Publication date: Wednesday, January 14, 2004
Q: What is Honeysuckle?
A: Although there are over 25 species of honeysuckle, vines, bushy shrubs and rangy trees growing throughout the world, only one seems to attract cats. This particular variety is native to Eurasia and was transplanted to North American in the late 1700s.
Q: What kind of reaction can I expect from my cat?
A: Cats attracted to honeysuckle will express their delight in typical feline fashion--sniffing, licking, rubbing and massaging themselves. Some simply like to hug it while napping.
Important Note: Wet honeysuckle has a stronger aroma and may attract a more finicky feline. Our
Honeysuckle Toys can be moistened with water to enhance the sweet, cat-attracting aroma of honeysuckle.
Q: What is the difference between honeysuckle and catnip?
A: Honeysuckle is a shrub, whereas catnip is an herb.
Q: Why is honeysuckle better?
A: The scent of honeysuckle can always be renewed and enhanced with water. Herbs quite often will lose their potency over time. "Studies have shown that a catnip reaction is an inherited tendency, with only about two-thirds of cats responding."* Although no research has been done on honeysuckle, our customer surveys indicate that over 85% of cats like to indulge in honeysuckle.
Q: What is it about honeysuckle that makes cats react?
A: "No studies have been done to determine exactly why cats react the way they do. Honeysuckle simply affects the cat's sense of smell. It gives them extreme pleasure through their olfactory nerves."*
Q: Is honeysuckle safe for my cat?
A: Mike Ellis with the Texas Poison Control for the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston says they've received no reports about adverse reactions. If you look at general information, the whole Lonicera genus was included in a list of plants that at one time was temporarily considered acceptable for food.*
*References from August 1994 issue of Cats Magazine, pages 32-34.
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