Just in time for summer, scientists share both intoxicating and mosquito-repelling plants for cats

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

We’ve all seen cats rolling in ecstasy when exposed to catnip (Nepeta cataria) or silver vine (Actinidia polygama), another feline intoxicant endemic to Japan and China. The kitty feel-good herbs activate the opioid system, producing a euphoric effect. But do they have another purpose?

Researchers at Iwate University in Japan, in partnership with scientists at Nagoya University in Japan and the University of Liverpool in the U.K., wanted to uncover the neurophysiological mechanism and biological function of the silver vine response in domestic cats. It turns out that licking and chewing these plant leaves is a feline form of chemical pest defense, transferring plant metabolites known as iridoids, which repel mosquitoes, to their fur.

The mosquito repellent effect of the chemical compound nepetalactone in catnip was already known. And researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago and Lund University in Sweden discovered last year that it’s because nepetalactone activates an irritant receptor called TRPA1, found in animals ranging from flatworms and fruit flies to humans.

“We now think catnip is so aversive to so many insect species because it activates this widespread irritant receptor,” said Marco Gallio, associate professor of neurobiology at Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, in a news release last year.

The Japanese researchers sought to learn whether nepetalactol -- the active compound in silver vine (Actinidia polygama) -- would have the same effect. They had observed that when cats licked and chewed silver vine, the crumpled and torn leaves were more aromatic than intact leaves.

Working with 16 domestic shorthairs, the scientists learned that when cats lick, chew, rub and roll on silver vine, much higher amounts of the insect repellents are released. The damage to the leaves produces a complex “cocktail” of iridoids that is more repellent to mosquitoes.

The study, published recently in the journal iScience, demonstrated that the silver vine response is regulated via the same opioid receptors involved in rewarding and euphoric effects in humans. The rubbing and rolling response transfers nepetalactol from the plant leaves onto the cat’s face and head, providing a protective effect against Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (tiger mosquitoes), revealing its likely biological significance.

In an email interview, Dr. Masao Miyazaki of Iwate University, a leader of the research project, explained that not only were more iridoids released, but their composition changed in ways that seemed to encourage the cats.

“Nepetalactol accounts for over 90% of total iridoids in intact leaves, but this drops to about 45% in damaged leaves as other iridoids greatly increase,” says Miyazaki, whose research interests include how chemicals drive instinctual behaviors of companion animals. “The altered iridoid mixture corresponding to damaged leaves promoted a much more prolonged response in cats.”

To test whether the cats were reacting to these compounds specifically, the cats were presented with dishes containing pure nepetalactone and nepetalactol. “Cats show the same response to iridoid cocktails and natural plants except for chewing,” Miyazaki says. “They lick the chemicals on the plastic dish and rub against and roll over on the dish.”

The behavior continued even after the dishes were covered with a punctured plastic cover, preventing the cats from contacting the chemicals directly. “This means that licking and chewing is an instinctive behavior elicited by olfactory stimulation of iridoids,” Miyazaki wrote.

Cats perceive iridoids through their olfactory system. Giving it to them orally had no effect. Kittens don’t respond to it, but develop the behavioral response with maturity.

But as you may have discovered with your own pet, not every cat responds to the heady effects of these herbs. Some 30% to 50% of cats lack the gene that lets them turn on and tune out. Discovering the gene responsible for the feline reaction to catnip and silver vine is the next goal for Miyazaki and his team.

“Our future studies promise to answer the key remaining questions of why this response is limited to felidae (cat) species, and why some cats don’t respond to these plants,” he says.

Q&A

Pets don’t have

to live in fear

Q: My dog hates getting his nails trimmed. He quivers and quakes whenever I bring out the nail trimmers, and I’ve never even quicked him. Do you have any advice to help with his fear?

A: Pets can be fearful of many things -- loud noises, car rides and, yes, nail trims. People are often unsure how to deal with these fears, and sometimes they default to punishment simply because they’re frustrated. That makes matters worse, but here are some tips to help turn fear around.

When a dog or cat isn’t comfortable being handled -- whether it’s to have nails trimmed, teeth looked at or an exam at the veterinary clinic -- they can respond with the body language you describe, plus panting, lip licking, drooling, and even with a growl or bite. Nobody wants that, including the dog.

That’s when you need to seek out a savvy behavior professional who can help you develop and implement a program of what’s called counterconditioning -- pairing the scary event in small bites (so to speak) with something the animal likes, such as a tasty treat, praise or a favorite toy. The idea isn’t to reward the fear, but rather to change the way the dog or cat experiences the frightening situation.

It’s a slow but steady introduction to the nail clippers and having the nails trimmed. You might do only one a day, followed by some warm deli turkey or whatever your pet’s favorite treat or toy is. Always keep things below the level at which your pet starts showing signs of anxiety.

