Catnip comes from a plant genus called (Nepeta) that has over 250 species of flowering plants. Catnip is known amoung cat lovers because of its powerful effect on cats. Catnip stimulates cats' pheromonic receptors, typically resulting in the animal temporarily exhibiting behaviors of rolling on the floor, rubbing the catnip, kicking it and demonstrating a excited sort of state.

The scent of the plant has a stimulating effect on cats, however this reaction only lasts for a couple of minutes before the cat loses interest. It has been reported that it can take up to 2 hours for the cat to come back and play with the catnip again. Kittens and senior cats are less likely to react to catnip.

About two thirds of cats are susceptible to the behavioral effects of catnip. Catnip response is gentic and may also be influenced by learning and or experience.

--What is in Catnip?--

Nepetalactone, gives a mildly hallucinogenic effect. This chemical is similar to the composition of urine in female cats, which expains why unneutered males have stronger reactions to catnip.