The herb known worldwide as catnip is famous for the dramatic reaction it triggers in domestic cats. The common name is a direct clue to the plant’s unique biological properties and its long history of interaction with felines and humans. Understanding the origin of the name “catnip” requires exploring the plant’s botanical identity, the specific chemical behind its effects, and its linguistic history.
The Plant’s Botanical Classification
Catnip’s formal scientific name is Nepeta cataria, placing it within the mint family, Lamiaceae. This short-lived perennial herb originated in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia before becoming widely naturalized across North America. Like many mints, the plant features a characteristic square stem and grows to a height of 12 to 39 inches. Its foliage consists of grayish-green, heart-shaped leaves covered in fine, downy hairs, giving them a fuzzy texture. Small, tubular flowers, typically white or pale lavender, bloom on terminal spikes from late spring into early autumn.
The Chemical Trigger for Feline Response
The dramatic behavioral response in cats is due to nepetalactone, a volatile organic compound found primarily in the leaves and stems. When the plant material is bruised or chewed, this oil is released and inhaled by the cat. Nepetalactone binds to olfactory receptors in the feline’s nasal tissue, including the specialized vomeronasal organ. This chemical interaction signals regions of the brain, such as the amygdala and the hypothalamus, which process emotional and behavioral responses. The resulting euphoria, characterized by rolling, rubbing, and chewing, is thought to be similar to the effect of natural feline sex pheromones, affecting approximately 60 to 80 percent of adult domestic cats.
Etymology of the Common Name
The common name “catnip” is a straightforward compound word reflecting the herb’s primary characteristic and the cat’s reaction. The first element, “cat,” derives from the intense attraction felines have to the plant, a phenomenon recognized for centuries. This connection is also seen in the species designation cataria, a medieval Latin term meaning “of cats.” The second element, “nip,” has a deep linguistic history. It is a shortened form of the Middle English and Old English word nepte or nep, which referred to this aromatic herb. This older term traces its root back to the Latin word nepeta, the plant’s genus name. Although “nip” originally referred to the herb itself, the term gained a secondary, descriptive meaning. The word “nip” also means to bite or pinch, accurately describing the action cats take to release the nepetalactone oils. The older common name, “catmint,” dating back to the 13th century, was eventually replaced by “catnip,” likely because the latter more vividly describes the cat’s behavior of nipping or chewing the plant.
Uses Beyond Felines
While its feline effects are its most famous trait, catnip has a long history of use by humans. Traditionally, the herb has been utilized in herbal medicine for its mild sedative properties. It was frequently prepared as a tea to help with nervousness, promote relaxation, and aid in sleeplessness. Catnip has also been used historically as a digestive aid and for treating symptoms of the common cold or colic. Modern research has focused on the herb’s application as a natural insect repellent. The same nepetalactone that attracts cats is a highly effective deterrent against various insects, including mosquitoes, sometimes rivaling the efficacy of synthetic repellents like DEET.