Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a perennial herb in the mint family famous for the euphoric reaction it triggers in most domestic and wild felines. This behavioral effect comes from nepetalactone, a volatile oil found primarily in the leaves and stems. When the plant is bruised, this compound stimulates sensory neurons in a cat’s nose, leading to behaviors like rolling, rubbing, and playful excitement. Catnip can be found by foraging in nature, purchasing commercial products, or cultivating it at home.
Locating Catnip in the Wild
Catnip is native to Europe and Asia but has become widely naturalized across North America, flourishing as a common weed in disturbed environments. It typically grows along roadsides, in waste areas, and at the edges of fields and forests where the soil has been disrupted. The plant is hardy, often thriving in poor, gravelly, or well-drained soil, preferring full sun to partial shade.
Identifying Nepeta cataria involves observing physical characteristics common to the mint family. The stem is four-sided and light green. The leaves are attached oppositely and are heart-shaped, ovate, or triangular, featuring coarsely scalloped or toothed edges. Both the stems and leaves are covered in fine, grayish-white hairs, giving the foliage a slightly muted appearance.
The plant grows one to three feet tall and produces clusters of small, two-lipped flowers in dense whorls at the tips of the stems. These blooms are typically white or pale lavender, sometimes marked with purple or pink spots. The most reliable identification method is the scent; rubbing a leaf releases a characteristic, pungent, minty aroma distinct from other wild mints. Always ensure positive identification before harvesting and avoid areas treated with herbicides or pesticides.
Retail and Commercial Availability
The most convenient method for obtaining catnip is through commercial retail channels. The most traditional form is dried catnip, usually consisting of shredded leaves and flower buds, which are the most potent parts of the plant. This dried herb is sold in bulk containers, small resealable bags, and as stuffing for cat toys.
Pet supply stores, both physical and online, are the primary sources for dried catnip products and infused items. Online retailers often provide bulk purchasing options, which are cost-effective for frequent users. Beyond the dried form, catnip is sold as a concentrated oil or spray, made by distilling the nepetalactone compound. These sprays offer a mess-free way to encourage a cat to use a new scratching post, bed, or carrier, though they may be less potent than high-quality dried flower buds.
For those interested in cultivation, garden centers, nurseries, and specialty seed catalogs sell fresh starter plants or seeds. When purchasing commercially, it is worth noting that the potency of the herb can vary significantly. Catnip sourced from the plant’s flower buds and upper leaves is typically more active than products containing mostly stem material. Seeking products that specify the use of leaves and flowers, or those labeled as organic, may increase the likelihood of acquiring a potent product.
Growing Your Own Catnip
Cultivating Nepeta cataria provides a continuous supply of fresh, highly potent leaves, which many cats prefer over the dried commercial variety. The plant can be started from seeds or purchased starter plants. If planting seeds, stratification—freezing them overnight and then soaking them in water for a day—is recommended to break their tough outer shell and improve germination rates.
Catnip thrives in a location that receives full sun for at least six hours daily, though it tolerates partial shade. The ideal soil is well-draining, and the plant prefers conditions that are slightly alkaline or sandy. Since catnip is a vigorous, spreading perennial, managing its growth is important, as it can quickly become invasive in a garden bed.
Planting catnip in a large container or raised bed is a practical way to restrict the spread of its root system. If planting directly into the ground, a physical barrier or regular pruning is necessary to control its growth. For maximum potency, the leaves and stems should be harvested just before the plant begins to flower, when the concentration of nepetalactone is highest. Cutting the stems back hard encourages new growth and prevents the plant from reseeding itself.