There's a scientific reason for the feline reaction: Catnip contains the oil nepetalactone, which binds to the cat's olfactory receptors in the nose and throat and causes a euphoric reaction for cats.

Catnip is an herb that has the ability to excite cats or calm them down. When cats smell catnip, they may jump around excitedly and rub their bodies on the herb. When cats eat catnip, they may ...

Also, young kittens under about 3 months old don't react to catnip. But all cat species can be affected by it, even big cats, who react to it similarly to house cats. The London Zoo has sprinkled ...