Catnip is a plant which induces a pheromone-based intoxication in cats.
The word catnip is attested in US English from 1775. The original English word was catmint, and the Irish is miontas cait. Having said that, I think this is just the name of a plant. I don't think it is used like "catnip" in English to refer to something very alluring (quality home furnishings are like catnip to burglars).