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Nepetalactone

Dateline: 08/30/99

By Alan Bruzel

Catnip, Nepeta cataria, a member of the mint family Labiatae, contains the cyclopentanoid monoterpene nepetalactone as a major component (approximately 40%) of its essential oil fraction. (Nepetalactone represents about 95% of the essential oil fraction from a related species, N. caesarea.)

Nepetalactone

Cats possess a unique receptor for the nepetalactone molecule. This receptor is located in the vomeronasal organ, an anatomical structure positioned above the palate and present in many mammals. The vomeronasal organ mediates responses to olfactory environmental signals, such as pheromones produced by other animals, and, in this case, to an aromatic entity generated by a plant. Catnip, and its volatile constituent nepetalactone, must thus be presented by inhalation to the vomeronasal organ; ingestion alone has no effect.

The behavioral manifestations of the catnip response (e.g. rolling, rubbing, and kicking) are short-lived, affect both sexes, and are age-dependant (very young or old animals are not beguiled). At least an hour's respite is required before a second dose is effective. Not all cats are sensitive to catnip. The presence of an autosomal dominant gene is necessary. Response to catnip is therefore inherited.

Recommended Web resources for additional information:

Catnip
Horticultural and chemical aspects. From the Center for New Crops and Plant Products, Purdue University.

Catnip
Includes physical effects of the plant toward cats. From Cooperative Extension Service, Purdue University.

Catnip
Posting from The MAD Scientist Network.

Catnip Response
From Canine and Feline Behavior Problems written by Stefanie Schwartz. Reprinted by Gregory D. Bogard, Your Pet’s Choice.

Cats
Home page of About.com's Cats Guide.

Crazy for Catnip
Questions and answers concerning this plant. From About.com's Veterinary Medicine Guide.

Nepetalactone
Concise treatment by Bruce Foxman, Brandeis University.

Nepetalactone
Information from Molecule of the Day, Oregon State University.

Nepetalactone
Short article by Gary Trammell, University of Illinois at Springfield.

What Effect Does Catnip Have on Cats?
From Susan Brown, of KnowWhat.com.

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