Cats seem to love catnip and silvervine, but until recently science didn't know why.<br />When exposed to catnip or silver vine, cats lick and chew the leaves, and rub their faces against the plants.<br />Many felines even eat the plants and experience a type of euphoria lasting 5 to 15 minutes.<br />The effect these plants have on our feline friends has been known for centuries, but scientists didn’t fully understand the purpose.<br />Researchers have recently discovered Nepetalactol—the most potent active ingredient in catnip.<br />Nepetalactol provides cats with a chemical defense against mosquitoes, according to research published in Science Advances.<br />The discovery could explain why cats, whether domesticated cats or wild display similar behaviors after being exposed to these plants.
