Catmint, or Nep, in botany: A genus of the gymnoperma order, belonging to the diandria clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 42d order, Verticillatae. The under lip of the corolla has a small middle segment crenated; the margin of the throat is reflexed; the stamens approach one another. There are 14 species; the most remarkable is the cataria, common nep, or catmint. This is a native of many parts of Britain, growing about hedges and in waste places. The stalk is a yard high, and branched; the leaves are hoary; the flowers flesh-coloured, growing verticillate in spikes at the tops of the branches: the middle segment of the lower lip is spotted with red. The plant has a bitter taste, and strong smell, not unlike pennyroyal. An infusion of this plant is reckoned a good cephalic and emmenagogue; being found very efficacious in chlorotic cases. Two ounces of the expressed juice may be given for a dose. It is called catmint, because cats are very fond of it, especially when it is withered; for then they will roll themselves on it, and tear it to pieces, chewing it in their mouths with great pleasure. Mr Ray mentions his having transplanted some of the plants of this sort from the fields into his garden, which were soon destroyed by the cats; but the plants which came up from seeds in his garden escaped: this verifies an old proverb, viz. "If you set it, the cats will eat it; if you sow it, the cats will not know it." Mr Withering is of opinion, that where there is a quantity of plants growing together, the cats will not meddle with them; but Mr Millar affirms us, that he has frequently transplanted one of these plants from another part of the garden, within two feet of which some came up from seeds; in which case the latter have remained unhurt, when the former have been torn to pieces and destroyed: he acknowledges, however, that, where there is a large quantity of the herb growing together, they will not meddle with it. This plant is very hardy, and is easily propagated by seeds. If sown upon a poor dry soil, the plants will not grow too rank, but will continue longer, and appear much handsomer, than in rich ground, where they grow too luxuriant, and have not so strong a scent.