noun
Refers to the plant Nepeta cataria, known for its effect on cats. Common in pet contexts.
猫にイヌハッカを与えると、しばらく興奮して遊ぶ。
When you give catnip to a cat, it gets excited and plays for a while.
Compound of 犬 (inu, 'dog') and 薄荷 (hakka, 'mint'). The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it may refer to a type of mint associated with dogs or a plant that dogs are attracted to.