Research overview: iridoid responses in big cats and wild felids

The response to catnip and related iridoids is not unique to domestic cats; various wild felids also react. This overview surveys reports that some big cats, such as lions and others, show interest in catnip or silver vine, though responsiveness varies among species and individuals. The shared reaction across felids suggests the underlying sensitivity to plant iridoids has deep roots in the cat family. The survey relates this to the heritable nature of the response and to its proposed adaptive function as chemical defense against insects. It discusses the variability seen across species and the challenges of testing large wild cats. Considering the response in big cats broadens the picture beyond house cats, indicating that the iridoid sensitivity may be a widespread felid trait. This comparative view supports the idea that the behavior is an evolved feature of the cat lineage rather than a peculiarity of domestication.