Iridoids, which scientists found can act as mosquito repellants, raise cats’ beta-endorphin levels (also known as “happy ...

A happy lynx point or Siamese tabby cat rolls over on the floor and plays with a crouched catnip banana toy. Catnip's attraction is now understood to lie in its volatile oil, specifically a single ...

When planting your herb garden, why not throw in some catnip (Nepeta cataria) for your cat? It’s available at most local garden centers or online. Having access to a fresh ...

Most cats prefer getting the euphoria hit that catnip offers through playing with the best catnip toys, but for some cats, eating it produces a calming effect similar to chamomile.. According to ...

For other cats, smelling catnip makes them go bonkers. According to the Humane Society of the United States , researchers believe that catnip targets feline "happy" receptors in the brain.

When cats smell catnip, "it tends to bind to receptors in the brain that trigger 'happy excitement'," says Wooten. They may show signs like: Rubbing their heads and body on the herb/toy ...

A few whiffs of catnip can kindle a frisky frenzy in your tiny tabby. Interestingly, catnip has the same effect on tigers, lions and panthers. Response to catnip is an inherited trait so only ...