Some cat products contain mixtures of two or more substances to increase the likelihood that your cat will react. Why do cats react to silvervine and catnip?

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.

Cats react to catnip because of the presence of nepetalactone, a volatile oil present in the plant, which, when inhaled, essentially serves as an artificial pheromone for felines.

Catnip’s effect is caused by nepetalactone, which stimulates brain receptors and releases endorphins. Cats react by rolling on the catnip, and some become hyperactive or aggressive.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll say it’s a feeling of extreme wellbeing and happiness – a ‘euphoric’ reaction. In this case, I think we can safely say catnip gets cats high.

Cats’ reaction to catnip and silvervine is so ubiquitous that lead author Masao Miyazaki, an animal behavior researcher at Iwate University, had to know what was going on.

Domestic cats, as well as other felines like leopards, cougars and lynx, will react to catnip. It’s the organic compound nepetalactone that causes bizarre behavior in cats.

Catnip can drive kitties of all sizes a little crazy, and its effects have led feline lovers to wonder what makes this little green plant so attractive to them.

Most cat owners know catnip as a treat for their feline friends to roll in and chew, but a new study finds that the common herb has qualities that repel mosquitoes.

Master Gardener Laura Simpson explains why these plants, members of the mint family, are so irresistible to pets and why one of them is an attractive lawn cover.