Catnip (scientific name Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family that’s famous for its strong effect on many cats

🐱🌿 What it does

About 50–70% of cats react to it

It can cause:
Rolling, rubbing, flipping

Zoomies / playful behavior

Drooling or relaxed “chill” mode

🧪 Why it works

Contains a compound called nepetalactone

This binds to receptors in a cat’s nose and affects their brain, kind of like a temporary “high”

⏱️ How long it lasts

Effects usually last 5–15 minutes

After that, cats become temporarily immune for a while

✅ Is it safe?

Yes, non-addictive and harmless

Too much might cause mild stomach upset, but that’s rare

🌱 Bonus

Humans can use catnip too! It’s sometimes made into tea for relaxation and mild sleep support