whats the difference between catnip and catmint

Catnip and catmint

are typically used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences between them. For example, catnip is the primary crop used to attract cats, while catmint doesn’t attract cats as frequently. Catmint makes a fantastic ornamental garden plant, as it has showier flowers compared to catnip.

Full Answer

Are cats supposed to eat catnip or just smell it?

So YES, cats can eat Catnip, but you could also ask the local vet to come and see your cat and see if they have any special likes and dislikes. They may not be able to identify the scent, but they will know how to treat any problems caused from the catnip.

What is catnip and how does it affect your cat?

When cats do react to catnip, there are some common symptoms and behaviors one may notice:

• Aggressive head rubs
• Rolling around on the ground or other surfaces
• Chattering
• Loud purring
• Vocalizing
• Drooling
• Dilated pupils
• Flipping around and hyperactive behavior
• Sleepiness

What is catnip used for besides cats?

Catnip can be used in veterinary clinics, shelters, and foster homes in addition to a cat's own home to help lower stress levels. Catnip is non-toxic to cats. Catnip is non-toxic to cats. Although rare, overindulgence can cause vomiting or diarrhea, so you may want to limit your cat's exposure if she's overly interested.

What is the best kind of catnip?

There are five popular types that include:

• True catnip ( Nepeta cataria )– Produces white to purple flowers and grows 3 feet (1 m.) high
• Greek catnip ( Nepeta parnassica )– Pale pink blooms and 1½ feet (.5 m.)
• Camphor catnip ( Nepeta camphorata )– White flowers with purple dots, about 1½ feet (.5 m.)
• Lemon catnip ( Nepeta citriodora )– White and purple blooms, reaching about 3 feet (1 m.) tall

More items...

What is the main use for catmint or catnip?

N. cataria, commonly called catnip, is a plant that's famous for attracting cats. It contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone that causes that characteristic euphoria in our feline friends.

Is it OK for cats to eat catmint?

Both catnip and catmint are types of mint that are safe to cats. Garden mint may cause gastrointestinal upset if too much is eaten. The essential oils specific to garden mint have also been known to relax the esophageal valve, making vomiting more likely in a cat who may already be ill.

Is catmint a drug for cats?

The short answer is no, catnip is not a drug in the traditional sense. To have an effect on your cat, it does not have to be ingested or be metabolized as something like THC needs to be. This is because catnip actually works entirely off scent.

Does the plant catmint attract cats?

Catnip (NepetaNepetanepeta (plural nepetas) (botany) Any plant of the genus Nepeta of flowering plants, including catnip.https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › nepetanepeta - Wiktionary cataria) is a common, white-flowered plant in the mint family found throughout the United States, especially in disturbed areas. Cats love to roll in these low-growing plants, and cat toys filled with the dried leaves are famous for driving cats wild.

How do I stop my cat from eating catmint?

So, cover freshly planted nepetasnepetasnepeta (plural nepetas) (botany) Any plant of the genus Nepeta of flowering plants, including catnip.https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › nepetanepeta - Wiktionary with some sort of barrier (a cut-off gallon milk jug, for example) to keep the cats away. After 4 or 5 days, the aroma accidentally released during planting will have disappeared and cats will no longer be a bother.

Why is it called catmint?

Some members of this group are known as catnip or catmint because of their effect on house cats – the nepetanepetanepeta (plural nepetas) (botany) Any plant of the genus Nepeta of flowering plants, including catnip.https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › nepetanepeta - Wiktionarylactone contained in some Nepeta species binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, typically resulting in temporary euphoria.

Is it cruel to give a cat catnip?

There's no evidence that catnip is harmful to cats or young kittens. However, if they eat a lot of the fresh or dried catnip leaves, they can get an upset tummy along with vomiting or diarrhea.

What does catmint do to cats?

For most cats, catmint leads to a euphoric, hyperactive state. Some animals even become hyperactive on contact with catmint, rubbing themselves against the plant or even rolling in it. Other cats also nibble on the leaves.

What is the human equivalent to catnip?

A human analog that causes similar effects [as catnip on cats], as in a comparable high, would be LSD or marijuana.

Is catmint toxic to dogs?

(NepetaNepetanepeta (plural nepetas) (botany) Any plant of the genus Nepeta of flowering plants, including catnip.https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › nepetanepeta - Wiktionary) It may be called catmint, but it's dog-friendly too! It's one of the longest-blooming perennials on the market, providing over 5 months of flowers. It has strong stems, so it can handle some disturbance from a curious dog.

