September 20, 2017 – Catnip and Catmint
Nepeta cataria, a plant native to Europe and a close relative of the mints, produces catnip (spearmint, peppermint, pennyroyal, etc). The plant or dried herb attracts a lot of cats, and the smell might cause odd behaviour patterns. Licking, chewing, head shaking, chin and cheek stroking, rolling, and salivation are a few of these actions. The herb only has an effect on roughly two-thirds of domestic cats. Other cat species, such as lions, leopards, and jaguars, are also impacted. A common folk treatment for fevers, colds, cramps, and headaches is catnip.
Catnip offers therapeutic benefits for both humans and cats, in addition to having insecticidal characteristics. Nepetalactone is the substance in catnip that is active (a component of essential oil extracted from catnip). Nepatalactone is an insect repellent that was developed by Iowa State University researchers in the early 2000s for use against cockroaches, mosquitoes, mites, ticks, spiders, termites, and other pests. Since then, it hasn’t been included in insect repellents that are sold commercially.
Additionally promising for crop protection is catnip oil. In a study, collard greens intercropped with catnip (placed in alternate rows) decreased the prevalence of flea beetles, an insect that is extremely harmful to collards. It has also been demonstrated that catnip extracts can repel harmful insects and the adult and larval stages of the Colorado potato beetle. Caterpillars, moths, and butterflies cannot be harmed by catnip extracts.
Catnip is comparatively simple to cultivate, accepts a wide range of soil types, and if not controlled, has the potential to spread beyond your garden. There are numerous seed firms that sell seed. Since the seed is so tiny, it can be directly sown on garden soil that has been thoroughly prepared and covered with 1/8″ of dirt. As an alternative, it can be planted in a flat after it has five sets of leaves. If you have cats, you might need to keep them away from it until it is established and mature. Once planted, each plant should endure for a number of years. Cutting the root mass in half and replanting allows you to divide established plants. Grow the plants where they have enough room because they can grow rather huge (3 feet tall).
Prior to blossoming, trim stems to gather catnip (early to mid summer). Leaves should be taken off of stems. In a well-ventilated place away from direct sunshine, spread the leaves out on a screen or tray. To provide aeration, turn the leaves once per day. It ought to be dry enough to crumble into flakes after two to three weeks. Put dried flakes in a container with a tight lid or a plastic bag that can be sealed. A few catnip plants will give you a year-round supply if you adore cats.
While similar to catnip in appearance, catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) does not energise cats. It is a mounded shrub with lovely gray-green foliage that grows slowly. Early summer and again throughout the monsoon season are when its abundant blue flowers bloom. Once planted, it is tolerant to both heat and drought. It can self-seed and grow (almost to the point of becoming weedy). These hardy perennials can withstand USDA zone 4 conditions and do well in mountain gardens. The majority of herbivores, including deer, are not drawn to catmint. The majority of gardeners think it makes a fine perennial border plant.
Bees and other beneficial insects are attracted to catnip and catmint. Catnip typically only blooms once per season, but when it does, bees and other nectar-feeding insects are drawn to it. I saw solitary bees feasting on nectar in the early summer, honeybees utilising it in the middle to late summer, and bee flies and hawk moths using it in the late summer due to catmint’s prolonged bloom time. I cultivate both catmint and catnip. Cats use the catnip that has been gathered. All summer long, the catmint offers beneficial insects both beauty and sustenance. Photos and links to more information are provided below.
Can cats get high off catmint?
Catnip has a powerful effect on cats, as is known to cat owners and anyone who care about cats. If you have a cat and bring catnip indoors, the cat will discover it no matter where you put it.
After obtaining catnip (also known as catmint or nepeta), a cat may rub her or his head and shoulders against the plant, lie down on it, or even run around the house. Cats often consume and chew on catnip.
A study looked into the effects of catmint on cats and why. I excitedly read the report even though I’ve never been sure whether or not to give my kitties catnip. Could inhaling or ingesting catnip cause them to lose brain cells? Does it become a habit? Is catnip a cat’s first drug?
The component in catmint, a member of the mint family, that drives cats crazy is nepetalactone. Instead, it drives 70% of cats insane; only 30% of cats are unaffected by catnip.
Additionally, it’s likely that your new kitten won’t react to catnip (good news, as kittens are plenty wild without drugs). In general, this herb has little effect on kittens under the age of 12 weeks.
Nepetalactone is detected by cats through their olfactory organs. According to some theories, catnip exerts pheromone-like effects on cats. For more explanation, I refer you to the experts and the many links here. Except to say that it would be interesting to examine which parts of the brain are affected if a cat could be fed catnip and connected to an fMRI machine. A cat behaviourist responded to my inquiry about this by stating that it wouldn’t be very effective because cats don’t respond well to the “sit order. An fMRI scan would need the cat to remain quite still.
Nepeta species are a beautiful, low-growing perennial that may be found all across the world, including this section of southern Wisconsin. Nepeta is native to Europe, not the US, although it thrives here in both its wild and cultivated forms. Evidently, one of the first immigrants to the New World loved their cat enough to bring their favourite catnip with them.
