Catnip is a plant—known scientifically as Nepeta cataria—that is a member of the mint family. The active ingredient is called nepetalactone, which many domestic cats respond to in a variety of ...

Cats go mad for catnip because chemicals released from the plant protect them against mosquitoes, according to new research. The common herb, also known by its taxonomic name Nepeta cataria, is a ...

Though we may call catnip "kitty crack," the herb is non-addictive and isn't even a drug (so it's perfectly safe to give to your kitty, big or small). But how does it work? And why doesn't it have any ...

There are only two times a day when my cat transforms from a lazy, judgmental loaf of bread to a Hot Wheels racer burning track marks into our living room carpet: during her habitual 2 a.m. zoomies ...

Catnip turns fearsome felines into drooling balls of fluff. But how? This week, Science with Sam explains why cats love catnip If your cat turns from an elegant hunter into a drooling ball of fluff at ...

If you've ever questioned, “What is silver vine?”, then you're not alone. Although most people have heard of catnip, it actually only affects two in three cats. This means some kitties don’t seem to ...

Morieka Johnson is a former writer who covered pet products, health, and training. She created Soulpup, a website about responsible pet ownership. Catnip is an herb that has an animated effect on most ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images/Svetlana Popova If you've ever questioned, “What is silver vine?”, then ...