Catnip is a plant—known scientifically as Nepeta cataria—that is a member of the mint family. The active ingredient is called nepetalactone, which many domestic cats respond to in a variety of ...

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty Images/Svetlana Popova When you’re watching your cat play with some catnip you ...

If you've ever questioned, “What is silver vine?”, then you're not alone. Although most people have heard of catnip, it actually only affects two in three cats. This means some kitties don’t seem to ...

Cats go mad for catnip because chemicals released from the plant protect them against mosquitoes, according to new research. The common herb, also known by its taxonomic name Nepeta cataria, is a ...

Catnip triggers a behavioral response through a compound called nepetalactone, which binds to receptors in a cat’s olfactory ...

There are only two times a day when my cat transforms from a lazy, judgmental loaf of bread to a Hot Wheels racer burning track marks into our living room carpet: during her habitual 2 a.m. zoomies ...

There are many valid theories to explain the global appeal of cats, including our obsession with watching videos of them online. In terms of cats’ pure entertainment value, however, our fascinations ...

Anne Quain is on the NSW Committee of the Australian Veterinary Association. She is also a committee member of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, the Australian and New Zealand College ...

A kitten's first encounter with catnip has been chronicled in a hilarious video shared to TikTok by his owner. Meatball, the white and ginger British longhair kitten, could be seen reacting with ...

Catnip turns fearsome felines into drooling balls of fluff. But how? This week, Science with Sam explains why cats love catnip If your cat turns from an elegant hunter into a drooling ball of fluff at ...