Catmint: The Plant That Sends Cats Into Feline Frenzy

Catmint, also known as catnip or nepeta, is well-known for its intoxicating effects on cats. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, this mint family member has a long history of attracting and affecting felines in peculiar ways. For centuries, people have wondered – why are cats attracted to catmint? What’s the reason behind their funny reaction to this aromatic perennial? Let’s explore the unique relationship between cats and catmint to unravel the mysteries behind this cat-crazed plant.

An Intoxicating Aroma

The key factor that attracts cats to catmint is its potent aroma. The plant contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone which gives catmint its distinctive minty scent. When cats inhale this fragrance, it mimics feline pheromones and binds to receptors in their olfactory epithelium. This triggers a neurological response that alters their behavior and induces a temporary euphoric state. Simply put, for cats, catmint is like a recreational drug that gets them “high”

Not all cats react exactly the same way, but most exhibit a combination of these behaviors when exposed to catmint

• Rolling, rubbing, and writhing on the plant
• Licking or chewing the leaves and stems
• Salivating, drooling, or foaming at the mouth
• Pupil dilation and ear twitching
• Hyperactivity, erratic jumping, and frenzied running
• Out-of-character vocalizations and meowing
• Aggressive play and attack behaviors

The feline catmint craze can last 5-15 minutes before the cat returns to normal. Some may revisit the plant later for another dose. It’s no wonder catmint sends cats into such a tizzy—that nepetalactone aroma clearly taps right into their primal nature!

A Feline Fascination

Documented observations of cats reacting to catmint date back to the 1600s. Across Europe, cats were frequently described acting bizarrely around certain herb patches. The 18th century naturalist Carl Linnaeus aptly dubbed it “cataria,” Latin for cat. Legend says catmint was included in British cat gardens specifically to entertain felines.

Today, over 50% of domestic cats inherit a dominant gene that makes them susceptible to catmint’s effects. Among big cats, lions, leopards, and jaguars also respond to it. For millennia, the unique catmint-cat connection has captivated humans and felines alike.

Catmint holds zero attraction for people – we simply don’t have the right olfactory receptors. But its alluring scent and our cats’ hilarious reactions have earned catmint a permanent place in many herb gardens. There are over 250 catmint species, but N. cataria and N. mussini cause the strongest reactions in cats.

Planting Catmint

Want some cat entertainment in your yard (or a funny viral video)? Plant some catmint! This carefree perennial thrives in zones 3-8. Choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil. Catmint grows 1-3 feet tall on slender upright stems with grayish-green leaves. Tubular lavender-blue flowers bloom from late spring through fall. It spreads easily via rhizomes and self-seeds freely.

Trim catmint after initial flowering to encourage a second bloom. Prune again in late fall to shape it. Catmint is drought-tolerant and has few pest issues aside from occasional spider mites. It fills spaces quickly and mingles beautifully with other herbs, perennials, and annuals. For maximum feline interest, plant catmint in a garden bed or border within view of windows and patios.

Catmint Varieties

With numerous hybrids available, choosing catmint varieties can be tricky. Here are some top picks for potency, vigor, and flower power:

• Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’ – Groundcover with blue flowers, up to 15 inches tall. Sterile; doesn’t spread aggressively.

• Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ – Compact mounds with large lavender-blue blooms. Grows 10-12 inches tall.

• Nepeta x faassenii ‘Junior Walker’ – Dwarf variety under 1 foot tall, ideal for containers. Sky blue flowers.

• Nepeta racemosa ‘Little Titch’ – Tiny rounded mounds with blue flowers, 6 inches tall. Good for edging.

• Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dream’ – Clump-forming with deep blue blooms, 12-18 inches tall. Heat and drought tolerant.

• Nepeta ‘Purrsian Blue’ – Upright habit, huge blue flower clusters. Grows up to 3 feet tall.

There are also catmint varieties with pink, white, or purple blooms if you want more color diversity. Shop for young nursery plants in spring and look for varieties proven to excite kitties.

Cats Off Limits?

If allowing your feline to frolic freely in catmint isn’t possible or desirable, you can still grow it, just out of paw’s reach. Here are some tips to keep cats away from catmint:

• Plant it in a hanging basket, elevated planter, or window box.

• Surround the garden bed with plastic scat mats, chicken wire, or fencing.

• Use motion-activated deterrents like sprinklers or noisemakers.

• Spray plants with cat-repelling scents using citrus, menthol, or pepper oils. Reapply after rain.

• Consider decoy plants; some cats ignore catmint relatives like thyme, oregano, lavender or lemon balm.

With persistence and creativity, you can reap the beauty of catmint without the chaotic kitty interest. The key is making access difficult and reducing its scent molecules in the air.

Beyond Cat Entertainment

Aside from its cat-crazy qualities, catmint has many other merits. Its airy texture and bee-friendly blooms add visual interest to gardens all season long. Catmint is deer and rabbit resistant, so it’s hassle-free. The aroma and flavor have mild minty notes great for teas, seasoning, and potpourri. For a beautiful, carefree plant that doubles as environmental enrichment for felines, grow nepeta cataria!

So embrace the quirky relationship between cats and catmint in your garden. Let your cats revel in its mind-altering fragrance and exhibit their wild side. Capture the hilarious feline reactions on video for endless amusement. Most importantly, enjoy the whimsical garden magic that comes from pairing cats with their favorite herb. The catmint-cat frenzy is sure to delight!