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Why Cats Get High on Peppermint: Uncovering the Secret of Feline Behavior
14.07.2024 06:10
Cats are mysterious creatures whose behavior sometimes leaves even the most experienced owners perplexed.
One such mystery is the inexplicable passion of many cats for mint.
Owners of furry pets often observe how their usually reserved and independent pets literally lose their heads from the smell of this plant.
Cats rub against the mint, roll on it, lick the leaves and fall into a state resembling euphoria.
This phenomenon has long intrigued not only cat owners, but also scientists trying to unravel the mystery of the "cat high."
The Chemistry of Peppermint and the Cat's Nose
The secret to mint's appeal to cats lies in its chemical composition.
The key component that causes the violent reaction in cats is nepetalactone, an organic compound found in peppermint essential oils.
This chemical is structurally similar to the pheromones secreted by cats.
This is why the smell of mint has such a strong effect on cats' olfactory receptors, causing such an unusual reaction.
Genetic predisposition
Interestingly, not all cats react to mint in the same way. Research suggests that sensitivity to nepetalactone is hereditary.
Approximately 50-70% of cats are genetically predisposed to "mint madness." The rest may not react to mint at all or even be rejected.
This trait is inherited, which explains why one family can have cats with both a strong reaction to mint and those who are completely indifferent to it.
Influence on behavior
The effect of mint on cats is often compared to the effect of drugs on humans. However, this comparison is not entirely correct. Cats' reaction to mint is more of a manifestation of natural instinctive behavior.
The smell of mint stimulates certain areas of the cat's brain, causing the release of endorphins, the hormones of pleasure.
As a result, the cat experiences a state of euphoria, which can last from several minutes to half an hour.
Safety and Benefits
Despite the strong reaction, mint is not dangerous to cats.
In fact, many veterinarians believe that moderate exposure to peppermint may be beneficial to a cat's health.
Peppermint has a calming effect, helps reduce stress, and may even help ease some digestive problems.
However, it is important to remember that, like any remedy, mint should be used in moderation.
Practical application
Knowledge of the effects of mint on cats is often used by owners for practical purposes.
Peppermint toys help stimulate sedentary cats and can also distract your pet from unwanted behavior, such as scratching furniture.
Some owners use peppermint to help relieve stress in cats during travel or veterinary visits.
Other plants with similar effects
Mint is not the only plant that can cause a state of euphoria in cats. Valerian, catnip and actinidia have similar effects.
All of these plants contain substances similar to nepetalactone and may cause a similar reaction in cats.
However, it is important to remember that some plants that are attractive to cats may be toxic, so you should make sure that a new plant is safe before allowing your pet to come into contact with it.