In a video on the Fear Free website (bit.ly/3NTSH9J), you can see some ways to help improve your pet’s response to nail trims. If you start before it becomes a crisis, you will likely progress more quickly. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Summer safety tips

for dogs and cats

-- With warmer weather here, snakes are coming out of brumation -- a period of partial dormancy -- and seeking warmth and prey. It’s all too easy for an unsuspecting or curious dog to get a bite from a startled snake, so pay attention to your surroundings and your dog’s activity when you’re hiking in areas where snakes are found. Depending on where you live, that can be forests, deserts, swamps or grasslands -- or even your backyard. Snakes can be in burrows, under rocks or in water. You might not see your dog get bitten, so be aware of signs such as swelling, pain, difficulty breathing and unexplained salivation, says Steven Marks, DVM, associate dean and director of North Carolina State University’s Veterinary Medical Services. If you see or suspect a snake bite, keep your dog calm and get him to the veterinarian right away. Don’t apply ice or a bandage or tourniquet, and don’t try to suck out venom, Dr. Marks says.

-- In hot weather, be sure your dog or cat always has fresh water and a cool place to rest, especially if you don’t have air conditioning or you have a pet with a flat face, such as a bulldog, pug or Persian cat. Extreme temperatures can cause pets to suffer heatstroke and dehydration. Signs include panting, difficulty breathing, dark red gums, lethargy and high body temperature (104 degrees Fahrenheit or more). Pets with these signs should see the vet immediately. To help pets chill, offer a frozen towel or bag of frozen veggies they can snuggle with.

-- Light-colored or white pets need protection from the sun. Look for pet-safe sunscreen and apply it to the face, ears and nose, or even the whole body in the case of shorthaired or smooth-coated dogs. Keep hairless pets indoors when it’s sunny out. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Bright lights and big noises can leave pets cowering. Here's how to help

By Mikkel Becker

Andrews McMeel Syndication

It's two weeks before Independence Day, and fireworks are already popping. That's bad news for dogs and cats -- not to mention for the many people who find the explosions and sparkling lights fear-inducing rather than fun. Take steps now to positively condition your pet to the holiday sounds and help them remain calm. Here's what you can do.

-- Provide positive exposure to sounds. Just exposing your pet to scary sounds such as fireworks can easily backfire. Instead, provide gradual exposure to recordings of fireworks, paired with rewards such as special treats (break out the deli turkey or roast chicken), a favorite game, or a meal.

-- Go low and slow. Play the recording at very low volume, perhaps even in another room so that it's barely audible. (Don't forget that your dog or cat's hearing is much more sensitive than your own.) Offer rewards during this time. Gradually increase the sound intensity. You want your pet to stay relaxed and happy. If your pet seems fearful, go back to a volume at which they were comfortable or increase their distance from the noise. Depending on your pet's level of sensitivity, this process can take days, weeks or months, so be patient.

-- Offer a "spaw" room. Depending on the animal, you may not be able to condition your pet to the sound of fireworks in time for this year's displays. But you can still provide them with a cozy retreat where they can relax away from the sound and sight of fireworks. This can be a small area such as a closet or bathroom without windows, or another room set up with everything they like and need: food, water, a bed, a couple of favorite puzzle toys or chews, and an open crate or "pup" tent for pets who like snug spots. For cats, include a scratching post and litter box. Limit the outside view by closing curtains or blinds. Turn on lights in the room to decrease the contrast of light flashes from fireworks or lightning. Leave doors open so pets can enter and exit freely; you don't want them to feel trapped. Hang out with pets in this room on a regular basis (not just during fireworks or thunderstorms) and hide food rewards for them to find so they develop pleasant associations with being there.

-- Enhance the environment. Buffer outdoor noise with calming music (you can find music composed especially for pets, such as at iCalmPet.com), a white-noise machine or a soothing television show such as "Sesame Street," "The Muppet Show," the Food Channel, HGTV, the Hallmark Channel, "The Mandalorian" or "Mr. Bean." (The last two recommendations are based on research by design company Wren Kitchens.) Synthetic pheromones are also available for dogs and cats. You can spray a pet's bedding or crate with them (while the bed or crate is empty) or purchase a diffuser that emits the calming chemical messages. Lacking pheromone products, you can try soothing scents such as lavender or chamomile. Learn more here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/new-study-finds-four-scents-that-can-relax-dogs.

-- Give a hug. Not with your arms -- pets don't especially like that -- but with a close-fitting compression garment or T-shirt. For some pets, these garments can provide a feeling of comfort. It's worth a try. It's also OK to pet or speak soothingly to animals when they're frightened; it's a myth that doing so will reinforce your pet's fear.

-- Supplements and medications. For pets with profound fireworks fears, talk to your veterinarian about nutraceuticals (foods or supplements with health benefits) or medications that can help. Try them beforehand to see how your pet reacts to their effects.

