DankNips 100% Natural Ingredients
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) has a potent effect on cats
Called matatabi in Japanese, silvervine is a species within the kiwifruit family. The plant is particularly beneficial for cats in the dried leaf format because it stimulates endorphins, encourages play, and protects them against insects.
Silvervine is a natural plant stimulant that triggers a safe, temporary euphoriA in cats.
Stronger than catnip?
Silvervine releases natural chemical compounds that mimic feline pheromones. When a cat inhales them, it stimulates their sensory neurons, releasing natural endorphins that give them a feeling of pleasure. Similar to catnip, but more potent, it causes cats to roll around, rub their faces, drool, and alternate between hyperactivity and sedation. It is more potent than catnip because it contains two different active compounds responsible for attracting cats and repelling mosquitoes; nepetalactol and actinidine; and catnip only has nepetalactone. Further, studies have proven that cats prefer silvervine over catnip when given the choice!
About the plant’s Habitat
Silvervine (Actinidia polygama) is a deciduous, twining woody vine endemic to Eastern Asia, including Japan, Korea, and parts of China. As a twining vine, it needs a structure to climb on. The plant can grow to reach 9m wide, but can be easily maintained by selective pruning. The leaves are heart-shaped, similar to catnip, except they are not toothed or serrated. Occasionally the plant will produce leaves with white patches.
Why sifted leaves, not sticks?
In New Zealand and Australia, silvervine is usually only available in stick form which neglects the benefits the dried leaves have on cats for repelling mosquitoes. Further, the sticks can be a choking hazard so we do not sell them, and instead recommend DankNips MataTabi herbal treat instead.
Beyond just fun, silvervine offers several practical health and behavioural benefits:
Encourages Exercise: It is great for sedentary or older cats, sparking bursts of energy that help them play and be active.
Responses Include: The “Matatabi Dance” which involves rolling, wiggling, and flipping around on the ground.
Rubbing & Licking: Chewing, licking, or rubbing their faces and chins on the dried leaf.
Energy Shifts: Some cats become hyperactive and playful, while others become deeply relaxed or sedated. Most cats will display a combination of both behaviours.
What the “High” Looks Like: When a cat encounters silvervine, the reaction typically lasts between 5 to 30 minutes.
Drooling: A very common, normal side effect of euphoria and pleasure in cats.
Safety & Best Practices: Silvervine is completely safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive for felines. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Ingesting fresh plant matter can upset cats’ digestive system particularly if it is not broken down properly. Sticks can cause mouth injury or be a choking hazard, so its best for cats to enjoy this plan in its dried form, sifted, and slightly crushed.
Dosage: Limit playtime to about 30 minutes, and only offer it 2 to 3 times a week to prevent your cat from getting desensitised to it.
Sensory Sessions for Pet Enrichment and Bonding