aggressive behavior of fellow cat after rolling in plant

Let me start off by saying I am new to this site, I have 3 cats, a 7 year old female siamese(Sassy), a 5 year old male house cat(Buddy), and a 1 year old female housecat(Milo). all of the cats are "fixed" and are generally indoor cats only. Milo and Buddy are the best of friends and often play wrestle. Sassy preffers to be left alone.

With the nice weather lately, we decided to let our cats out one at a time. Our Milo (our baby) first, then the Sassy, then Buddy... Buddy found a perrenial plant in our flower garden and decided to roll all over it. It is a ground plant with a strong odor (i have a pic). When Buddy came in Milo immediately began hissing and growling at him, and occasionally attacking him. These attacks were unprovoked and violent. Bathing all 3 cats had no effect. this lasted for about 3 days. they have never been like this before, and Sassy had no effect with either cat. Tonight, my 2 year old opened the patio door and all three cats wandered outside to sunbathe. Buddy went for the plant again, and milo watched, but was content basking in the sun. When we brought them in, the violent behavior of Milo was back again, and again Sassy had no effect with either cat.

Another factor is that the neighbors have a cat, that I believe is male that they allow to roam free. I do not know of his status as to being fixed.

What could this be, and does anyone recognize this plant... also, no sign of the cats eating it, but is it toxic?



Craig

Can't see the picture. Wondering if it is Valerian, which can provoke that kind of reaction in cats. Does it smell like dirty gym socks? That's the classic description of Valerian's smell.

here is a picture.. sorry its not great... my garden has not been worked yet and the cat was rolling on it so he mushed it down.

After reading through some descriptions of valerian, and locating some photos of it on the web, I am confident we have a positive ID.. Thanks so much for your help!

yep looks like valerian to me. Cats love this stuff! And some of them get aggressive on it just because of being possessive about it. I have a few that get that way on catnip, and valerian used to be called "poor man's catnip."

I would also like to add that the cats were back to normal after only about an hour this time. The first time it was 3 days. If Buddy likes it, we may let him do it occasionally as long as it doesn't interfere with Milo's behavior. Thanks everyone for your help.. we were really stumped about this one and now we know where to come when we have any other questions!

Craig

AWWW Sweet sweet kitties!

the bottom left is milo, the others are her brothers/sisters. We do not have the others anymore, they have been adopted. They were born on Mothers day last year. perfect timing.

Great detective work! I learn so much from this forum.

I know that Valerian can have that effect. Catnip makes my Little Miss Mischief VERY mellow. HOWEVER, it makes Spike VERY aggressive and just plain nutty!!! So, I am real careful about where/when I have catnip around!! Glad you found out what that plant was!