Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Dried aerial parts of Nepeta cataria, the herb famous for its irresistible attraction to most domestic cats. What's less widely known is catnip's long tradition of use in Western herbalism for humans: a gentle calming nervine, traditional tea, and digestive support herb. The catnip-cat interaction is one of the most documented plant-animal chemical relationships.

Key Facts

Botanical name

Nepeta cataria

Family

Lamiaceae (mint family)

Native region

Europe, Asia, North Africa; naturalized in North America

Cat-attractant compound

Nepetalactone (the compound that affects cats)

Human use compounds

Iridoids, flavonoids, volatile oils

Common uses

Cat toys and treats; human calming tea and digestive support

What is Catnip?

Catnip is a herbaceous perennial in the mint family, native to temperate Europe and Asia. The plant produces the compound nepetalactone, which most domestic cats (and many other felids) find intensely attractive, triggering a characteristic playful or euphoric response. For humans, catnip works as a gentle calming nervine and digestive carminative, with documented use in Western and Native American herbalism.

How to Use Catnip

For tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons per cup in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then strain. Catnip is also widely used in pet preparations: stuff cat toys with dried catnip, sprinkle on the floor or scratching posts, or brew into "cat tea" for spraying on toys.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are cats attracted to catnip?
The compound nepetalactone in catnip triggers a response in most domestic cats via olfactory receptors. The genetics-based response affects 70-80% of cats.

Is catnip safe for cats?
Yes; catnip is non-toxic and non-addictive for cats. Most cats lose interest after 10-15 minutes and the effect doesn't reliably return for 1-2 hours.

What does catnip do for humans?
Acts as a gentle calming nervine and digestive carminative. The compounds that affect cats do not affect humans the same way.

How do you make catnip tea?
Steep 1-2 teaspoons per 8 oz cup in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

Will my human catnip tea attract my cat?
Yes; cats may be very interested in your brewing process. Consider that part of the fun.

Can I grow catnip at home?
Yes; catnip is easy to grow from seed and self-seeds vigorously.

This product has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.