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Catnip and the catnip response

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Abstract

Fourteen chemical compounds from diverse biological sources elicit a unique pattern of behavior in most species of the family Felidae. These chemicals may be grouped into 7-methylcyclopentapyranones, 7-methyl-2-pyrindines, and 4-methylbenzofuranones. They may function as either hallucinogens or cross-react with naturally occurring social odors.

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  1. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Delaware State College, 19901-2275, Dover, DE

    Arthur O. Tucker

  2. Parallel Program, University of Delaware, Delaware Technical and Community College, 19901, Dover, DE

    Sharon S. Tucker

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Tucker, A.O., Tucker, S.S. Catnip and the catnip response. Econ Bot 42, 214–231 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02858923

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