Being of the Feline persuasion, I, Biffy,
This weed, Nepeta cataria, commonly known as Catnip, has many uses other than driving cats bonkers. Used internally by humans, in the form of Catnip tea, it can help reduce the symptoms of a cold or soothe the nerves and help them sleep. If rubbed on raw meat, it acts as a tenderizer or it can be mixed with olive oil for a marinade. The leaves can be used to make a light yellow dye. Catnip has been cultivated since the days of the Roman Empire.
However, catnip's most common use is as a kitty drug. What is it about catnip that turns most felines into playful kittens? It is a chemical called nepetalacone. When the leaves of the catnip plant are broken, a scent is released which triggers the pleasure center in the cat's brain. The physiological reaction is the same as when humans smoke marijuana. This reaction lasts approximately 15 minutes, during which time cats will roll, rub, salivate, play, jump and act very silly indeed. Shortly, as the effects wear off, the cat will have a very pleasant nap.
Catnip is easy to grow, indoors or out. Seeds should be planted indoors in March or April in a good rich potting soil. Cover the pot with plastic wrap and water often enough to keep the soil lightly moist. Plant seedlings outdoors in late April or early May in sandy soil in a sunny location. Or you can thin them out into separate pots and grow them on a sunny windowsill. Catnip spreads, so you will need to pant your seedlings 12 inches apart. Prune during the growing season, using the clippings as a treat for your cat.
Since catnip also attracts bees and butterflies while repelling other insects, it is ornamental and beneficial. The plants can grow up to 36 inches tall and bloom from June through September. The flowers are white with purple spots. If you are growing catnip mostly for the leaves, don't let it bloom at all early in the season. The plant produces flowers to attract insects to fertilize their seeds and puts all its energy into the seeds. If the flowers bloom, wither and die, the plant becomes spindly. Keep the flowers snipped to encourage leafy growth.
What Is It About Catnip??
.
have often wondered about that terrific kitty treat, catnip.
So, I asked my Mom if she would research it for me.
(Research really takes away from my naptime.)
She discovered the information below in an article
in Cats Magazine, April 1999 issue.
Cats Magazine is our favorite and I will be sharing
other things we discover there as the site progresses.
(Information taken from Cats Magazine)
Hundreds of years ago a farmer probably noticed his cat rolling around in a patch of minty weeds and acting very peculiar. He assumed that, if the cat loved it that much, it might be good for him. He discovered that and a lot more.
