What is catnip called? - briefly
Catnip is commonly known as catmint. This plant, scientifically named Nepeta cataria, is renowned for its effects on cats.
Catnip is a perennial herb from the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been naturalized in many parts of North America. The plant grows to a height of 50-100 cm and has gray-green leaves and small, white or lavender flowers. It is often cultivated in gardens for ornamental purposes and to attract pollinators.
Catnip contains an essential oil called nepetalactone, which is responsible for the plant's characteristic scent. This oil is known to induce a state of euphoria in many cats, leading to behaviors such as rubbing, rolling, and increased vocalization. Not all cats are affected by catnip, as the response is believed to be hereditary.
The effects of catnip on cats typically last for about 10-15 minutes, after which the cat becomes temporarily immune to its effects. This period of immunity can last for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, the cat will not respond to catnip even if exposed to it again.
Catnip is often used in cat toys and scratching posts to provide environmental enrichment and stimulation for feline companions. It can also be grown in gardens to attract beneficial insects and repel pests such as aphids and squash bugs. Additionally, catnip has been used in traditional medicine for its purported calming and digestive benefits in humans.
What is catnip called? - in detail
Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is widely recognized for its effects on domestic cats, which can include euphoria, relaxation, and increased playfulness. The term "catnip" is the most common and widely used name for this plant, but it has several other appellations that reflect its botanical characteristics, historical uses, and cultural significance.
Botanically, catnip is also referred to as catmint, although this term can sometimes cause confusion because it is also used to describe other species within the Nepeta genus, such as Nepeta mussinii. Catnip's scientific name, Nepeta cataria, comes from the Latin "nepeta," which refers to the ancient Etruscan city of Nepete, and "cataria," which means "of cats." This name underscores the plant's strong association with felines.
Historically, catnip has been known by various names that reflect its medicinal and culinary uses. In traditional herbal medicine, it was often called catwort, a name that emphasizes its effects on cats and its wort-like properties. The term "cataria" itself has been used in historical texts to describe the plant's ability to attract cats. Additionally, catnip has been known as catnep, catwort, and cat's-wort, all of which are derived from its effects on cats and its historical uses.
In different regions and cultures, catnip has acquired local names that reflect its widespread cultivation and use. For example, in some English-speaking countries, it is simply referred to as catmint. In Germany, it is known as Katzenminze, which translates to "cat mint." In France, it is called herbe à chats, meaning "cat herb." These names highlight the plant's universal appeal and its long-standing association with cats.
Catnip's effects on cats are well-documented, but it is important to note that not all cats are affected by it. About 50-70% of cats exhibit a response to catnip, which is believed to be genetically inherited. The active compound in catnip, nepetalactone, is responsible for the plant's feline-enticing properties. When cats smell or ingest catnip, they may exhibit behaviors such as rolling, rubbing, and increased vocalization.
In addition to its effects on cats, catnip has been used for various human applications. It has been employed in traditional medicine for its purported calming and digestive benefits. It has also been used as a culinary herb in some cultures, where it is added to teas, salads, and other dishes for its mild, mint-like flavor. The plant's versatility and historical significance have contributed to its enduring popularity and the variety of names by which it is known.