Catnip, catmint, cats and gardens

Catnip, catming, cats and gardens

---

Related Articles

• Cats and the garden

• Chickens are moving into the backyard garden!

• A list of some poisonous garden plants

• Build a dog or cat run for the garden

Many cats will chew on your house plants or garden plants. If your cat likes catnip, why not grow your own and make your pal happy, rescue your other plants and grow a plant that can look great in the garden as well?

You can dry the leaves of catnip or catmint if you prefer to grow your own.

Although some people fear catnip can be dangerous like some human addictive chemicals, the feline response is not the same as a human beings' is to drugs. And catnip is a natural plant with no chemically addictive attributes. Cats vary remarkably in their reaction to catnip. It seems to be a genetic thing that some cats have and others don't. Some have no interest while others become excited and still others simply dissolve into fits of blissful delight. The response is an olfactory one and it is something our comparatively inadequate noses can not relate to. Catnip is completely safe and if your cat enjoys the stimulation, you can rest assured it is natural, harmless and non addictive. It is scientifically known that it is the chemical nepetalactone in catnip that triggers the response. Interestingly enough, even some large cats like tigers are capable of the same responses.

Catnip is the common name for a plant in the Nepeta family, Nepeta cataria. Other members of this family also contain nepetalactone in some concentration. Most cats respond to both the commonly called 'catnip' and the 'catmint'. Often the name is used interchangeably. The more decorative catmints like N. grandiflora, N.faassenii, and N. racemosa are more ornamental but can also be used to produce this pheromone- based intoxication. There are a number of other varieties of catnip/catmint that can also stimulate your feline friend. Most of these plants are actually very showy additions for the garden. They are remarkably drought-tolerant and don't mind hungry soils.

Since the stimulation only lasts for a short time before the cat becomes accustomed to the effect, catnip is most effective when used for limited periods of time. Your cat may very well return a while later ready for another short indulgence, however. So you might just as well grow Nepeta in your garden where it can be a highly decorative contribution to your landscape as well as fun for your cat(s). Just avoid using insecticides or other chemicals on or near the plant.

All Nepetas have long spires of massed flowers that make the plants colorful. Nepeta racemosa, N. faassenii, N. mussini, N.grandiflora and N. reichenbachiana all have named varieties in blues, purples, pinks and whites. And if you think the plants are somewhat reminiscent of mint in look and scent, that's because they are in the same family. Nepetas, however, tend to grow in thick, low mounds that are much more ornamental than most of the invasive mints. If you live in an area where there are other roaming outdoor cats, you may occasionally find your lovely plants steam-rolled into a flat mat from a joyfully tipsy feline invader. Even so, they are great to grow in the garden.

Plant Nepetas in well-draining soil in full sun. They should not be kept constantly moist, but be allowed to dry out between waterings. They will sprawl over 2-3 feet wide and, depending on the variety, grow from 1 to 3 feet tall. You can buy plants from nurseries, catalogs and over the internet. Or you can start your own from seed. Keep spent flowers clipped and they will keep blooming for months. If you don't have garden space, then feel free to grow catnip or any of the catmints in pots. They are easy, beautiful and fun for both you and your cat!

You can grow catnip in a pot indoors for your cat.  Or you can plant it outdoors in the garden.  Or you can use one of the lovely purple-flowered Catmints to decorate your garden.  They are ornamental and drought tolerant even if you don't have a cat!