These techniques can also help pets with fears of thunderstorms, gunshots or other loud or unpredictable sounds. For severe cases, you can find help from a trainer or veterinary behaviorist through the directory at fearfreehappyhomes.com.

Q&A

Give your cat

some greens

Q: My cat loves to nibble on plants. What are some safe ways to allow her to indulge her love of greenery?

A: That's a great question. Cats, despite being obligate carnivores who require meat in their diets, are also fans of a nice salad once in a while. They enjoy plants for nibbling, sniffing and play, and you have several options to keep them happy.

For chewing, offer a pot of tender grass seedlings: rye, alfalfa and wheat. Place it in a sunny spot so your cat can take a nap after her nibble.

Cats may also enjoy sniffing and chewing herbs such as parsley and thyme, which are easily grown indoors. Grow different varieties and see which ones your cat likes best. Cat thyme (not a true thyme) and lemongrass are also feline favorites.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a natural, of course. Let it reach full growth out of reach of your cat, then snip off pieces to give for her enjoyment. You can also stuff the leaves into toys or rub them on a cat tree or scratching post -- a practice that has been found to increase scratching time. There's no such thing as an overdose of catnip, so let your cat bliss out as much as she wants.

Cats also enjoy valerian (Valeriana officinalis), silver vine (Actinidia polygama) and tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica is the only variety that seems to have an effect on cats). If you have a catio, consider planting one or more of these plants around or in it to give your cat an olfactory thrill.

Give your cat the greens she wants, and make the rest less attractive to her by hanging them up high or otherwise out of reach. Now you can both enjoy greenery. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Keep pets safe

on moving day

-- Are you moving this summer? Don't forget to think about your pets' needs on moving day. At your new home, choose one room that you can set up for your pets and stock it with their bedding, toys, litter box and scratching post for cats, and food and water. The familiar items and smells will help them relax. A diffuser with calming pheromones is a good idea, too. Let them settle in there with the door closed while you're unpacking boxes and getting furniture moved in. That way, you don't have to worry about Baxter or Basil sneaking out a door when no one's looking and getting lost.

-- You love your dog, but you also love your lawn and garden. Take both into account when planning landscaping. Think about how your dog traverses your yard: If he loves to run the fence line, leaving a well-worn trail, don't fight the behavior. Place plants out away from the fence and let him patrol behind them. Hate yellow spots where your dog urinates? Dilute the urine by flushing the area right away with fresh water. (For folks in drought-stricken areas, this is a great way to use water you've collected in a bucket after a shower. Use it to fill a watering can daily and rinse pee spots without guilt.) Finally, for borders, use plants capable of standing up to being trod on and that will release a pleasant smell when your dog runs roughshod over them. Think mint or thyme. Your local garden center can suggest others.

-- To pick up a cat, place one hand behind the front legs and one beneath the hindquarters and lift gently. Mother cats may carry kittens by the scruff of the neck, but humans who do that run the risk of injuring the cat. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts headed by “The Dr. Oz Show” veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, founder of the Fear Free organization and author of many best-selling pet care books, and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. Joining them is behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

It’s easier than ever to take pets with you on vacation. Here’s how to find the best places to go

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

We sat at a shaded table, my husband with a flight of reds, me with a glass of sparkling rose. Harper napped on the grass beside us. Our view encompassed the on-site vineyards of Topa Mountain Winery and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance. A soft breeze blew. Bliss.

We were enjoying our first visit to rustic Ojai, California, long on my bucket list not only for its beautiful natural setting, but also for its dog-friendly attitude. With rare exceptions, the town’s shops, galleries, restaurants, wineries, hotels, hiking trails and parks cater to visitors with four-footed friends.

At 14.5 years old, Harper isn’t up for much hiking anymore, but she enjoyed strolling around town -- sometimes on foot, sometimes riding regally in her stroller -- and entering whatever shop caught her fancy, which was most of them. At her age, after all, she knows that shop owners dole out treats much more liberally than the people she lives with.

It’s nearly summer, and for many of us, thoughts are turning to vacation days. Whether your plans include a road trip to national parks, a beach or mountain stay, or a city visit, it’s easier than ever to find pet-friendly options so Rover can come over, too. Here are some tips on how to find a vacation rental or hotel that welcomes pets, as well as some suggestions for vacation spots around the country.

The websites BringFido.com, GoPetFriendly.com and PetsWelcome.com remain excellent sources for finding hotels, restaurants and other places where dogs are just as important guests as people. And Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, Tripadvisor, Travelocity and even cities themselves offer listings in all price ranges to entice people traveling with pets.

