Catnip was originally native to Europe and Asia. Over 2000 years ago Romans used it for cooking and healing. During the Middle Ages, catnip was used for the treatment of nervousness, colds, and gastrointestinal complaints. It was introduced to the New World by early settlers who cultivated the herb for medicinal purposes and food. As America expanded, so did the popularity of catnip.
Just how did cats become acquainted with it? Some theorize that the Egyptians, known for their worship of cats, were probably the first to offer catnip to their furry idols. Those who support this theory suggest that since Egyptians introduced domestic cats to the Middle East, they may have also introduced the pleasing effects of catnip on most cats.
The names “catnip” and “catmint” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, they are two different varieties of nepeta, a perennial groundcover and a member of the mint family. The botanical name for what we call “catnip” is Nepeta cataria, a hardy perennial groundcover that grows 2- to 3-feet high. Nepeta faassenii, better known as catmint, forms soft mounds about 2-feet high. Both varieties grow throughout North America.
Catnip causes many cats to experience a trance-like state of extreme pleasure and playfulness. The intensity of responses varies from cat to cat. Its effect is short-lived, usually 5 to 20 minutes. After enjoying this brief “catnip high,” a cat is unable to respond to catnip again for about an hour.
Studies show that cats react to catnip by inhaling it, rather than by ingesting it. When a cat nibbles a catnip plant, chances are it may be doing so only to release the plant's odor.
The cat’s responsiveness to catnip is inherited and is sometimes described as the presence or absence of a “catnip gene.” About 30 percent of cats do not have this gene. Kittens with this gene do not respond to catnip until about six to eight months of age. Illness or stress may prevent a response.
For the catnip-loving cat, sniffing this herb is harmless and non-addictive.