Study finds cats prefer silver vine over catnip
A Japanese research team observed free-roaming cats choosing silver vine over catnip in most cases. The study recorded typical rubbing and rolling behavior toward the plant known locally as matatabi.
The Japan TimesA Japanese research team found that cats preferred silver vine over catnip when both plants were presented to free-roaming animals. The team recorded cats rubbing against and rolling in silver vine in most observed cases. Researchers from Iwate University and Nagoya University conducted the study.
Study details The findings appeared in an online edition of the Journal of Chemical Ecology. The observations focused on natural behavior without restricting the cats' movement. Silver vine and catnip are both known as cat attractants. The study compared how cats responded when given access to both plants at the same time.
