It should go without saying that cats adore catnip for those of you who own them. This plant is really attractive to our feline companions, whether they consume it or simply roll about in it. Our nursery cat would destroy most of the catnip pots if we didn’t keep them out of her reach. Cat lovers might not be aware that there is another relative of catnip in the same species. Catmint, or Nepeta faassenii, is frequently just as aphrodisiac to cats as its more well-known species companion.
It has been discovered by many gardeners that catmint’s attraction extends beyond tabbies and calicos. Nepeta cultivars produce a 6- to 18-inch-tall stand of mid-green, occasionally grey foliage with charmingly crinkled, soft-to-the-touch leaves. Late April is when flowering usually starts, but it can go on well into the fall. The spike-like, whorled, 1-inch flowers come in a range of colors, including bluish purples, lavenders, and even a white flowering variation.
Nepetas have a variety of uses, but one of them is as a tall ground cover. Cats will want to hang out in your catmint patch if you have any, so be ready for it to be flattened half the time. Fortunately, nepetas are tough enough to withstand some damage. Don’t be put off by the word “mint.” Nepetas are not as invasive as true mints, but they will gradually take over a space if given access to regular water. Nepetas are typically sun lovers, although they can tolerate little shade, making them suitable for planting in the understory. They have shallow roots, making them a great choice to put close to taller perennials or flowering bulbs like lilies, gladioli, and dahlias. Catmint can also be planted in a pot and allowed to spill over the edge, offering calming tones to go with more vibrant hues.
Your catmint will be home to a variety of wildlife in addition to cats. Nepetas are beloved by bees, who will frequently visit these plants.
Catmint vs. Catnip
Which is better, catnip or catmint? Plant common names can be confusing, especially when they sound so similar. Nepeta cataria, a widespread member of the mint family with white flowers that can be found all over the United States, particularly in disturbed areas, is known as catnip. These low-growing plants are a favorite among cats, and dried leaf cat toys are known to drive cats crazy.
On the other hand, catmint, another member of the mint family, is a stunning decorative plant that is hardy and flexible but is not as well-liked by domestic cats.
Walker’s Low Catmint: Nearly Perfect
Nepeta faassenii, often known as Walker’s Low catmint, has long served as the benchmark catmint in western gardens. In May, mounds of glistening periwinkle blue flowers begin to open, continuing for one to two months.
The blooms are a haven for hummingbirds, moths, butterflies, and bees, but deer and rabbits appear to avoid them. Catmints are nearly ideal plants since they can withstand drought, bloom for a long time, and withstand our harsh weather.
That is, almost flawless, barring two aspects. The weight of the blooms eventually causes the stalks to drop, opening and flattening the plant’s core, which causes all catmints to flop out a little after blooming.
The majority of catmints found at garden centers are fertile, which means that after blooming and receiving pollinator fertilization, they set viable seeds that disperse throughout the garden and result in an abundance of seedlings growing. Free seedlings are occasionally appreciated (especially those of such a lovely plant), but they are frequently an annoyance.
One more warning: Walker’s Low isn’t actually that “low.” Walker’s Low has a height range of 24 to 30 inches, which is quite low compared to Six Hills Giant, the previous benchmark for garden catmints, which reaches a height of 3 feet. Walker’s Low is actually not as low as its name suggests considering how little it is!
Little Trudy: Compact and Not a Spreader
Try Little Trudy catmint if you want a catmint with a neater appearance, one that stays compact and is more suited for small gardens, or one that won’t seed itself.
Before being released by Plant Select in 2008, Little Trudy was found at Little Valley Wholesale Nursery in Brighton, Colorado, and tested at Colorado State University and the Denver Botanic Gardens. It begins to bloom in the late spring and will continue to softly blossom all summer long. When crushed, the tiny, grey-green leaves release a pleasant scent.
Wildlife benefits: Pollinators such as moths, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to stalks of small, purple-blue blooms.
Growing advice: If desired, prune back the first heavy flush of blooms; a second full flush will occur later in the summer.
How can catmint benefit felines?
