In about two-thirds of domestic cats, and also the big fierce ones like lions, volatile oils contained in catnip leaves induce utter ecstasy.

Catnip tea makes most people tranquil or sleepy and may aid digestion. If you like the taste of the fresh leaves, include them in salads, or candy them. And if the smell appeals to you, toss a few in your potpourri. Just don’t open the lid while Mitten is on the prowl.

Catnip is a 2- to 3-foot (0.6- to 1-m) erect, branching perennial with downy gray-green toothed leaves shaped like stretched-out hearts, 1 to 3 inches (2 to 8 cm) long. Like other mints, it has square stems and spikes of tiny two-lipped flowers. In this plant, they’re white with purple spots, blooming from mid- to late summer.

Catnip likes fairly dry, even sandy, soil — good drainage is a must. It develops its pungent scent best in full sun, although some southern growers urge a little shade. Handling the plant is what releases its scent. Propagation from cuttings or root division is much easier than starting from seed.

Plants tend to die out after about three years, so if you and your cat are addicted, take some insurance cuttings. Keep catnip well away from other valuable plants because they’re likely to get flattened in any feline free-for-all.