Will catmint rebloom if cut back?

Even without being sheared, the plant will repeat bloom and continue to look attractive over the hot summer months. Leave spent foliage in place over winter to help protect the crown. Wait until early spring to cut it back. To keep catmint vigorous, divide it every three to four years in either spring or early fall.

Should catmint be deadheaded?

Catmint blooms throughout summer and fall. Deadheading spent blooms promotes additional flowering. It can also help prevent re-seeding. Faassen's catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is sterile, however, and doesn't require deadheading.

What does catmint do to cats?

For most cats, catmint leads to a euphoric, hyperactive state. Some animals even become hyperactive on contact with catmint, rubbing themselves against the plant or even rolling in it. Other cats also nibble on the leaves.

Will cats destroy catmint?

Catmints will usually be hassle-free and don't generally have a lot of issues with pests or diseases. Cats which are attracted to the catmint may roll around on it and damage a clump, but will not usually destroy the plants altogether.

How do I give my cat catmint?

How to Best Use Catnip?Rub catnip into your cat's scratching post to encourage use.Place catnip in toys to promote active play and exercise.Sprinkle catnip in a new environment to encourage shy cats to be comfortable and help cat-to-cat introductions go smoothly.More items...

Is catmint safe for cats and dogs?

(NepetaNepetanepeta (plural nepetas) (botany) Any plant of the genus Nepeta of flowering plants, including catnip.https://en.wiktionary.org › wiki › nepetanepeta - Wiktionary) It may be called catmint, but it's dog-friendly too! It's one of the longest-blooming perennials on the market, providing over 5 months of flowers.

Difference Between Catnip and Catmint

It is true that catnip and species commonly known as catmint have quite a lot in common. They are low maintenance perennials that grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9, and thrive in full to part sun.

Where to Buy

When purchasing plants or seeds, be sure to check for the botanical name to make sure you have the right species.

What is the winner of catmint vs catnip?

When it comes to catmint vs catnip, there’s only one member of this family that reigns supreme as far as your kitty is concerned and the winner is… catnip! Whether it’s catnip toys or fresh catnip, most furkids can’t get enough of the heavenly green stuff.

Why is catmint used in cooking?

Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip and the leaves are often harvested for use in cooking because of their similar taste to mint. Unlike catmint, catnip is often used as a remedy for fevers, colds, cramps, and migraines, and can be turned into catnip tea for cats or humans.

What happens if my cat eats catnip?

If your cat goes crazy after eating catnip and starts running around, excessively licking or chewing, shaking their head, rubbing, rolling, and salivating all over the place, don’t be alarmed – all of those behaviors are well documented side effects of being exposed to nepetalactone.

Is catmint poisonous to cats?

It’s unlikely you’ll find your kitty nibbling away on any catmint you have growing in your garden but if you do, rest assured it’s non-toxic so it won’t do them any harm. Catnip on the other hand is worth paying more attention to.

Is catmint safe for cats?

You probably already know that it’s safe for feline furkids to eat catnip, but what about catmint? While many of the plants in the mint family are toxic for cats, that’s usually only the case when they’re consumed in large quantities, and the good news is that catmint is perfectly safe.

Does catmint have nepetalactone?

While catmint also contains nepetalactone, it’s present in much smaller amounts, and although some kitties may still find catmint interesting, it’s unlikely to have the same enthralling effect as catnip.

Can cats eat catmint?

You probably already know that it’s safe for feline furkids to eat catnip, but what about catmint? While many of the plants in the mint family are toxic for cats, that’s usually only the case when they’re consumed in large quantities, and the good news is that catmint is perfectly safe.

Cats may appreciate both of these feline-friendly perennials, but the plants differ quite a bit when it comes to their landscape value

A sprig of catnip or a toy stuffed with the intoxicating herb is a surefire way to catch the attention of even the most reserved and aloof family cat. But catnip isn't the only plant that can send kitties into a frenzy of entertaining antics from repeatedly rolling in the herb to munching on the leaves and then racing around the room.

Catnip vs. Catmint

Catnip and catmint both belong to the genus Nepeta in the mint family. They both have square stems that are typical features of mint plants. And they each produce spikes of tiny, two-lipped flowers that are a valuable food source for pollinators.

Where to Plant Catnip and Catmint

Both catnip and catnip grow well in full sun. They will tolerate a few hours of shade but need about eight hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Catnip and catmint grow in average, well-drained soil. Catnip will tolerate poor soil and will reseed and spread readily, becoming a nuisance in warmer climates.

