«f{ (IMAGE) Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology Caption Catmint (Nepeta cataria), also called catnip, from the genus Nepeta belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is well-known for its effect on cats. However, it is not clear why cats respond to the odor nepetalactone. Credit Phil Robinson, John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.