Efectos del uso de nepeta cataria “Catnip” y el uso de valeriana officinalis “Valeriana” en el comportamiento lúdico de gatos domésticos en una fundación en la ciudad de Guayaquil.

Abstract

The respective study investigated the effects of Valeriana officinalis “Valeriana” and Nepeta cataria “Catnip” on the playful behavior of domestic cats in the Happy Puppy Tail Foundation located in the city of Guayaquil. Fifteen cats were selected, which were divided by age (2-4 years old) and sex, for the evaluation of the responses to the stimulant plants using an ethogram in four stages: Registration & ambiance, exposure to Catnip, exposure to Valerian and, finally, statistical analysis. The results showed that Catnip generates more intense responses in playful behavior, especially in young males. Valerian, although less predictable compared to Catnip, showed a more sustainable impact, being more effective in older cats. Both stimulant plants promote various behaviors such as sniffing, stalking, vocalizing, and touching, but considering that there are variations in their intensity and duration concerning age and sex. This experiment highlighted the potential of the respective plants for both animal welfare and environmental enrichment.