Saugatuck, Michigan, is one such city (saugatuck.com/plan/getaway-ideas/pet-friendly). Billing itself as the Art Coast for its attraction to artists and writers since the early 20th century, it’s also known for Lake Michigan beaches; biking, hiking and running trails; dune rides; boat rentals; and wineries and breweries -- all of which have dog-friendly options. Michigan resident Leslie Bishop says Saugatuck is a great dog-friendly town with lots to do. “We stayed in a B&B that allowed dogs. It was a great little vacation.”

A quick Google search turns up Vrbo’s top 50 dog-friendly rentals in Provincetown, Massachusetts, a popular New England summer getaway on Cape Cod. Even off-season, it’s a lovely place for dogs and people to kick back. Adam Conn took his Bernese mountain dog Pomegranate there, and she enjoyed long walks on the beach, sniffing the seaweed and getting admired by the locals.

When they lived in Washington, D.C., Susan and Ken Rosenau enjoyed vacationing with their dogs Logan and Bacon at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, staying at the dog-welcoming Canalside Inn. On the other coast, Arizona resident Maryna Ozuna loves to get away with her German shepherds and shiba inus to San Diego, where they stay at the Ocean Villa Inn.

“It’s right on Dog Beach in Ocean Beach,” she says, describing it as “a funky ‘50s motel with immediate access to Dog Beach and miles of the San Diego River. There are great restaurants within walking distance, and the dogs can swim and swim and swim.”

Ojai is old-fashioned -- in a good way -- and doesn’t permit chain hotels or short-term rentals. Most of its hotels and motels are dog-friendly, but prices were high just before the holiday weekend, so we stayed at a Marriott in Ventura, about 20 minutes down the road, where staff cooed over Harper.

As always, Google is your friend. Search dog-friendly or pet-friendly hotels (or restaurants or parks), plus the name of the place you want to visit. Check the reviews on several sites to make sure it’s suited to you and your pet, and check the hotel’s website to confirm that it is still dog-friendly and that you can afford any pet fees that may be charged on top of the room rate.

Have a great summer!

Q&A

Pros and cons

of cats, kittens

Q: Should I get a cat or a kitten?

A: That’s a great question to ask during Adopt-a-Cat Month (American Humane) and Adopt-a-Shelter Cat Month (ASPCA).

Adult cats are often overlooked at the shelter, especially during “kitten season,” which is now. Kittens have “cute” and “fun” and “fuzzy” going for them, but we’d like to share some reasons to consider a cat.

With an adult cat, you know exactly what you’re getting: size, activity level, sociability and health. In a loving environment, they’ll bond just as tightly with you as a kitten will.

Adult cats know the drill. They have litter box habits down, they may be trained to use a scratching post, and they’re not as wild and crazy as kittens, being less likely to tear through the house and knock things over.

Some adult cats may come from a background that makes them suited to your household. They may have come from a family with kids or dogs, for instance. If possible, ask the shelter what information was provided by the original owners.

Kittens have a ton of energy. That makes them entertaining, but it also makes them something of a trial to live with until they become mature and mellow. They need extra time and extra training, and you’ll need extra patience to make it through their antics (Exhibit A: the roll of toilet paper that my recent foster kittens unwound during the night).

To get to know an adult cat at the shelter, ask if there’s a visiting room where you can spend some time together. After a few minutes, a calm, confident, outgoing cat should respond readily to your attention, becoming relaxed and welcoming petting.

Kittens are adorable, but we see lots of sweet, pretty and well-mannered adult cats at shelters. You just can’t go wrong with one of them. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Rabies campaign

success reported

-- A seven-year vaccination campaign in the Indian state of Goa resulted in 95,000 dogs being inoculated against rabies, according to a study published in Nature Communications. Goa is on track to eliminate the disease, thanks to a coordinated approach by Mission Rabies, the government of Goa, the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Dogs Trust Worldwide, Roslin Institute and other partners. The effort involved the use of smartphones to capture data on stray dogs, enabling pop-up clinics in areas where they were most needed, which in turn helped prevent the spread of rabies to humans from dog bites. The One Health approach -- taking into account human, animal and environmental health -- consisted of three core activities: dog vaccination, rabies education and intensified human and animal rabies surveillance. Goa was declared a rabies-controlled state last year, the first in India, following three years without any human deaths from the fatal virus.

-- Although birds may become infected with human influenza-type viruses, those bugs rarely make a bird ill. Human colds and flus come and go, so it’s easy to imagine people thinking what looks the same in people and bird is, in fact, the same illness, but it’s usually not. If your bird is sick with what appears to be cold- or flulike symptoms, chances are high that something else is going on, and you need to call your veterinarian.

-- Dogs have explored with humans from time immemorial, including to Antarctica. Admiral Richard Byrd was accompanied by more than sled dogs. Byrd’s dog Igloo, a smooth fox terrier, went along as well. He was equipped with fur-lined boots and a camel hair coat to help him stay warm. And like any self-respecting terrier, he reveled in setting off the sled dogs with his presence. On his gravestone are the words, “He was more than a friend.” -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.