We Had Catnip All Wrong

The video explores a study by Japanese researchers on why cats react to catnip and silver vine. The study found that a chemical in silver vine, Nepatel Lectal, activates a reward system in cats' brains, similar to intoxication. The researchers hypothesize that this response may have evolved as a mosquito repellent, as cats transfer the chemical to their fur, reducing mosquito landings. While the study shows a potential benefit, further genetic research is needed to confirm the evolutionary purpose of this behavior.

What behavior do many cats exhibit when they encounter catnip or silver vine?

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What did the Japanese researchers discover about the compound nepatelactol?

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Why do researchers believe that the catnip response may have evolved?

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What evidence did the researchers find regarding mosquitoes and cats that play in catnip?

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What are the next steps the researchers plan to take to learn more about the catnip response?

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