20 years ago, my best friend (Wylie), a former low level Navy-NSA vet studying Eastern medicine would make all sorts of potions from his library of essential oils and extracts. At that time, I was living outdoors, in Florida. He had a product specifically for mosquitoes, which used a mixture of thiamine, cornmint, x, y, maybe z, and most distinctly, catnip.

I remember the night that I bedded down in a field, swarmed by mosquitoes. I applied the Wylie solution and immediately became impervious to the black clouds of pestilence. However, the duration of protection was short lived, and I cannot recall with certainty, but perhaps only an hour to two and no more than 3. I would have to sit up several times to reapply the solution, but it worked quickly and effectively.

That night, I had been dreaming of something strange. I could hear, feel pattering sounds around me. As I opened my eyes, the sound began to register. I was being circumnavigated by a mewing cat, over and over, it would encircle me, nearly screeching in a state of torment and intrigue. Despite my stupor, I soon realized what was happening and broke out in laughter. It really was one of the more amusing and funny things I've ever witnessed.

I can tell you, some cats care nothing for catnip. But the oil is a different instrument. Even the most indifferent of cats will respond in strange ways to the oil -- from a distance. However, for the love of animals and their well being, I advise caution and recommend being very conservative if experimenting. I think, in oil form, it could actually be harmful if overdone.