Catmint , also known as catnip or nepeta , is well - eff for its intoxicating event on cats . aboriginal to Europe and part of Asia , this mint mob member has a long account of attract and affecting feline in peculiar ways . For centuries , people have wondered – why are cats attracted to catmint ? What ’s the grounds behind their peculiar reaction to this aromatic perennial ? permit ’s research the unique human relationship between cats and catmint to unravel the mystery behind this cat - craze flora .
An Intoxicating Aroma
The key factor that draw in computed axial tomography to catmint is its potent aroma . The plant contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone which yield catmint its typical minty scent . When computerized tomography inhale this fragrance , it mimics feline pheromones and binds to receptor in their olfactory epithelium . This triggers a neurologic response that interpolate their behaviour and induce a temporary euphoric state . but put , for cat , catmint is like a unpaid drug that gets them “ high ”
Not all cats react on the dot the same way , but most exhibit a combining of these behaviors when exposed to catmint
The felid catmint craze can last 5 - 15 minutes before the cat returns to normal . Some may revisit the plant life later for another dose . It ’s no wonder catnip charge cats into such a tizzy — that nepetalactone aroma distinctly solicit right into their primal nature !
A Feline Fascination
Documented observation of quat reacting to catmint day of the month back to the 1600s . Across Europe , cats were frequently discover act bizarrely around certain herb patch . The eighteenth hundred naturalist Carl Linnaeus aptly dub it “ cataria , ” Latin for cat . Legend says catnip was included in British cat garden specifically to entertain felines .
Today , over 50 % of domesticated cats inherit a dominant gene that makes them susceptible to catmint ’s effects . Among big cats , Panthera leo , leopard , and Felis onca also respond to it . For millennia , the unique catnip - cat connexion has catch human race and felid alike .
Catmint holds zero attraction for people – we simply do n’t have the right olfactory receptor . But its alluring scent and our cats ’ hilarious reactions have garner catmint a lasting place in many herb gardens . There are over 250 catnip coinage , but N. cataria and N. mussini get the strongest reaction in cats .
Planting Catmint
Want some computed tomography entertainment in your yard ( or a suspect viral video ) ? Plant some catmint ! This carefree perennial thrives in zones 3 - 8 . select a spot with full sun and well - drain soil . Catmint grows 1 - 3 feet tall on lithesome upright halt with grayish - dark-green folio . Tubular lavender - blueish flowers blossom from late bound through fall . It disperse easily via rhizomes and self - germ freely .
reduce catnip after initial flowering to promote a 2d rosiness . snip again in late pin to shape it . Catmint is drought - broad and has few pest issues away from occasional spider mites . It sate spaces quickly and mingles attractively with other herbs , perennials , and annuals . For maximum feline stake , plant Nepeta cataria in a garden layer or border within view of window and patios .
Catmint Varieties
With numerous loan-blend available , choosing catmint varieties can be tricky . Here are some top picks for potency , vigor , and prime power :
Nepeta x faassenii ‘ Walker ’s Low ’ – Groundcover with dreary flowers , up to 15 column inch tall . Sterile ; does n’t spread out sharply .
Nepeta ‘ Cat ’s Pajamas ’ – compendious mounds with large lavender - blueish bloom . turn 10 - 12 column inch tall .
Nepeta x faassenii ‘ Junior Walker ’ – Dwarf variety under 1 substructure tall , ideal for containers . Sky blue flowers .
genus Nepeta racemosa ‘ Little Titch ’ – Tiny rounded mounds with blue flowers , 6 inches marvellous . just for edging .
Nepeta subsessilis ‘ Sweet Dream ’ – Clump - forming with deep gentle blooms , 12 - 18 inches tall . Heat and drought tolerant .
genus Nepeta ‘ Purrsian Blue ’ – Upright substance abuse , huge blue flower clusters . grow up to 3 foot improbable .
There are also catmint variety with pink , white , or imperial blooms if you want more color variety . shop class for young nursery plants in leaping and look for miscellanea prove to excite kitties .
Cats Off Limits?
If provide your feline to frolic freely in catmint is n’t potential or desirable , you may still rise it , just out of paw ’s reach . Here are some point to keep cat away from catmint :
found it in a hanging basket , exalted planter , or windowpane corner .
circumvent the garden bed with plastic scat mat , poulet wire , or fencing .
Use motion - activated deterrents like sprinklers or noisemaker .
Spray plants with cat - drive back odor using citrus fruit , menthol , or pepper oils . Reapply after rainwater .
Consider decoy plants ; some cat push aside catmint congener like thyme , oregano , lavender or lemon balm .
With doggedness and creativeness , you may reap the beauty of catmint without the chaotic kitty interest . The Florida key is making admittance hard and foreshorten its scent speck in the melody .
Beyond Cat Entertainment
Aside from its cat - crazy qualities , catmint has many other merits . Its airy texture and bee - favorable blooms bring optical interest to garden all time of year long . Catmint is deer and rabbit immune , so it ’s hassle - free . The aroma and flavor have mild minty note great for teas , seasoning , and potpourri . For a beautiful , freewheeling plant that doubles as environmental enrichment for felines , arise genus Nepeta cataria !
So comprehend the kinky family relationship between cat and catmint in your garden . Let your cats delight in its mind - altering redolence and parade their wild side . Capture the hilarious feline reaction on video for endless amusement . Most importantly , enjoy the whimsical garden magic that comes from twin cats with their favorite herb . The catnip - cat frenzy is sure to delight !
Catmint Vs Catnip and How to Tell the Difference
FAQ
Does catmint really draw in cats ?
Will cats eat catmint ?
Do cat demolish catmint ?
What animal does catmint attract ?
Does catmint attract cats ?
The question of Nepeta cataria attracting cat or not can be a little puzzling , but the answer is that yes , catmint will draw in some cats , but not to the same level as catnip . And yes , like catnip , catmint is perfectly fine and safe to grow in a G that cats string up out in .
Can cats eat catmint ?
And yes , like catnip , catmint is perfectly okay and good to grow in a thousand that CT hang out in . The part in catnip that makes it so irresistible to many felid is called nepetalactone . Nepetalactone is also found in catnip , ( as well as many other metal money of the Nepeta genus ) but in minuscule measure .
Are catmint vs catnip attractive to cats ?
In terms of catnip vs. catnip attractiveness to felines , it largely depend on the individual animal . Nepeta cataria and catnip can appeal equally to some cats , while others seem to prefer catnip and will pass by catmint without a second glance . From a landscape standpoint , catmint is considered the more ornamental pick of the two plant .
Does catmint pull in pollinator ?
Catmint ( Nepeta spp . ) is a perennial decorative herb bear on to catnip . Its flowers draw in pollinators and it has worm - repellent prop .
