The herb known as catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a member of the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family. This perennial plant achieved global fame primarily due to its unique effects on domesticated cats and other felines. The history of Nepeta cataria is complex, extending far beyond its use as a modern pet accessory. Its journey reveals a transition from an ancient medicinal herb to the celebrated object of feline affection, shaped by centuries of human and animal observation.
Geographic Origins and Botanical Identity
Nepeta cataria is native to Southern and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Central Asia. The plant thrives in temperate climates, often found growing wild along roadsides, in dry riverbeds, and in disturbed areas.
Botanically, catnip is characterized by its square stems, a trait common to the mint family, and its aromatic, grayish-green, heart-shaped leaves. Carl Linnaeus formalized the plant’s classification in 1753, placing it within the genus Nepeta. The genus name itself is thought to derive from the ancient Etruscan city of Nepete in Italy, where the herb was likely cultivated early on.
Early Human Application: Uses Beyond Felines
The earliest documented human use of Nepeta cataria predates its modern reputation, focusing on its medicinal and culinary properties. Ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Etruscans, cultivated the herb for these applications, incorporating it into cooking and using it as a remedy for various ailments.
During the Middle Ages, catnip became a common fixture in European herbal traditions. Herbalists prized it for its soothing and sedative effects, often brewing the leaves into a tea to treat insomnia, coughs, and digestive issues. Its mild nervine properties were also employed to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, and the leaves were occasionally used as a culinary seasoning.
Pinpointing the Feline Reaction: The Discovery that Made it Famous
The recognition of catnip’s potent effect on cats was a separate and much later development in its history. The realization that cats were drawn to the plant likely began as an accidental observation in gardens or cultivated areas, long before the phenomenon was scientifically studied. Anecdotal evidence and folklore gradually built a widespread association between the herb and the unique behaviors it induced in felines.
The scientific understanding of this attraction arrived in the early 1940s, when researchers Samuel M. McElvain and his team identified the active chemical compound. They isolated nepetalactone, an organic molecule found in the plant’s essential oils. This volatile oil is the substance responsible for triggering the characteristic behaviors in felines, which can include sniffing, licking, chewing, rubbing, and rolling.
Nepetalactone is a terpene that binds to olfactory receptors in a cat’s nose, mimicking the effect of certain feline pheromones. This binding stimulates neural circuits that result in a temporary state of euphoria and playful behavior, which typically lasts for about five to fifteen minutes. Interestingly, the plant evolved to produce nepetalactone primarily as a chemical defense mechanism, as the compound acts as a powerful natural repellent against many insects, such as mosquitoes. The intense reaction in cats is therefore an accidental consequence of the plant’s self-protective chemistry, an unintended side effect that ultimately secured its global fame.
Global Dissemination and Nomenclature
The plant’s dissemination from Eurasia was largely driven by human settlement. European colonists brought Nepeta cataria to North America, where it was initially cultivated in medicinal and culinary gardens. The herb easily naturalized in the new environments, spreading throughout temperate regions and establishing itself.
This widespread distribution coincided with the growing recognition of its effect on cats, which cemented its common name. The Latin species name cataria is derived from the word for “of cats,” reflecting an ancient connection. The English common name, “Catnip,” became the dominant term due to its direct reference to the feline reaction, though other names like “Catmint” or “Catswort” also exist.