Catnip

Could anyone tell me what is in catnip? Does it come from a single plant, or is a mixture of things?

I don't have a lot of info on this, but I do know its from one plant because you can buy the actual plant for your kitty. I'm sure someone who knows more will be by soon...

catnip is a plant, it's edible for kitties and their people too. you can even make catnip tea.

here's some info from Yahoo

Dear Yahoo!:
What's in catnip that drives cats crazy?
Sarah
Pleasanton, California

Dear Sarah:
Catnip can turn a usually reserved and haughty feline into a playful, drooling kitten after just a few sniffs. It's primarily the scent of catnip (not the taste) that cats react to.
The pleasure factor in catnip is the chemical compound nepetalactone, which seems to have a mildly hallucinogenic effect on cats. Nepetalactone is similar to a chemical found in the urine of female cats, and this may be why unneutered males have stronger reactions to catnip than females and neutered males. Some speculate that nepetalactone stimulates the region of a cat's brain associated with sexual behavior.

It's not just domestic house cats that have an affinity for catnip -- even lions, pumas, and leopards are said to enjoy a roll in the 'nip. But not every cat will get a catnip buzz. Kittens don't react to catnip until they are six to eight months old. And roughly 20% to 50% of all cats have no reaction to the stuff. Catnip sensitivity is genetic and may also be influenced by learning and experience.

For those hep cats that do get a kick out of the stuff, the good news is that catnip is harmless and non-addictive. So thankfully no Narcotics Anonymous meetings for Fluffy.

Thankyou so much. My mom had told me its a mixture of several plants, but I wasn't sure. The reason I ask is because I want to grow it myself.

Its latin name is nepeta cataria and it's in the mint family. only two thirds of cats are reactive to it. They have catnip seeds in the gardening section ans i grew it in small flats until I realized my cat cant stand the stuff. So i gave it away to friends. My cat likes honeysuckle scent. the wood is poison to them so dont hand them the plant. I have a spray i put on non cat nip toys.

but they can eat and sniff and play in catnip, it's perfectly safe for those who love it.

You can actually get catnip seeds and grow your own natural catnip. Just keep it AWAY from cat populated areas. This time of year is perfect to grow some outside, you can also dry it and use it throuout the year

Catnip is in the mint plant family and its a single plant, tho it grows and spreads quickly. Many times you can find it growing wild.

As far as the catnip tea - I made some once (taking a wild plants course in college). IMO its not all that great - maybe it doesn't have the caffeine in it. I'm an avid tea drinker

Originally Posted by GoldenKitty45

Catnip is in the mint plant family and its a single plant, tho it grows and spreads quickly. Many times you can find it growing wild.

As far as the catnip tea - I made some once (taking a wild plants course in college). IMO its not all that great - maybe it doesn't have the caffeine in it. I'm an avid tea drinker

Click to expand...

Well, I didn't say the tea was good

I think Victorians used it as an herbal remedy for something, can't remember what.