I can’t help but think of that dumb bird that runs around squawking “I’m cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!”

According to various online sources, catnip is a perennial herb and belongs to the mint family. A few sites claim it’s a distant relative to marijuana.

Catnip is now native in North America after being introduced from the Mediterranean. Its active ingredient is Nepetalactone. Response to the chemical is dealt with through the olfactory (smell) system; cats have a special receptor for catnip. The chemical is said to mimic the effects of a pheromone and causes a variety of behaviors.

When your kitty gets a whiff of catnip they’ll probably sniff, rub, lick and bite at the plant. Their head will shake, and they’ll rub their chin and face and body all over the catnip. The initial reaction lasts anywhere from five to 15 minutes and can’t be evoked for another hour after first exposure.

Catnip is ineffective on very young and very old cats, and between 10 and 30 percent of the feline world doesn’t care for the plant.

And some cats are wackier for the weed than others. The reaction of some cats might appear violent and others are more subdued. Discontinue using the herb if your precious kitty vomits or has diarrhea as a result.

And you can grow your own catnip. It’s a perennial and you should be able to find it at a local nursery when it’s in season. But be careful — some sources said it can take over your garden.