Catnip’s chemical attractant is new twist on old family tradition – Research News https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/science/catnip-twist-on-old-family-tradition/
Catnip is most famous for its ability to launch felines into a euphoric frenzy, but the origin of its cat-attracting chemical is a remarkable example of evolutionary innovation. While the compound nepetalactone drives two-thirds of cats batty, likely by mimicking sex pheromones, its real purpose
Florida Museum of Natural History curator and University of Florida distinguished professor