Valoración de la conducta en gatos domésticos (Felis silvestris catus) frente a la presencia de Nepeta cataria

Abstract

This research evaluated the effects of Nepeta cataria (catnip) on the behavior of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus), given its increasing use as a tool for environmental enrichment. The main objective was to determine the type and duration of behaviors associated with exposure to different forms of the plant. A sample of 30 cats was individually exposed to Nepeta cataria in both dry and spray formats, using surveillance cameras connected to a home internet network. An ethogram was applied to assess a range of active and passive behaviors, within a 60-minute observation window. The plant was offered in both formats on a frieze-type carpet, placed inside a room in the cat’s home environment. The results showed that 100% of the cats reacted to at least one of the forms, with the dry format generating the highest level of interaction. The behaviors that showed the greatest differences between the dry and spray forms were “eating”, observed in approximately 54% of the cats, and “scratching”, recorded in 60% of the cases. Both were classified as active behaviors, characterized by direct interaction with the stimulus. It is concluded that Nepeta cataria is an effective stimulus for activating playful behavior, demonstrating a positive effect as an environmental enrichment element in domestic cats by promoting exploratory conduct and contributing to feline welfare.