WHAT IS THE INGREDIENT IN CAT TREATS THAT THEY GO FRANTIC FOR?
Source: Mail Online (Extract)
Posted: December 16, 2024
Cats enjoy treats for several reasons, primarily due to their nature as obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat to thrive. They are naturally drawn to the taste of animal-based proteins.
In addition, some cat foods contain compounds like nepetalactone (found in catnip) and actinidine or dihydroactinidiolide (present in silvervine), which can trigger a euphoric or playful reaction.
This response is believed to be linked to the stimulation of opioid receptors in the brain, leading to an increase in endorphin production.
Not all cats are sensitive to these chemicals, as the reaction is genetic; about 60-70 per cent of cats respond to catnip.
