Catnip

Cats and catnip

If you have a cat, there's a good chance you've witnessed firsthand one of the great feline mysteries known as the "catnip response." When presented with the leaves of Nepatia cataria, most domestic cats will engage in a variety of behaviors — including chin rubbing, rhythmic kicking with their back feet, sniffing, licking and chewing the plant, and rolling onto their sides. The reaction can last from about 5 to 15 minutes, after which point the cat will lose interest and walk away.