It’s been well documented most cats love the smell of catnip, which veterinarians do not believe is harmful in any way to the animals. Domestic felines may especially benefit from catnip, as it can enrich their home environment and add something interesting to their lives. They may show their appreciation by sniffing or licking it, rubbing their head against it, or rolling in it. Many cat owners believe the presence of catnip in the home makes their pet act “happy.”

What is less well known is about one-third of house cats do not respond to catnip at all, and many of them prefer the aroma of plants like valerian root, Indian nettle, Tatarian honeysuckle, or silver vine instead.

In a 2016 study published by BMC Veterinary Research, some cats responded to only one of these four plants, but nearly 25% of the cats responded to all four of them. Silver vine appeared to be the most popular alternative, regardless of the cat’s gender, age, or personality traits.

Some cats will exhibit behavior that suggests they intensely dislike a particular smell. These include cigarette smoke, some perfumes and air fresheners, citrus, and strong cleaning products. Cats are individuals just like people, however, so some felines may respond differently to smells than others based on preference or possibly on past positive or negative experiences.

If you decide to introduce a new plant or smell to your cat, watch them closely at first. Some scents may over-excite your pet. Let them have some space to find out if they enjoy the new experience. Be aware cats may lose interest in a scent after a while; you can always offer it again at a later time. And if your feline doesn’t show any interest in plants or scents at all, don’t worry! Just experiment with toys or other ways to enrich their environment until you find something they enjoy. Your veterinarian may also be able to offer suggestions.

When you have a question or concern about your pet, turn to the caring, skilled veterinarians at Baraboo Valley Veterinary Clinic in Wisconsin. For over 20 years, they’ve offered a wide variety of services to area pets. Call them today at (608) 355-2882 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more.