Being a gardener who has a special love for perennials, I took notice when our beautiful city’s gardening team began employing a gorgeous, low-growing plant with attractive silver-green leaves and a durable blue blossom. When I discovered that it was Nepeta sp., I went to a nearby greenhouse and purchased a couple plants. It was clear right away that this plant propagated since the following year, it created some sizable mounds in the garden.
The dogs are free to roam the yard while the cats are always indoors where I reside with other animals. When our neighbours throw bread into their yards, squirrels snag it and eat it “in our garden, a plant. As a result, the dogs are constantly searching the plants for breadcrumbs.
More and more of those plants are Nepeta species as a result of its expanding nature. Fortunately, this won’t be an issue because catmint doesn’t harm dogs, right?
My indoor cats enjoy the outside exploits of the dogs as if they were their own. The cats are constantly at the door when we return from a walk, not to welcome me but rather to smell the dogs.
Normally, this is not a problem. The attention is usually manageable and may be brushed off by the dog stepping away, but the dogs find the cats’ sniffing and climbing on them somewhat bothersome. It’s not unexpected that the dogs carry scent home on their coats and feet as the dogs and I walk through an area where fox, mink, and other animals live.
On the other hand, if you let a dog inside after it has walked through a patch of Nepeta sp., the cat will pay close attention to it. A cat engaged on nibbling or rolling on whichever foot has come into touch with the plant immediately pursues the affected dog. The dogs get concerned as they realise how serious the cats’ intentions are.
I was getting ready to spend 45 hours away from home when this first happened. As I observed the cat’s perseverance, I had visions of returning home to find dogs whose toes had been chewed raw by cats.
I had a strategy in mind: “Need to swiftly and securely remove oily stuff from dog’s feet. A particular dishwashing product with a good reputation for cutting grease seemed to be the answer. I quickly cleaned it and then put the dog in a cat-free area.
I was shocked to realise that catmint is a plant when I read about it in the literature “owners who use a natural sedative and digestive assistance (and other humans).
Anesthesia, antibiotics, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, and relief from muscle aches and pains are mentioned as additional advantages.
Nepeta species come in a variety of smell and flower colour varieties. Those who are truly cat-conscious should be aware that cats are said to prefer the common catnip, Nepeta cataria, which has white blossoms.
However, I kindly ask that you refrain from going to your yard to cut some catnip and brew a cup of tea because:
- There are specialists in catnip and herbs; I am neither. Before ingesting any catnip or Nepeta sp., kindly consult a knowledgeable, active herbalist.
- If you have cats, the herbalist can give you advice on how to drink your cup of nepeta tea without running the risk of them wanting to rub or chew on you while you’re drinking it or later.
Does catmint benefit felines?
Catnip can be consumed by feline furry friends without harm, but what about catmint? The good news is that catmint is completely safe, whereas many plants in the mint family are hazardous for cats only when they are taken in excessive numbers.
Catmint is non-toxic, so if you do discover your cat nibbling on any that you have growing in your garden, don’t worry; they won’t get hurt. On the other hand, catnip deserves further consideration.
Although many animals enjoy it, catnip should only be used in moderation as too much can be harmful to cats. Catnip overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and problems walking. It’s crucial to keep an eye on your cat around catnip and to see a doctor if you suspect your moggy may have taken too much of the herb.
What is the primary function of catnip or catmint?
True, there are many similarities between catnip and the plant known as catmint. They are low-maintenance perennial plants that do well in full to part sun in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9.
Both are excellent companion plants since they draw pollinators and other kinds of beneficial insects, and they both work well in containers or borders.
The plant N. cataria, also known as catnip, is well known for luring cats. It contains nepetalactone, a substance that gives our feline pals their signature bliss.
Although in far smaller amounts, other Nepeta species also contain nepetalactone.
It is also frequently employed in herbal medicine, and it can be brewed into a calming tea to treat several illnesses, including indigestion.
Catnip can be recognised by its serrated gray-green heart-shaped leaves and its petite, spike-like white or pale pink blooms. Short hairs also cover the square stems.
It has a rather weedy appearance, grows in unkempt clusters that are a few feet tall and wide, and tends to spread. Our guide contains comprehensive information on cultivating catnip.
However, N. mussinii (also known as N. racemosa) is a better option if you’re searching for something aesthetically pleasing and orderly to fill a flower bed. This is the species that is frequently labelled as “catmint.”
This species is a low-growing ornamental that normally grows to a height of barely a foot or so.
It also contains clusters of bright lilac flowers that bloom constantly throughout the summer, along with gray-green foliage with a neat growth habit.
It is ideal as a ground cover in a flower garden, as a border, or to add colour to the side of a path.
N. grandiflora, sometimes known as Caucasus or huge catmint, grows uprightly to a mature height of two to three feet and a spread of up to two feet.
