Enrichment and dental health for cats
Matatabi and Catnip
A Safe and Fun Treat!
ENRICHMENT
Matatabi has a similar effect on cats as catnip, but it is even more dynamic and a higher percentage of the cat population is attracted.
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Most cat owners have tried using catnip and we all like to see cats rolling around in elation.
Cats love catnip, but about 50% of cats only react to catnip Well what about the 50% that seem to pay no attention to catnip?
Well now there's Matatabi.. or if you just want to give your cat a different awesome treat.
Matatabi is a plant that grows in the mountainous areas of Japan and has the scientific name Actinidia polygama. Matatabi has two ingredients that get cats excited; actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide. The leaves are also used to make tea for humans.
A study published in the BioMed Central Veterinary Research (source) comparing the effects of Matatabi, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian, and catnip on 100 domestic cats.
Almost 80% of the cats responded to Matatabi. This was the largest reaction to any of the stimulants used, showing that Matatabi has some genuine effects.
DENTAL HEALTH
Cat’s don't like having a toothbrush in their mouths, but they still need to eat certain types of foods to keep their teeth strong and healthy, and there's not much out there!
Matatabi sticks not only allure cats to play and chew, but they also give a cat’s teeth a good clean at the same time
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They have a rough texture like a bark which is great at removing plaque and aiding is general cleaning. Cats salivate while chewing this will also promote dental health.
It has also known for...
The prevention of diabetes
stabilize blood pressure
Cats have an extra scent organ called the vomeronasal gland in the roof of their mouth. This special pathway allows scents that are collected in the nose and mouth to be carried to the brain.Nepetalactone is the oil that’s found within the catnip plant’s leaves that can cause behavioural changes in cats. They have to smell the catnip.Catnip mimics feline sex hormones, so cats enjoying catnip can display behaviours can include overt signs of affection, relaxation, and happiness. Other cats will display active behaviours, such as playfulness.