How to Grow Catnip and Catmint

You can find catnip and catmint plants at local garden centers. Catmint is usually stocked alongside popular perennial plants such as purple coneflower and yarrow. Catnip is often in the herb section of a garden center. Or you can find both plants through online retailers, either as potted plants or seeds.

Catnip vs Catmint: Classification

There’s no denying that catnip and catmint are related, given their names and similar appearances. However, it is important to note that catmint is descended from catnip, as catnip is one of its parent plants. Therefore, it is safe to say that all catmint is technically catnip, but not all catnip can be classified as catmint.

Catnip vs Catmint: Description

Given that catnip grows more than catmint does, it has a shaggier and less clean appearance compared to the average catmint plant.

Catnip vs Catmint: Uses

Catmint makes a fantastic ornamental garden plant, as it has showier flowers compared to catnip.

Catnip vs Catmint: Origin and How to Grow

It is fairly easy to grow catnip and catmint, given that they are both drought-tolerant and love full sun. However, catnip actively reseeds itself, while catmint does not. This means that catnip is more likely to spread and get out of control, particularly in the heat of summer, while catmint will remain roughly the same size.

Which is better for cats: catmint or catnip?from gardeningknowhow.com

If you are looking for a plant to grow purely for the enjoyment of your cats, go with catnip, but if you want a prettier perennial with ongoing blooms, catmint is the better choice. Printer Friendly Version.

What is the winner of catmint vs catnip?from petsradar.com

When it comes to catmint vs catnip, there’s only one member of this family that reigns supreme as far as your kitty is concerned and the winner is… catnip! Whether it’s catnip toys or fresh catnip, most furkids can’t get enough of the heavenly green stuff.

Can cats eat catmint?from gardeningknowhow.com

You probably already know that it’s safe for feline furkids to eat catnip, but what about catmint? While many of the plants in the mint family are toxic for cats, that’s usually only the case when they’re consumed in large quantities, and the good news is that catmint is perfectly safe.

Why is catmint used in cooking?from petsradar.com

Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip and the leaves are often harvested for use in cooking because of their similar taste to mint. Unlike catmint, catnip is often used as a remedy for fevers, colds, cramps, and migraines, and can be turned into catnip tea for cats or humans.

What happens if my cat eats catnip?from petsradar.com

If your cat goes crazy after eating catnip and starts running around, excessively licking or chewing, shaking their head, rubbing, rolling, and salivating all over the place, don’t be alarmed – all of those behaviors are well documented side effects of being exposed to nepetalactone.

Is catmint poisonous to cats?from petsradar.com

It’s unlikely you’ll find your kitty nibbling away on any catmint you have growing in your garden but if you do, rest assured it’s non-toxic so it won’t do them any harm. Catnip on the other hand is worth paying more attention to.

Is catmint a perennial?from gardeningknowhow.com

Catnip has a weedier appearance, while catmint is often used as a pretty, flowering perennial in beds. Catmint flowers more continuously than catnip. Catnip flowers are typically white. Catmint flowers are lavender. Some people harvest catmint leaves to use as a culinary herb similar to mint.

What is the difference between catmint and catnip?

In terms of flowers, Catnip usually has white flowers, whereas the most popular forms of Catmint have a purple-colored flower. However, there are catmints that also have white, pink, and even yellow varieties, though the yellow form is not common.

Where does catnip come from?

The origin of the plant is not known other than it grows naturally in Europe and Asia. The plant leaves can be used in herbal teas like the catmint, but the plant does not possess the insect repellent qualities of catnip due to the lack of Nepetalactone in the leaves.

How tall is a catmint plant?

In terms of plant height, the most common Catnip varieties are 2 to 3 ft tall, whereas the Catmint varieties vary in height from 1 to 4 ft depending upon the specific variety. To compare common varieties see the table below, there is also additional detail including photos of the individual varieties available at www.gardenia.net.

Where did catnip originate?

As mentioned as Catnip ( Nepeta cataria) is a member of the Nepeta genus which is in the Lamiaceae family (mint). The precise origins of the plant are not known though it grows naturally in several parts of both Europe and Asia. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that the plant was brought to the Americas. The plant proved to be popular with the Native American population who began incorporating the plant into their foods and medicines.

How long does it take for a cat to become immune to Nepetalactone?

The impact of this chemical will only last around 15 minutes or so before the cats become immune to its effects.

How long does immunity last in cats?

