Catnip is absolutely irresistible to cats, and toys filled with dried leaves from this delicious and intoxicating plant are loved by many of our furry friends.

Although most cats appear to be in a drunken or drugged state when they sniff or chew on toys filled with catnip, it is not a drugCatnip is a herb that belongs to the mint familyWhen the catnip leaves are broken, a certain chemical is released that most cats respond to in an irresistible way.

Of course, cats, being the individual free-spirits that they are, do not all respond or react to the effects of catnip in the same waySome sniff it and just saunter away showing no interest at allBut, most cats get one whiff of catnip and fall madly in love with the intoxicating scentSome will roll around on the toy, others chew and lick the fabric, and most often an entertaining show that often followsThe ingredient in catnip that causes cats to go berserk is called NepetalactoneA cat's five senses (touch, smell, sight, sound and taste) reacts to this chemical in an abundance of ways.

Fortunately, catnip is completely safe and not addictive to catsThe most amusing aspect of catnip is watching your cat's behavior changesBut, as with most everything, too much of a good thing can produce a bout with diarrhea, however, this is rare.