What is catnip and what does it do?

[princessmel]

(Dim question alert)

Is it to make fleas stay away?
MIL gave me some treats for our cat and it says they are flavoured or treated (something like that) with catnip.

It is the cat equivalent of an E (or at least thats what happens to my cat when I treat her to some)

It is a herb and the smell drives cats wild. If you grow it in the garden the cats will lie on it or sniff it and go all bushy tailed and pounce on things.
I don't think it repels fleas.

It's a plant that smells of stale piss. Cats love it for some reason and it is used in their toys and treats. Gets them really excited!

Hmm maybe I wont give him any today then. He's hurt his leg I took him to the vet today. She said to keep him in to help keep him out of trouble. Don't want to over excite him!

Male cats seem to respond most to catnip, but my female enjoys the fresh plant in our garden, she nibbles the leaves. You can brew a 'herbal tea' from the dried stuff, and give to cats to drink when cold, encourages cats prone to urinary problems to drink.

The plants are very pretty, tiny mauve or pink flowers. At least they are when not flattened by cats rolling about in bliss!

catnip to cats is like cannabis to humans

I found some seeds in the Woolies clearing out stock room bonanza, which I plan on growing in a litter tray outside when the nights start drawing out a little.