Our New "Fix" is Here!! Japanese Catnip / Matatabi / Silvervine

Here you have it, Wolfie - the CATNIP QC - inspecting the new "weeds"

Observed by Summer of Cat Resources - just in case he gets 'high' on his duty!

So, what is Japanese Catnip, Matatabi, Silvervine?

Japanese Catnip (scientific name, Actinidia Polygama) is of the same family with Kiwi Fruit! It gives a state of euphoria response in cats, like Nepeta Cataria (Catnip). Said to give a more intense reaction.

Japanese Catnip / Matatabi / Slivervine is non-toxic, mainly found in Japan and China. It is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicines (for humans, of course)

Their leaves and branches are known to be particularly potent in making cats happy!

There's a Japanese saying, 猫にまたたび、女郎に小判 (neko ni matatabi, jorō ni koban, "Silver vine to a cat, a coin to a prostitute"), meaning to put someone in a good mood by providing what they most desire.

The leaves smell sweets and the scent lingers on, very memorable.
It appears to give a more relaxing, after euphoria effect on my cats.
They sleep! :) Which is a good thing!