For more explanation, I refer you to the experts and the many links here. According to some theories, catnip exerts pheromone-like effects on cats. Nepetalactone is detected by cats through their olfactory organs. In general, this herb has little effect on kittens under the age of 12 weeks. Instead, it drives 70% of cats insane only 30% of cats are unaffected by catnip.Īdditionally, it’s likely that your new kitten won’t react to catnip (good news, as kittens are plenty wild without drugs). The component in catmint, a member of the mint family, that drives cats crazy is nepetalactone. Could inhaling or ingesting catnip cause them to lose brain cells? Does it become a habit? Is catnip a cat’s first drug? I excitedly read the report even though I’ve never been sure whether or not to give my kitties catnip. Cats often consume and chew on catnip.Ī study looked into the effects of catmint on cats and why. If you have a cat and bring catnip indoors, the cat will discover it no matter where you put it.Īfter 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. Tea made from the leaves and flowers can be used for calming nerves and relieving coughs, congestion, and menstrual cramps.Catnip has a powerful effect on cats, as is known to cat owners and anyone who care about cats. The leaves and shoots can be added to soups and sauces. Spread out to dry in a cool, ventilated area and store the dried herb in an airtight container or bag to preserve its potency. Harvest leaves as flowers begin to bloom, cutting the top leaves, stems, and flowers if desired. Harvesting and Uses of Catmint HerbĬatmint can be used fresh, dried, or frozen for both culinary and herbal use. Shear the plants back to half their size in fall or following harvest. Faassen’s catmint ( Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesn’t require deadheading. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. Once plants are a few inches (8 cm.) tall, pinch them back to promote bushier growth.Ĭatmint blooms throughout summer and fall. Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. Water catmint plants regularly until they become well established. Care of Catmintīasic care of catmint is easy. Likewise, catmint can be planted and grown in containers. Therefore, you may want to add some edging around them. Overcrowded plants can lead to powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially in hot, humid climates.Ĭaution is needed when planting some types of catmint plants, as they can be aggressive growers. They require plenty of space too and should be spaced (or thinned) to at least a foot (31 cm.) or so apart. The seeds or divisions of the catmint plant are planted in spring. Catmint is most often grown by seed or through division. They are even heat and drought tolerant, making them excellent plants for dry garden areas. These plants are good for mass planting or edging and are suitable near vegetables as an insect deterrent - especially for aphids and Japanese beetles.Ĭatmint can be grown in sun or partial shade with average, well-draining soil. If you don’t want your garden overrun with felines, plant catmint instead, which is much less attractive to them. This type is most suitable for “cat-friendly” gardens. They may nibble on it or even roll around in the foliage. Catnip ( Nepeta cataria) has less ornamental value in the garden than its catmint ( Nepeta mussinii) counterpart.Ĭatnip is also found to be highly attractive to cats, with many of them exhibiting a naturally induced euphoria around the plant. While basically considered the same plant as they share many of the same characteristics, there are differences between the two species. Many people wonder what is the difference between catnip and catmint. This is also believed to be the origin of its genus name, Nepeta. For example, the herb is thought to have been first cultivated in the Roman town of Nepeti, where it was used as herbal tea and insect repellent. This easily grown plant has an interesting history regarding its various uses in the landscape. It produces clusters of lavender-blue flowers amid mounds of gray-green foliage. Catmint is an aromatic herb that is commonly grown in the garden.
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