The key distinction between catnip and catmint for gardeners who have cats is that only the latter will stimulate cats and make them go wild. Nepetalactone is a chemical found in catnip plants. Cats adore this, which is what makes them want to eat the leaves that make them feel happy. Nepetalactone is okay to have about the house because it also deters insects.
According to some reports, certain cats are interested in catmint. If they do, they’re more inclined to roll around in the leaves rather than consume them like cats do with catnip. Catnip is the best option if you’re wanting to cultivate a plant only for your cats’ amusement, while catmint is a nicer perennial with more consistent blossoms.
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 color 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.
Can cats use catmint?
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.
How can I prevent my cat from consuming catmint?
Nepetas, sometimes known as catmints, are becoming more popular as perennials due to their lengthy flowering season, appealing coloring, and thick growth. There is only one issue: cats!
Cats adore this plant, which is why it’s called catmint. Cats can be attracted to catnip, a nepeta (Nepeta cataria), which is an old feline favorite. They scuff against it, roll about on it, and rub against it. They are drawn to the nepetalactone that injured leaves and stems release. And nepetalactone sensitivity affects around two-thirds of domestic cats.
As catnip (N. cataria) is typically grown for feline amusement and isn’t particularly attractive, this isn’t typically a concern. The other nepetas, however, are decorative trees. You don’t want cats digging them up or scratching them to death. True, they emit a lot less nepetalactone than catnip, but cats may still get them all messed up.
Some roots and leaves will surely be broken or injured while planting, releasing nepetalactone and attracting cats as a result. Therefore, to deter cats, cover newly planted nepetas with some form of barrier (a cut-off gallon milk container, for example). The smell that was unintentionally produced during planting will be gone after 4 or 5 days, and cats won’t be a problem.
If you inadvertently wound or crush your nepeta, it will live a lovely, cat-free life, so keep your cat barrier close by!
Which plants deter cats?
Cats digging in your garden can be an annoyance and a major health danger (since some cat feces contain toxoplasmosis, which can spread). It might even be your pet! (Image courtesy of Felicia D’Ascano on Unsplash)
Neighbourhood kitties digging in your garden can be a nuisance. Maybe it’s even your own cat!
- Carnivores include cats. Their feces may carry infections or parasites that aren’t found in the dung of herbivores. The majority of us intend to eat the food we cultivate, therefore this is alarming! (The same holds true for dog waste.)
- Every year, over 140 million (birds and small animals) are killed by stray domestic cats. And if you’re doing it right, your garden and yard are made to draw wild birds as well as pollinators like hummingbirds.
- Neighborhood relationships may be strained by roaming cats.
To prevent cats from entering your beloved vegetable beds and eating the food you raise, use these solutions:
Prickly is best
Cats will steer clear of spiky areas and prefer to walk on soft, loose soil. Create a less appealing or litter-like atmosphere in your garden beds. Try these straightforward, inexpensive remedies for prickly problems:
- Twigs should be used to cover cat-friendly garden soil until your spring plants are well-established. They should be spaced a few inches apart all over the bed. Bear in mind that twig bundles aid wild bees!
- Push thorny yard trimmings, such as pine cones or fall leaves, into the soil around your plants. Other choices include recycled plastic carpet runners with the nub side up, stone mulch, eggshells, holly cuttings, and so forth.
- Use wooden chopsticks to repurpose as garden stakes! Try different spacings. The goal is to space them out so that it will be difficult for the cat to turn around.
- Over the earth, place chicken wire or plastic fencing pieces. (Many plants will increase as a result of this!) Lattice pieces on the ground can also be effective.
- By laying out onion or potato mesh produce bags in the garden and securing them with twigs or posts, you can recycle them. If required, widen the opening around your developing plants. Keep a watch on any plastic items you put to the garden to prevent wind from carrying them away and making them litter.
Use scent to keep the cats away
- Rue, lavender, pennyroyal, Coleus canina, and lemon thyme are all pungent to cats. These should be scattered around the garden. (Planting new plants can draw pollinators and other helpful insects.)
Is catnip the same as 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 behavior 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 energize 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 utilizing 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.