This immunity typically lasts for around an hour before the cats are again susceptible to its effects. However, it is important to note that not all cats are affected, kittens are immune to its effects along with 3 out of 10 adult cats which possess a genetic variation that prevents the animals from being affected according to New Scientist.

Is catmint the same as catnip?

Catmint and Catnip are two separate species from the same genus of Nepeta which is in the mint family. Being from the same genus means the plants are closely related to each other and have many common physical traits such as similar leaves and flower shapes though the color is different (discussed later in the article). However, the most distinctive difference is the presence of nepetalactone in Catnip which attracts cats. As Catmint does not contain this compound it does not have any effect on them.

What are the differences between catnip and catmint?

But there are some important and noticeable differences between catnip and catmint.

What is catnip in gardening?

Catnip is Nepeta cataria, which is also sometimes (confusingly) referred to as catmint or catwort. When gardeners refer to catmint, they are most likely talking about Nepeta mussinii or “Walker’s Low”, a popular perennial with bluish purple flowers. Catmint, from Nature Hills Nursery.

What is catmint used for?

It is a natural insect repellent, and can be planted abundantly around your yard to help control pests . This is good news for folks looking for eco-friendly repellent options!

What is the ingredient in catnip?

The component in catnip that makes it so irresistible to many felines is called nepetalactone. Nepetalactone is also found in catmint, (as well as many other species of the Nepeta genus) but in smaller quantities. So while some cats may show an interest in catmint, many others may pay it no mind at all.

What is Nepeta Mussinii used for?

Nepeta mussinii also has medicinal uses. The leaves can be steeped and used to make tea, which is said to have a calming and relaxing effect. Catmint tea can help with tummy troubles such as gas, indigestion, and cramping. It’s also good for respiratory problems such as chest congestion or cold.

How long do catmint flowers last?

It grows in mounds, and has leaves that measure 1 to 2 inches in length. Blooming profusely in late spring, its bright bluish purple flowers can last for months, through to mid summer. Catnip, on the other hand, has little ornamental appeal.

Is catmint good for you?

It’s also good for respiratory problems such as chest congestion or cold. The catmint plant is also edible, and can be used for culinary purposes like other kitchen herbs. It has traditionally been used fresh, dried, or frozen, as a flavoring component in soups and sauces. It has a mild, minty taste.

Do cats prefer catmint or catnip?

Catnip and catmint can appeal equally to some felines, while others seem to prefer catnip and will pass by catmint without a second glance. From a landscape standpoint, catmint is considered the more ornamental choice of the two plants. Catmint’s purple flowers and tidy shape make it a more showy garden plant.

Does catmint have the same effect as catnip?

Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is similar to catnip, but does not stimulate cats. It is a low-growing mounded plant with attractive, gray-green foliage. It’s profuse blue flowers appear in early summer and again through the monsoon season. It is heat and drought tolerant once established.

Is catmint good for cats?

Can cats eat catmint? You probably already know that it’s safe for feline furkids to eat catnip, but what about catmint? While many of the plants in the mint family are toxic for cats, that’s usually only the case when they’re consumed in large quantities, and the good news is that catmint is perfectly safe.

What is catmint used for?

Much like other herbal teas, catmint herbal tea can aid digestive problems such as upset stomachs, excessive gas, diarrhea, and nausea. It’s also good for respiratory problems such as cold, cough, and chest congestion. Catmint could also help to relieve stomach pain and menstrual cramps too.

Is catmint toxic to humans?

Just like other mint family plants, Catmint is edible and not considered toxic for humans or pets. If large amounts are eaten, it can cause stomach upset, but rarely any other problems.

Does catmint keep bugs away?

Catmint repels aphids, cabbage looper, Colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, flea beetle, Japanese beetle, and, squash bugs. The one drawback with catnip is that some varieties can be aggressive spreaders and quickly take over large parts of the garden. Perennial.

Will catmint attract cats to my garden?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a common, white-flowered plant in the mint family found throughout the United States, especially in disturbed areas. Cats love to roll in these low-growing plants, and cat toys filled with the dried leaves are famous for driving cats wild.

What is catmint nepeta?

Catnip ( Nepeta Cataria) is the most popular variety of catmint among cat lovers the world over. Nepetalactone is the organic compound found in catnip that sends our furry friends into a euphoric frenzy.

What is chirpy cats?

Chirpy Cats is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases

Is catmint a perennial?

Catmint ( Nepeta faassenii) is an attractive looking mint variety with beautiful lavender flowers that attract bumblebees and butterflies. It’s a perennial ornamental and comes back each year with very little care as they are super drought tolerant.