip (Nepeta cataria), and actinidia polygama, or matatabi, which grows in Japan, China, Korea, and the Russian Far East, causes a similar reaction.
Much of this feline behavior is due to the fact that the plant contains iridoids, which help repel mosquitoes and other insects.
Why do cats like mint
Having discovered catnip, animals begin to rub against the bush, gnawing and licking the stem and leaves.
Scientists explain that the cat's reaction is due to the presence of nepetalactone essential oils contained in the grass.
Catnip causes a short-term bout of euphoria in cats.
More precisely, a strong emotional arousal is caused by the essential oil with a lemon scent, which is part of the plant - nepetalactone.
When this oil affects the animal’s olfactory receptors, the pet begins to go crazy and get high.
How does catnip affect cats
When inhaling essential oils, the child exhibits motor activity, interest in objects that emit an odor, and signs of a good mood.
This effect lasts from 10 to 15 minutes.
Then the animal’s condition stabilizes, and the cat begins to behave calmer.
