It’s said that catmint, which is also called catnip or nepeta, can make cats crazy and happy. But why do cats really like this smelly herb so much? As a cat owner and gardener, I set out to find out.
A Potent, Intoxicating Aroma
The key factor drawing cats to catmint is its powerful minty aroma. Catmint contains a chemical called nepetalactone which mimics feline pheromones when inhaled by cats. This binds to receptors in their nose, triggering a response in their brain that alters their behavior.
Simply put, for cats, catmint smells like cat sex hormones! This provokes an intense neurological and physical reaction similar to them entering a euphoric or “high” state.
When exposed to catmint cats exhibit these temporary behaviors
- Rolling, rubbing, and writhing ecstatically on the plant
- Licking, chewing, even eating the leaves and stems
- Foaming at the mouth and drooling due to excessive salivation
- Dilated pupils and twitching ears
- Hyperactivity, erratic jumping, frenzied running
- Vocalizing or meowing strangely
- Play aggression and attack behaviors
Cats are crazy about catmint for 5 to 15 minutes, and then they’re back to normal. But many of them come back for more! It’s easy to see why catmint makes cats so excited.
A Centuries-Old Feline Fascination s have documented cats reacting strongly to catmint for centuries. Across Europe in the 1600s, cats were often described as acting bizarrely around certain herb patches, earning it the name “cataria” meaning cat.
Legend even says British cat gardens included catmint solely for feline entertainment! Today over 50% of domestic cats inherit a gene making them susceptible to catmint’s effects. Even big cats like lions and leopards respond to it.
Clearly, the unique catmint-cat intoxication has mutually fascinated both species for eons. While catmint holds no appeal for humans – we lack the receptors – its funny effects on cats have earned this herb a permanent place in many gardens.
Maximizing the Catmint-Cat Connection
Add catmint to your garden for fun for your cats or a funny video that goes viral. This carefree perennial does well in zones 3–8 and full sun. It grows on thin stems that are 1 to 3 feet tall and has gray-green leaves. Tubular lavender-blue flowers bloom spring through fall.
For vigorous growth, plant young nursery catmint plants in spring. Seek out varieties specifically known to excite cats. Place catmint beds or borders where they can be seen from windows and patios so cats can get to them easily.
Trim catmint after initial flowering for a second bloom. Also prune in late fall to shape plants. This tough plant spreads easily, filling in spaces and mingling beautifully with other herbs, perennials and annuals.
If allowing your cat to enjoy catmint isn’t possible, grow it out of reach in pots or hanging baskets. You can also use fencing, cat deterrent sprays, or decoy plants like lavender to divert cats away from the catmint. With some creativity, you can safely enjoy catmint’s beauty without the chaos!
More Than Just Catnip
Beyond being “kitty crack”, catmint has many other merits too. Its airy texture and bee-friendly blooms add lovely visual interest to gardens. As a bonus, it’s deer and rabbit resistant. The minty aroma and flavor are great for teas, seasonings, and potpourri as well.
For an amusing, carefree plant that doubles as environmental enrichment for cats, look no further than nepeta cataria! Let your cats delight in its intoxicating scent and exhibit their wild side. Share the hilarious reactions on social media for endless entertainment. Most of all, revel in the magical garden chemistry between cats and their favorite feline-frenzy herb.
