That natural chemical can elicit the same kind of response even in some cats who are immune to the effects of nepetalactone. (iheartcats.com)
Catnip is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes Some insects also contain Nepetalactone which may protect them from other insects Large cats such as tigers can also enjoy a little catnip There are 250 species in the mint family Labiatae, only one causes this response in cats Cats can smell very small amounts of catnip in the air, only 1 part per billion (vetbabble.com)
Big cats such as tigers and leopards respond to nepetalactone as well. (pawprintsthemagazine.com)