The Mysterious Case of Catnip Uncovering the Genetics Behind Feline HighsAs any cat...

The Mysterious Case of Catnip
Uncovering the Genetics Behind
Feline HighsAs any cat lover
knows catnip is a beloved
treat for many felines The
pungent aroma of nepeta
cataria has been known to send
cats into a frenzy of playful
bliss But did you know that
not every cat responds to
catnips charms In fact whether
or not a cat gets high from
catnip depends on their
genetic makeupIt all boils
down to a recessive gene that
affects an enzyme called
olfactory receptors in the
cats nasal passages These
enzymes are responsible for
detecting pheromones and other
scents including the unique
aroma of catnip When a cat
smells catnip the enzyme binds
to the nepetalactone molecules
sending a signal to the brain
that triggers the
characteristic high
behaviorBut not every cat has
this recessive gene In fact
its estimated that only about
5070 of domestic cats have the
necessary genetic makeup to
respond to catnip The others
just dont get it and they may
even find the smell of catnip
unpleasant or uninterestingSo
what do we know about this
mysterious gene Scientists
have discovered that the gene
responsible for catnip
sensitivity is located on
chromosome A1 of the domestic
cat genome Its a relatively
simple genetic trait but one
that has fascinated feline
enthusiasts and scientists
alike for decadesAs we
ruminate on the genetics
behind catnip its clear that
theres more to this phenomenon
than just a fun party trick
for cats The study of catnip
sensitivity can actually shed
light on our understanding of
animal behavior genetics and
even human psychologySo the
next time youre watching your
feline friend go wild over a
patch of catnip remember its
not just about the nip its
about the complex interplay
between genes enzymes and
brain chemistry that makes
this special connection
possible

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.