Do you have a cat? Then you certainly know about the phenomenon of catnip, not to be confused with cat grass. But what exactly is catnip and why is it so popular? Most cats like catnip. It has the Latin name Nepeta cataria.
Catnip is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall. Typical characteristics of the plant are its rolled and notched leaves. It is also characterized by its hairy underside and the gray-green color of the leaves. We will explain why catnip is so popular in today's blog post.
Why is catnip so popular with cats?
As an ornamental plant, catnip is very decorative and popular not only with cats. Hobby gardeners also enjoy the plant, which is very easy to care for. It is pollinated by almost all insects and flowers for a very long time. Catnip is very popular with cats, because they get a real buzz from this plant. They rub or roll on it and can hardly keep away from it.
What secret lies behind catnip?
Catnip is loved for its many uses. On the one hand, the plants are used to border flower beds. They thus give other plants good support. On the other hand, catnip is a wild plant that can withstand the summer heat well. Catnip is also known as blue mint. It is often used as a companion plant for roses. Another important factor that makes catnip so popular, and not just among cats, is the contrast that the plant creates with other plants. Last but not least, its similar appearance makes it an alternative to lavender.
Cats love catnip
Cats can react very strongly to catnip. Individual or combined reactions to the plant or its smell are often observed in cats. Some animals just rub themselves against the catnip. Other animals cuddle the plant again and again and nibble on the leaves. Still other cats are absolutely crazy about rolling around in the lush green of the catnip. It is not uncommon to hear a pleasant purring sound. It also gives the impression that the animals can hardly tear themselves away from the plant. This is why catnip is often said to have an intoxicating effect.
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