In the cat herb family, I ask for the Matatabi! This plant that comes to us from Asia happens to be one of the most powerful catnip known.

WHAT IS MATATABI? WHAT IS MATATABI? A POWERFUL CATNIP FROM JAPAN

Matatabi (SilverVine – Silver Vine or Japanese Catnip) is considered the strongest and most effective catnip. Some studies say that two out of three tomcats who do not respond to catnip or valerian respond to Matatabi: it's just huge, a moment of happiness for many of our cats forgotten by catnip!

NEW IN EUROPE, MATATABI HAS BEEN USED FOR CENTURIES IN ASIA

In Asia, Matatabi is a plant that has been used for centuries with our little felines, because it grows there naturally!

Matatabi is just a plant for cats, with euphoric effects as well.

Scientifically it is called Actinidia polygama and it is a wild and vicious relative of the kiwi plant (Actinidia Deliciosa), from which comes the green kiwi fruit, well known to us humans.

MATATABI IS A CLIMBING PLANT FROM THE KIWIS FAMILY

Like all kiwis, Matatabi is a climbing plant. It grows up to five meters tall and forms walnut-sized fruits that look like miniature versions of green, hairless kiwis that are yellow-orange in color but bitter in taste.

WHY DO CATS LOVE MATATABI? EFFECTS ON YOUR CAT?

Unlike catnip, Matatabi contains a complete cocktail of molecules that affect our cat: actinidin, dihydro nepetalactone, iridomyrmecine, matatabilacton, neonepetalacton, and nepetalactone.

BUT SIMPLY, WHAT PART OF THE MATATABI LOVES THE CAT?

The molecules attractive to cats are found in Matatabi essential oil, which is found in all parts of the plant: from the roots to the shoots and leaves, from the fruit to the sap, in the stems

That's why with Matatabi sticks for cats, it doesn't matter if you use them with or without bark.

HOW DO CATS REACT TO MATATABI?

As with Cat Mint and all other cat herbs, Matatabi triggers a euphoric reaction that is typical:

-licking.

-salivation.

-friction.

-driving.

increased playful behavior

Some say that for a short time, the cat seems "drugged" and behaves atypically. The word 'cat drug' is really strong because the effect of matatabi is temporary and does not cause any addiction in the short and long term.

A TEMPORARY EUPHORIC REACTION WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS!

After a few tens of minutes (at the latest after half an hour), the cat loses interest in the Matatabi and the reaction to catnip is over. Now the cat will no longer be receptive to the Matatabi for at least one to two hours.

MATATABI IS PROBABLY THE MOST POWERFUL CAT HERB

The reaction to Matatabi is – just like catnip and cat valerian – genetically determined. Matatabi has a broader and stronger effect on cats than any cat herb identified so far, likely due to the variety of cat attractants in its essential oil. Nevertheless, there are cats that do not react at all to Matatabi due to their genetic predisposition.

Regardless of their genetic disposition, young cats that have not yet reached sexual maturity as well as some (very) old cats do not react to cat herbs, including Matatabi. So a priori, do not buy it for kittens... or wait for them to grow up!

On the other hand, whether for a cat or a cat, the Matatabi can have an effect whatever the sex, male cat or female cat! So if you have a cat, do not hesitate to offer it to her.

Our advice is to buy a small amount of matabi for your feline and test it. If he does not react when he is already an adult, do not insist.

MATATABI FOR CATS IS EDIBLE IN SMALL QUANTITIES

No, in small quantities, Matatabi is edible for the cat. Even though we think he is trying to swallow it, our cat is only trying to chew the plant to bring out and release the essential oil it contains. He will then spread it over his neck and body by rubbing and rolling.

SWALLOWED, MATATABI CAN SOMETIMES HAVE A SLEEPY EFFECT

If your cat ingests a small amount, he may be slightly drowsy. Indeed, Matatabi like valerian have a calming effect when their active elements are in the cat's blood.

THE STIMULATING EFFECT IS LINKED TO THE FRAGRANCE MOLECULES OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF MATATABI

The stimulating effect is caused when the cat absorbs odorous molecules from the herbs through its pheromone receptors in its olfactory mucosa. Our hairballs must therefore breathe in this essential oil to be happy!

CAUTION: MATATABI IS NOT A SEDATIVE OR FOOD!

Matatabi can be used to bring toys back to life, to help your cat go to a particular place, to amuse it... However, it should not be used in voluntary ingestion, whether to try to calm your cat or to make its better food! If you give him too much (more than he can absorb through play), it is possible to induce vomiting or diarrhea, which is not desirable.

Our opinion is, as with everything, it should not be diverted from its main use, nor abused in terms of quantities.

OTHER BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF MATATABI

In stick form | rod | stick, the Matabi allows your cat to chew and chew tirelessly; some see it as a very positive aspect for their teeth and especially their cleanliness.