| The domestic cat response to catnip is unique in nature as it represents a repeatable, recognizable behavioral response to an olfactory stimulus that appears to have little evolutionary significance. There is clear variation in response between cats and this has been attributed to genetic factors in the past. These factors are explored in this study using behavioral observation after presenting of catnip to cats in two different research colonies with different environmental and genetic backgrounds. The response trait is defined and Gibbs sampling methods are used to explore a mixed model for the trait to determine genetic effects. Heritabilities obtained in the two colonies for the most significant response behaviors, the head over roll and cheek rub, were 0.511 and 0.794 using catnip spray and dried catnip respectively. No clear Mendelian mode of inheritance was ascertained in either colony. The variation in response behaviors and intensity seen in the two colonies reflects the complex nature of expression of the catnip response, but there is a clear genetic influence on the feline predisposition to responding. |
