USA Today: What is catnip, and how does it work? Why cats go wild for the treat What is catnip, and how does it work? Why cats go wild for the treat What Is Catnip and What Does It Do to Cats?

Understanding the Context

- PetMD If you're a cat lover, you know that your furry friends can go absolutely wild for a sprinkling of catnip, the green herb that can be found in many cat toys or even grown in your own garden. Once a ... 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, northern parts of the Middle East, and Central Asia. What is catnip?

Key Insights

Dr. Heather Hoffmann discusses why cats like catnip, how catnip works, and how to give catnip to your cat. What is catnip? Veterinarians explain how it affects your cat and the science behind common behaviors like sniffing, eating, and rolling around in it. Catnip is a natural herb that acts like pheromones to stimulate various pleasure centers of your cat’s brain when inhaled.

Final Thoughts

Most cats respond well to it, showing vocalization, licking, playing, and hyperactive behaviors.