Catnip, or nepeta cataria, it was so named to be loved by our feline friends.
Cats seem attracted to it and can’t resist when they have some tuft available. They meow insistently, they brush between the blades of grass and eat it. Today we know the reason why it has this effect and it is nepetalactone: it is an active ingredient in catnip similar to pheromones.
Being i gatti among the most ancient domesticated animals, their love for some types of plants had already been noted in the past. Despite being a great hunter and therefore a carnivore, the cat often goes in search of vegetables to munch on.
Over time it has come to light that these sweet animals do not have an exclusive passion for catnip. In fact, there are other plant species in the presence of which cats become euphoric. So let’s see which are the plants that will make your cat go crazy with joy.
Not just catnip
Here are some plant species that your cat will love if you decide to buy them.
a) Thyme works as a tranquilizer. The cat is in fact attracted and calmed by the scent of this aromatic plant.
b) Mint and basil, belonging to the same family as catnip, are very stimulating for the cat. They could have the same effect as his favorite herb, thus making him excited.
c) The olive tree, on the other hand, has a narcotic effect on felines. The release of oleuropein alters its behavior and acts as a sedative.
d) The valerian, if ingested or even just smelled by the cat, at first causes great excitement in the cat. Later you will see that it will relax him.
e) The maro or teucrium marum is a particular plant that grows spontaneously on the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, Liguria and in the Po-Veneto plain. This plant also has an exciting effect on the cat.
f) Matatabi instead comes from Japan. Unlike all other plants, it causes the cat to feel calm and almost ecstatic. In addition, the cat will eat the leaves that it seems to love a lot.
g) Honeysuckle is loved by cats for its scent. Unfortunately, its berries are poisonous, so it is not recommended to keep one in contact with your pet. However, it is possible to buy the essence or oil that you can use in case of stress of the animal (for example returning from a veterinary visit).
Some cats may not like some of the plants listed. So try to discover the plants that will make your cat go crazy with joy together with him.
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