Since catnip is actually a relative of the marijuana plant (in a far-off manner) the effect can be loosely compared to the high of marijuana. The purpose of giving your cat catnip is for the cat's entertainment and enjoyment of the natural high. Catnip is an herb belonging to the Labiatae family and contains nepetalactone, which is the active chemical in catnip responsible for your cat's funny behavior. It is closely related to an active ingredient in female cat urine (which is why we must keep our cat Lilly far away from catnip. She will "mark" whenever she smells it.
