Catmint is a versatile herbaceous perennial belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). This plant typically forms a bushy mound, growing approximately two to three feet tall and wide. Its aromatic foliage is often gray-green, while its upright flower spikes display small, tubular blooms in shades of lavender-blue, pink, or white, appearing from late spring into fall. Catmint is a popular choice for gardeners due to its appealing appearance and adaptable nature.
Catmint’s Appeal to Felines
The allure of catmint for felines stems from nepetalactone, a unique chemical compound that induces behaviors like rolling, purring, sniffing, and playing, often leading to a euphoric or hyperactive state. Nepetalactone mimics feline pheromones, activating their opioid system and triggering these responses.
Catmint serves as an enriching tool for cats, particularly for those with a less active lifestyle, as its scent can awaken their natural play instincts. Pet owners offer catmint in various forms, including fresh leaves, dried herb, or infused toys. Effects vary, lasting five minutes to two hours, but catmint is generally non-toxic and safe for cats in small quantities. Not all cats react; approximately 70% to 80% display sensitivity, a trait often linked to genetics, and young kittens or senior cats may not respond.
Enhancing Your Garden with Catmint
Beyond its appeal to cats, catmint offers many garden advantages. Its aromatic properties deter various pests, including deer, rabbits, and certain insects like aphids, Japanese beetles, and squash bugs, protecting neighboring plants.
Catmint also attracts beneficial pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, contributing to a thriving garden environment. Its long blooming period, extending from late spring through fall, provides a consistent nectar source for these important garden visitors. Gardeners appreciate catmint for its hardiness across USDA zones 3 to 9, its drought tolerance once established, and its minimal maintenance requirements, making it ideal for low-care landscapes.
Catmint for Human Well-being
Historically, catmint has been utilized in herbal traditions since the Middle Ages, particularly for its calming properties. Many find catmint helps relieve tension, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation, potentially aiding sleep due to its mild sedative effects.
The herb also supports digestion, often used to soothe upset stomachs, alleviate gas, and address issues like diarrhea or nausea. Additionally, catmint has traditional uses for its mild anti-inflammatory effects and addressing respiratory concerns like coughs and congestion. Catmint tea is a common method of consumption, made by steeping fresh or dried leaves in hot water.
Safe Use and Key Distinctions
Catmint is generally safe for both cats and humans, but moderation is advisable. For humans, consuming large quantities might lead to mild side effects such as upset stomach, vomiting, headaches, or drowsiness. In rare cases, cats might exhibit temporary aggression or stomach upset if they ingest an excessive amount.
It is important to distinguish between “catmint” and “catnip,” as these terms, though often used interchangeably, refer to different Nepeta genus plants. Catnip, specifically Nepeta cataria, is known for its higher concentration of nepetalactone. Ornamental “catmint” varieties, such as Nepeta x faassenii, typically have a tidier appearance with more continuous blooms and may contain lower concentrations of nepetalactone, making them less attractive to some felines. Catnip also tends to have a weedier growth habit with white flowers, while many cultivated catmints feature lavender or blue flowers and a more compact form.