Can I grow catnip for my kitties?

ASK THE HORT AGENT

Question Can I grow catnip for my kitties?

Answer Catnip or catmint (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family (Labiatae family). It is native to the Mediterranean, but grows well in the United States. Like many plants in the mint family, it can become very “weedy” in most landscape situations. Many gardeners recommend planting mints in planters, hanging baskets or areas contained by some type of structure like a sidewalk.

Catnip contains a chemical called nepetalactone. This chemical does for cats what marijuana does for some people. Cats take off on a ten minute "trip" during which they appear to be in a state of ecstasy. After smelling catnip, cats will rub in it, roll on it, paw at it, chew it, lick it, jump around and purr, often while drooling. Some cats will also growl and meow. The response that catnip elicits in a cat is called psychosexual. It is thought to mimic feline sex pheromones.

This reaction only lasts for a few minutes before the cat loses interest. It may take from 15 minutes to two hours for a cat to "reset,” then it can come back to the catnip and repeat the same response. Hmmmmmmmmm, reset (catnip does not affect humans).

All species of cats react this way, even tigers, but not every individual cat reacts to it. This reaction is genetic. Greater than seventy percent of adult cats show a reaction to catnip. Young kittens are repelled by catnip. The positive or neutral response to catnip does not appear until they are at least three months old.

Scientists say it has no lasting effect and after the catnip "trip," the cat is back to normal with no ill effects. Valerian and Canadian Honeysuckle are plants that produce similar behaviors in cats.

A study conducted at Iowa State University suggests that pure nepetalactone may be 10 times as effective at repelling mosquitos as the common repellant, DEET. Catnip has been long recognized as a good companion plant (believed to repel pests). This study offers evidence into that phenomenon.

For more info about catnip, visit http://www.sfp.forprod.vt.edu/factsheets/catnip.pdf If you do not have access to the internet, then call the Extension Office at 893-7533 or email me at gpierce@harnett.org

One of these days you may be able to spray catnip on your arms to keep the “skeeters” away. The only drawback will be your cat drooling on you every 15 minutes and looking at you all google-eyed.

Gary L. Pierce

Horticulture Extension Agent

Harnett County