This species has gray-green, slightly fuzzy foliage and violet-blue or pink blooms, depending on the cultivar.
The green leaves and mounding growth pattern of N. nervosa make it simple to identify it from catnip. It produces lavender blue flowers and reaches a mature height of one to one and a half feet.
Award-winning N. mussinii hybrid N. x faassenii, sometimes known as Faassen’s catmint, is cultivated primarily for ornamental purposes and has a compact mounding growth habit and small yet spectacular blooms.
Although your cats could like snacking on catmints, they won’t usually act out as they do with catnip.
Does catmint poison cats?
The majority of mint plants contain essential oils that, when ingested in large doses, might have adverse effects. Cats can safely consume catnip and catmint, two varieties of mint. If consumed in excess, garden mint may upset the stomach. Garden mint’s unique essential oils have also been observed to relax the esophageal valve, increasing the likelihood that a sick cat would vomit. Only a few types of mint, including pennyroyal, can have such severe effects on the body that they can even lead to liver failure. Complicacies from mint ingestion are more likely to occur in cats that already have liver, intestinal, or bowel problems. In cats with delicate skin, mint contact may cause skin irritation.
There are various mint plant subspecies. All belong to the plant family Lamiaceae, also known as Sage. Garden mint is the most prevalent variety. This is the variety of mint that is frequently grown for its culinary properties. The majority of mint plants have wavy, ovular-shaped leaves. The mint plant produces clusters of flowers that range in colour from lavender to white and are borne on stalks. Wild mint plants can be found all throughout the United States. Although the plant can grow to a height of over 3 feet, it frequently grows long and low to the ground.
Best Cat Repellent Plants
Consider purchasing some plants that are reputed to be cat repellents if cats are a problem in your garden. While cats adore catnip, there are some aromas that they absolutely detest. As a result, scientists have worked diligently to create new varieties of flowers and plants that contain these scents.
Cats. You either adore them or despise them, and you either want to draw them into your garden or keep them out.
Consider planting plants and flowers that cats are known to dislike if cats have been bothering you by spraying everywhere or by scratching up the soil in your newly planted seedbed.
In the absence of cat litter, cats always relieve themselves on the dirt. They wouldn’t even notice a few seedlings that you had painstakingly planted and which are now sprouting, but which they destroy with their claws as they dig them up and the earth they use to conceal their shit.
The following plants are some of the most effective cat deterrents you can use in your garden to keep cats out or away from planted borders.
Curry PlantHelichrysum augustfolium or italicum
This plant is merely an annoyance where it grows wild in the Mediterranean region. Even though it has a distinct curry aroma, it has no culinary applications.
It is a perennial that is hardy to frost and is known to keep cats away because of the smell.
Although I have never seen a cat approach a curry plant, this may or may not be true.
It belongs to the daisy family and is referred to by the botanical names Helichrysum italicum or Helichrysum angustifolium. It typically grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 811.
Unless you have a serious cat problem, I would strongly suggest against planting this plant. It will only become another difficult weed to get rid of from your garden after the cats have left the area.
On the bright side, it can be used medicinally to treat infections, reduce inflammation, and soothe sunburn.
Scaredy cat plantPlectranthus caninus (coleus canina)
The name of this plant implies that cats avoid it, however I believe that is just a marketing gimmick. The stench of dog poop is indeed there, which is exactly what every gardener wants in their yard!
While there may be some truth to the claim that it deters both cats and dogs, it only affects creatures with a sense of smell.
Since catnip only affects 70% of cats, I would hypothesise that the remaining 30% have a diminished or nonexistent sense of smell.
Both the curry plant and the scaredy cat plant will work if catnip attracts the cats that frequent your garden.
As a result, if you want to prevent cats from scratching up your early seedlings, you should plant a ring of cat deterrent plants around your growing area. Cats will just stroll around these plants and move on to another part of the garden.
Lavender
It is a mystery why cats dislike lavender since it smells so good. Planting lavender in a line will act as a deterrent to keep the cat from exploring further of your garden because it may become quite shrubby.
Lavender comes in a huge variety and is widely available. The best kind to use against cats is one that grows tall. Although cats are capable of leaping over hedges, they prefer to see what is on the other side first, and lavender plants can readily grow taller than a cat to obstruct their view.
Your lavender plants thrive in borders that line walkways since they emit their fragrance into the air when you simply brush against them, as you may while passing by.
RosemaryRosmarinus officinalis
It is definitely worthwhile to plant rosemary in your garden or yard because it grows naturally in the Mediterranean region and is very useful in cooking.
It has a lovely scent and is a woody perennial, so it will grow every year after being planted.
The problem with rosemary is that it truly prefers warm, dry weather and will not grow well in cold, wet soil.
If your area is cooler than USDA zone 9, it would probably be best to grow rosmarinus officinalis as a summer annual or in a container that can be brought indoors or into a greenhouse in case of bad weather.
They prefer neutral to alkaline soils and reject acidic ones. It should be grown on high-quality potting compost with a pH balance of approximately 7.