Cats Prefer Silvervine Over Catnip, Study Reveals 2026

A new study reveals that cats prefer silvervine (matatabi) over catnip, according to Japanese researchers who tested feline attraction to both plants. The findings challenge the common assumption that catnip is the ultimate feline intoxicant.

Why Cats Go Crazy for Catnip and Silvervine

Cat owners have long known that their pets go wild for catnip, rolling, rubbing, and even drooling when they encounter it. But scientists have discovered that another plant, silvervine (also known as matatabi), may be even more irresistible to cats.

Both plants contain compounds that trigger a euphoric response in many cats, but the new research suggests silvervine has a stronger effect.

The Experiment: How Researchers Tested Cat Preferences

To determine which plant cats prefer, a team of Japanese researchers designed a series of three experiments involving both free-roaming and captive cats.

In the first setup, cats in a garden had access to fresh plants of both catnip and silvervine. In the second, free cats were presented with a brick impregnated with extracts from each plant. The third involved captive cats exposed to paper soaked in the extracts.

Researchers recorded videos and noted episodes of "self-anointing"—when cats rub against or roll near the plants—as well as any "kneading" behavior.

Silvervine Wins by a Landslide

Across all groups, cats showed a clear preference for silvervine. Among free cats with access to both plants and the impregnated brick, almost all self-anointing episodes occurred with silvervine. Context on how this played out before sits in Cats Prefer Silvervine Over Catnip, Study Reveals.

In the captive group, 15 cats responded only to silvervine, three responded to both, and three showed only slight interest, but the overall trend was unmistakable. The background to this story is set out in 30 Cats Losing Their Brain Cells As They Hilariously Enjoy Their Catnip High. A related thread runs through Orangutans Prefer Food Linked to Laughter Sounds, Study Finds.

These results indicate that silvervine is a more potent attractant for cats than catnip. Earlier coverage in Science: latest articles shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Near-Death Experiences Drawn by 50 People Reveal Four Geometric Patterns.

What This Means for Cat Owners

If you've been buying catnip toys, you might want to consider silvervine as an alternative or addition. Many cats that don't respond to catnip may still react to silvervine, making it a great option for picky felines. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Space-Grown Artificial Retinas: A New Hope for Blindness. The same theme surfaces in Touchscreen Fabric Screen Survives 50 Washes: What It Means, which takes a different angle.

However, always introduce new plants gradually and monitor your cat's reaction.

Key Takeaways

• Japanese study found cats prefer silvervine over catnip.
• Silvervine triggered more rubbing and rolling behaviors.
• Both plants can induce euphoria, but silvervine appears more potent.
• Consider silvervine toys for cats that ignore catnip.

Comparison of Catnip and Silvervine Effects

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