Silvervine, otherwise known as Matatabi, is a known attractant to cats and often produces a playful, euphoric reaction. The response to Silvervine is similar to Catnip – but can appear to be more intense. These Silvervinve sicks wrapped in Sisal with Raffia and Gall fruit (the fruit of the Silvervine) stimulates your cat’s senses, encouraging play and relaxation.
Features
- This is a natural product, so the size of each stick will vary, the total length is approx 37cm ( 17cm x 3cm stick with 10cm Raffia at either end
- Always supervise your cat while playing with the stick
- Suitable for cats of all ages (there may be no reaction in kittens younger than 6 months or pregnant cats)
What Is Matatabi?
Matatabi is a natural plant native to the mountainous regions of eastern Asia. It is widely used in Japan and China as a cat stimulant. According to the experts only about 50% of cats will react to Catnip, perhaps less for cats here in Australia as the gene that triggers the euphoric response appears to be hereditary, so a lot of Australian cats don’t have that gene. That doesn’t mean they miss out on all the fun as around 80% will react in some way to Matatabi!
Why Do Cats React To Matatabi?
Plants like the Matatabi plant release natural chemicals (allomones) which cause a reaction when sniffed. When your cat sniffs Matatabi it causes a chain reaction which ends up basically activating the pleasure centre in your cat’s brain and giving it a natural high. One of the active components in both Matatabi and Catnip is Nepetalactone but research shows that Matatabi or Silvervine has at least six other active components your cat may react too which may be why Matatabi is more potent than Catnip and why more cats may respond to it.
How Do I Use The Sticks?
Always supervise your cat with this product. Either give it to your cat and let them play with it by themselves, or you can hold it firmly as they rub and chew on it. Once your cat has lost interest or after about half an hour remove the stick, allow it to dry and put away in a sealed bag or jar until another day.
Is Matatabi Harmful Or Addictive To Cats?
Even though cats can receive a natural high to Matatabi, research shows that it is not addictive and it usually wears off in around 30 minutes. It is non toxic so even if your cat swallows some it will not be harmful, however we recommend always supervising your cat whilst using Matatabi sticks in case it manages to break off a large piece that if swallowed may cause choking or an obstruction.
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