What Is Matatabi?
Matatabi (マタタビ), botanically Actinidia polygama, is a climbing plant native to the mountain regions of Japan, China, and Korea. In Japan, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and pet care. While the Western world primarily knows catnip (Nepeta cataria), Matatabi is the preferred and more effective natural stimulant for cats in Asia.
Research from Iwate University (Japan, 2021) has shown that Matatabi contains nepetalactol, which triggers a euphoric response in approximately 80% of all cats — compared to only 50-70% for catnip.
Neurochemical Effects
When a cat smells or chews Matatabi, the released nepetalactol activates olfactory receptors and triggers a cascade of neurochemical reactions. The state typically lasts 5-15 minutes, followed by a phase of relaxation. There is no evidence of dependency, tolerance development, or negative side effects.
Advantages of Matatabi over Catnip
- Effective in 80% of cats (catnip: only 50-70%)
- Stronger and longer-lasting response
- Additional dental cleaning effect when chewing the sticks
- Contains nepetalactol — more effective than nepetalactone
- Traditional Japanese use for over 500 years
- Proven mosquito-repelling effect in cats
Usage Tip
Offer your cat a Matatabi stick for 10-15 minutes daily. The combination of olfactory stimulation and chewing activity promotes both mental and dental health.
