- published: 24 May 2009
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Nepeta cataria (also known as catnip, catswort, or catmint) is a plant in the Lamiaceae family that is native to much of Asia and Europe, and is widely naturalized elsewhere. The common names can also be used to refer to the Nepeta genus as a whole.
Variants include N. cataria var. citriodora (also called subsp. citriodora), lemon catnip.
The plant terpenoid nepetalactone is the main chemical constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria. Nepetalactone can be extracted from catnip by steam distillation.
Catnip has a history of medicinal use for a variety of ailments. The plant has been consumed as a tea, juice, tincture, infusion or poultice, and has also been smoked. However, its medicinal use has fallen out of favor with the development of more effective drugs. It has also been known to have a slightly numbing effect.[citation needed]
Nepeta cataria (and catmints) are mostly known for the behavioral effects they have on cats, not only on domestic cats but also big cats.N. cataria is used as a recreational substance for pet cats' enjoyment, and catnip and catnip-laced products designed for use with domesticated cats are available to consumers. Not all cats are affected by catnip. The common behaviors when cats sense the bruised leaves or stems of catnip are rubbing on the plant, rolling on the ground, pawing at it, licking it, and chewing it. Consuming much of the plant is followed by drooling, sleepiness, anxiety, leaping about and purring. Some will growl, meow, scratch, or bite the hand holding it. Some cats will eat dried catnip, often eating too much can cause cats to be aggressive, typically making them hiss.[citation needed]
Actors: Haim Saban (composer), Shuki Levy (composer), Cree Summer (actress), Andy Heyward (producer), Tara Strong (actress), Michael Maliani (director), Michael Maliani (producer), Len Carlson (actor), Phil Harnage (writer), Phil Harnage (writer), Phil Harnage (miscellaneous crew), Jack Hanrahan (writer), Robby London (producer), Michael Hack (miscellaneous crew), Lori Crawford (miscellaneous crew),
Genres: Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy,[Instrumental]