If your cat ignores catnip, they're not broken — they might just need matatabi.
About 1 in 3 cats doesn't respond to catnip at all (it's genetic). But a 2021 study from Iwate University found that nearly 80% of those "non-responder" cats react strongly to matatabi (silvervine).
Here's everything you need to know to pick the right one for your cat.
What Is Catnip and How Does It Work
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) contains a compound called nepetalactone. When cats smell it, the molecule binds to receptors in their olfactory system, triggering a cascade of prey-drive and play behaviors.
Key facts:
- Effect lasts 10-15 minutes, then cats go refractory for 30-60 minutes
- 50-65% of cats respond — the rest inherit a recessive gene that makes them indifferent
- Kittens under 6 months typically don't respond (receptors haven't matured)
- Totally safe — not psychoactive, not addictive, can't overdose
- Loses potency when dried more than ~6 months
What Is Matatabi (Silvervine) and Why It's Different
Matatabi (Actinidia polygama) is a climbing plant native to Japan and China. Cat owners there have used it for centuries — it's finally getting attention in the US market.
The critical difference: matatabi contains two active compounds (actinidine and dihydroactinidiolide) vs. catnip's one. That means:
- Up to 80% of cats respond (vs. 50-65% for catnip)
- Many cats who ignore catnip do respond to matatabi
- The reaction is often more intense than catnip
- Works on some kittens that catnip doesn't
The 2021 study is the clearest data we have — tested across 100+ cats and showed matatabi worked even on cats completely indifferent to catnip.
Matatabi vs Catnip — Side-by-Side
| Feature | Catnip | Matatabi |
|---|---|---|
| Response rate | 50-65% | Up to 80% |
| Active compounds | 1 (nepetalactone) | 2 (actinidine + dihydroactinidiolide) |
| Intensity | Mild-moderate | Moderate-strong |
| Duration | 10-15 min | 15-30 min |
| Form | Dried leaves, spray, toys | Chew sticks, powder, toys |
| Safety | Totally safe | Totally safe |
Which Should You Try First?
Start with catnip if:
- Your cat has responded to it before
- You want a mild, predictable reaction
- You're trying it on a kitten (less intense is safer for first exposure)
Try matatabi if:
- Your cat ignores catnip
- You want a stronger, longer-lasting effect
- You have a senior cat whose interest has faded
- You want a natural chew (matatabi sticks serve dual purpose — chew toy + stimulant)
Best approach: use both, alternating. Daily exposure to either dulls the response. Rotating every few days keeps both potent.
How to Use Matatabi Chew Sticks Safely
Our Matatabi Chew Sticks are 100% natural silvervine wood. Here's how to introduce them:
- Let your cat sniff one stick from a few feet away first. Watch for response.
- If interested, let them chew for 5-10 minutes supervised.
- Retire sticks when they start to splinter. Don't let them chew to the point of ingesting large fibers.
- Store in an airtight container to preserve potency.
What About the Matatabi Toy Set?
If you want variety, our Matatabi Cat Toy Set combines matatabi sticks with catnip-infused balls and feathered items. This covers both compounds in one purchase and gives you toys for different play styles.
Good for multi-cat households where cats respond differently — one may prefer sticks, another the feathered items.
Bottom Line
Catnip is the household name, but matatabi is the secret weapon — especially for cats who seem "immune" to everything else. Response rate is higher, intensity is stronger, and it doubles as a natural chew toy.
If you've never tried matatabi, start with the Chew Sticks ($4.99) — cheapest way to discover whether your cat responds.
FAQ
What percentage of cats respond to matatabi?
Studies suggest up to 80% of cats respond to matatabi, compared to 50-65% for catnip. Notably, many cats who don't respond to catnip do respond to matatabi — likely due to matatabi's two active compounds vs. catnip's one.
Is matatabi safe for cats?
Yes — matatabi is completely safe. It's not psychoactive, not addictive, and cats can't overdose. The only risk is ingesting large wood fibers from chew sticks, which is why supervision and retiring worn sticks is recommended.
Can I use catnip and matatabi together?
Yes, but alternating works better than simultaneous use. Daily exposure to either dulls the response via receptor desensitization. Rotating between them every 2-3 days keeps both highly effective.
Sources & what the research says
The silvervine response was documented in 2017 in a study by Bol et al. (BMC Veterinary Research), and a 2021 study from Iwate University identified the active iridoid compounds. For vet-reviewed summaries, see PetMD and Catster.
In 2017, a study found about 80% of cats responded to silvervine, versus about 68% to catnip — and roughly 75% of cats that ignore catnip still respond to silvervine.
— Bol et al., 2017, as reported by PetMD
About 30–50% of cats lack the gene needed to react to catnip's nepetalactone, which is why silvervine works for many "non-responder" cats.
— as reported by Catster (vet-reviewed)
Try it yourself: the Matatabi Cat Chew Stick is the simplest way to test your cat's response, or start with the Matatabi Cat Toy Set to compare formats.
Written and reviewed by the Roam Paws Team · Last updated June 2026.