Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. It is native to Europe and Asia but has spread to North America. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and small, lavender flowers, and it typically grows to about 1 to 3 feet tall. Catnip is well-known for its effects on domestic cats, as it contains a compound called nepetalactone that can induce a temporary state of euphoria in some felines. Not all cats are affected; sensitivity to catnip is hereditary, with about 50-75% of cats responding to it.