Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the mint family, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America. The common name catmint can also refer to the genus as a whole.

Jan 30, 2025 · Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a common herb that is a member of the mint family. It’s a plant that’s easy to grow in North America and has light-green foliage with lavender flowers. Catnip leaves have also been used to make tea, and the flowers are said to relieve coughs. It’s also a main ingredient in some natural bug sprays.

Jan 19, 2024 · Catnip—also known by its scientific name Nepeta cataria—is a member of the mint family. "The active compound in catnip, nepetalactone, triggers a response in some cats, inducing behaviors like rolling, rubbing, purring, and heightened playfulness," says Colleen Lambo, DVM, veterinarian with The Vets.

May 21, 2021 · Nepeta cataria, or more commonly known as catnip is a plant native to parts of Europe and Asia that is well known for its cat-attracting (and craze-inducing) properties among domestic cats and...

Jul 5, 2022 · Catnip contains nepetalactone, an essential oil found in the catnip plant. Here's how it affects your cat and why it makes them feel so good.

Dec 21, 2024 · catnip, (Nepeta cataria), herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), noted for its aromatic leaves, which are particularly exciting to cats. Catnip is commonly grown by cat owners for their pets, and the dried leaves are often used as a stuffing for cat playthings.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant famous for the excitement it creates in cats. The flowering tops are used to make medicine. Catnip contains chemicals that might have a calming effect.

Feb 14, 2023 · Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb in the mint family. Catnip produces a chemical compound called nepetalactone. This compound, which just so happens to attract felines, is found in the microscopic bulbs that coat the plant's leaves and stems.

Feb 28, 2024 · In this article, we’ll dig deeper into the ways of catnip, discovering what it is, how it affects cats, and how your cat can enjoy catnip.

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) is a perennial herb from the mint family which contains nepetalactone, a volatile iridoid that induces a high in some cats. Approximately 64% of cats are affected by catnip; kittens under eight weeks aren’t able to enjoy catnip.