WHAT IS MATATABI? WHAT ARE MATATABI CHEW STICKS? Matatabi is the Japanese name for silver vine. Silver vine originally comes from Asia and grows there in the mountain forests of China, Japan and Korea. It has been one of the most popular cat toys for centuries and, unlike catnip and valerian, contains a mixture of different scents, all of which have an attractive and positive effect on our domestic cats. Scientific studies of cat stimulants showed that 1 in 3 cats do not react to catnip however 8 in 10 cats DO react to silvervine. Moreover, 75% of cats who did NOT respond to catnip had a positive reaction to silvervine! So regardless of whether or not your cat enjoys catnip, silvervine is the perfect alternative to catnip to try. Even if your cat does love catnip, they likely will have a different reaction to silvervine as well! Matatabi Chew Sticks are one of the most unique all natural cat toys you can get for your own cat or as a gift for another kitty. They are a wonderful alternative to catnip that combines both play and dental health. Matatabi Sticks are cut from all natural sections of vine of the silvervine plant and contain natural oils that cats are attracted to just like catnip. You gently rub off some bark of the stick to release the scents then give to your cat to enjoy. Many cats will gnaw and chew on the Matatabi stick either by themselves or with you holding it. It acts just like a natural toothbrush and is a safe alternative for your cat to chew on instead of wires, plastic, or anything else they find laying around. HOW DOES MATATABI AFFECT CATS? HOW DOES MATATABI AFFECT CATS? Before & After Young cats love them and it saves them chewing other items. I can throw these or tie them on a elastic string. They carry them around to chew or play with them wherever they like. I think it stops them chewing other things and they seem to like them. Catnip sticks to keep cats teeth clean My kittens and grown cats love to chew on these. My cat loved it! Great cat toy! Package just arrived. Next day delivery. My cat approved it. He is in such a good mood right now Im kinda jealous