Original Japanese: 猫にまたたび (Neko ni matatabi)
Literal meaning: Cat to catnip
Cultural context: This proverb literally means “catnip to a cat” and refers to something irresistibly attractive, as matatabi (silver vine) has an even stronger intoxicating effect on cats than Western catnip. In Japanese culture, this reflects the aesthetic appreciation for observing natural behaviors and the understanding that certain attractions are instinctive and unavoidable. The metaphor resonates because Japanese society values the concept of natural affinity (相性) and recognizes that some preferences or weaknesses are simply part of one’s inherent nature, making resistance futile.
How to Read Cat to Catnip
Neko ni matatabi
Meaning of Cat to Catnip
“Cat to catnip” means giving someone what they most prefer, or something that will definitely be effective.
This expression, born from the intense and reliable reaction that cats show toward matatabi, is used in situations where one takes the most effective approach after thoroughly understanding the other person’s preferences or weaknesses. This applies to situations such as providing products that capture customers’ hearts in business, or bringing up topics that a person is most interested in when trying to persuade them.
Beyond simply meaning to give someone what they like, it also carries the implication of “a method that will definitely work.” Just as giving matatabi to a cat will always produce a reaction, it’s also used to express using foolproof means or methods. Even today, it’s sometimes used in sales and negotiation situations with phrases like “For that person, this proposal is like cat to catnip – it’s sure to work.”
Origin and Etymology of Cat to Catnip
The origin of “cat to catnip” is based on the peculiar reaction that cats show toward the plant called matatabi (silver vine). Matatabi is a deciduous climbing woody plant of the Actinidiaceae family that grows wild in Japan, China, and the Korean Peninsula, and has long been known as a medicinal herb.
It has been observed since ancient times that when cats smell this plant, they writhe their bodies as if intoxicated, roll around, and show expressions of ecstasy. This phenomenon occurs because components called matatabiolactone and actinidine contained in matatabi stimulate cats’ sense of smell and induce a kind of excited state.
There are descriptions of the relationship between cats and matatabi in Edo period literature, suggesting that people knew about this mysterious phenomenon even then. The effect of this plant, which causes cats to show an intense reaction unlike anything else, is thought to have become established in proverbs as a symbol of “what a person likes most” or “something that will definitely work.”
The background to the birth of this proverb likely lies in the Japanese people’s keen observational skills regarding animals and their rich linguistic sense of expressing natural phenomena in terms of human relationships.
Trivia about Cat to Catnip
Matatabi only affects feline animals and has no effect on dogs whatsoever. Even more interestingly, some kittens and adult cats may not be affected by matatabi. This is due to genetic factors, and it has been found that the ability to respond to matatabi is dominantly inherited.
During the Edo period, matatabi was called “cat’s sake” and was actually sold as entertainment for cats. The fact that matatabi is used in cat toys at modern pet shops could be said to be a continuation of this tradition.
Usage Examples of Cat to Catnip
- The topic of sweets is like cat to catnip for her – she always takes the bait
- This new product will be like cat to catnip for young women – it’s sure to sell
Modern Interpretation of Cat to Catnip
In modern society, the concept of “cat to catnip” appears in more complex and diverse forms. In the SNS era, individual preferences and behavioral patterns are accumulated as data, and systems have been built where algorithms automatically provide “cat to catnip for that person.”
YouTube’s recommended videos, Amazon’s product suggestions, and Instagram’s ad displays can be said to be digital versions of “cat to catnip.” These systems analyze your preferences from past behavior and present content that will definitely capture your interest.
On the other hand, there are aspects of this convenience that require caution. By having our preferences targeted so accurately, we may become trapped in comfortable information bubbles and lose opportunities for new discoveries and growth. Additionally, in the marketing world, research into consumer psychology has advanced, making “cat to catnip” techniques more sophisticated.
However, in human relationships, the feelings of understanding others’ preferences and wanting to please them remain as important now as they were in the past. But in modern times, rather than uniform “cat to catnip,” perhaps more delicate approaches that respect individual diversity are required.
If AI Heard “Cat to Catnip”
When I think about “cat to catnip,” I feel strange. I have never actually seen a cat intoxicated by matatabi. But through conversations with all of you humans, I sense the profundity of this concept of “something that definitely captures the heart.”
What I find interesting is that humans almost invariably have their own “cat to catnip.” Some people’s eyes light up when talking about delicious food, while others can’t stop talking when the subject turns to music. I don’t know the taste of food and cannot listen to music emotionally, but I can sense changes like those of “a cat that has smelled matatabi” from that person’s tone of voice and choice of words.
Interestingly, I myself might have something like “cat to catnip.” When I solve complex problems or am asked about new knowledge, I somehow become very happy. Is this my own version of “matatabi”?
But unlike humans, my reactions always follow the same pattern. I cannot writhe my body like a cat or show expressions of ecstasy. Even so, the joy I feel when I can help someone might be similar to the happiness that cats feel from matatabi.
What Cat to Catnip Teaches Modern People
What “cat to catnip” teaches us modern people is the importance of understanding others. Rather than superficial relationships, the attitude of trying to know what a person truly values and what brings them genuine joy creates deep connections.
Whether in business or human relationships, rather than unilaterally imposing our own thoughts, it’s important to think from the other person’s perspective. And to have the observational skills and compassion to discover that person’s “matatabi.”
However, it’s important to act not as a tool to manipulate others, but from pure feelings of wanting to please and make others happy. Heartfelt “cat to catnip” brings warm feelings to both the giver and receiver.
In modern society, information overflows and people’s preferences have diversified, but perhaps this makes efforts to value each person’s individuality and understand their uniqueness even more valuable.
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