Catnip is an herb indigenous to Europe and Asia. As a member of the mint family, and a prolific spreader, the herb has escaped cultivation and easily naturalized itself in most of the world. It is also grown in many kitchen gardens as an ornamental, a culinary herb as an attractant for butterflies.

A terpene compound in the plant called nepetalactone is also highly attractive to most house cats. Molecules of this chemical bind the receptors in the lining of the vomeronasal organ when the cat sniffs the plant, triggering the typical “crazy cat” behavior most feline enthusiasts are familiar with.

Nepetalactone is also responsible for the antipyretic and mild sedative actions of catnip, as well as serving as an effective repellent to mosquitoes, termites and cockroaches.