Orpheus & Rocco and their new catnip plant: part 1

Orpheus & Rocco and their new catnip plant: part 1 Video Clips. Duration : 1.18 Mins.

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Why Does Catnip Make Cats Go Crazy?

'Catnip' or Nepeta cataria is a particular herb which belongs to the mint family, which was originally it was native to only Europe. It is notable for causing different levels of feline enjoyment! There are over 250 species of this herb, but "Common Catnip" is the variety that most felines enjoy!

[b]Catmint[/b]

Catnip will influence around 50% of cats, and their reaction may range from the weird to the bizarre, but will commonly give them great enjoyment, and you a whole lot of laughs!

So What Will Catnip do to my Cat?!

Many cats will roll in catnip to their hearts content. Other will lick it, dribble in it and sniff it - amongst many others no doubt!

The supervene will last in many cases around 10 minutes after which the catnip's effects will wear off. But these 10 minutes are great fun for the cat and the owner alike!

Their behaviour may be strange to you - they may appear drunk, noisy or wobbly whilst under the effects of catnip, but don't worry, catnip is harmless.

Some cats, however, are wholly unaffected by catnip, and some may come to be aggressive. But these are rare cases.

Catnip toys are a great way of combining a regular toy with this funny herb, to add other level of enjoyment to your cat's playtime!

Catnip is also known by the following names: Cataria, Catmint, Catnep, Catrup, Cat's Heal All, Cat's-play, Cat's Wort, Catswort, Catwort, Chi Hsueh Tsao, Field Balm, garden Nep, Herba Cataria, Herba Catti, Nebada, Nep.

Why Does Catnip Make Cats Go Crazy?

The Catnip Plant

The Catnip Plant Video Clips. Duration : 0.85 Mins.

Love at first sight :-)

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Pineapple On Catnip

Pineapple On Catnip Tube. Duration : 0.70 Mins.

She's the cutest. CATNIP ALL DAY.

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Gato meets catnip plant (part 1)

Gato meets catnip plant (part 1) Tube. Duration : 2.12 Mins.

This video was uploaded from an Android phone.

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Henri and His Catnip Plant

Henri and His Catnip Plant Video Clips. Duration : 1.30 Mins.

Henri (Mousey Turner) discovers his first catnip plant in the garden! See more of Mousey Turner on https://www.facebook.com/mouseyturner.

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Simba and his catnip plant :D

Simba and his catnip plant :D Tube. Duration : 1.27 Mins.

My kitten Simba loving his plant!

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How my cat reacts to Catnip plant.

How my cat reacts to Catnip plant. Tube. Duration : 4.88 Mins.

Here my 8 month old Himalayan cross Bengal shows her liking to Catnip plant in Brisbane, Australia.

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How Catnip Affects Cats

Many cat owners have wondered what is so special about catnip. Catnip (also called catmint) is not nothing else but one plant, but the whole genus, Nepeta, consisting of 250 species of plants. These plants look like small green-gray mint leaves with buds of white or purple flowers. Catnip has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy and was the most coarse tea consumed in Europe before trading was established from the orient.

[b]Catnip[/b]

How it works: anyone who has seen a cat sass to catnip has probably wondered what the cause is. It is believed that the chemical emitted by the plant (Nepetalactone) mimics feline pheromone. Valerian and honeysuckle also contain more trace amounts of this involved chemical. While dried catnip has some effect, fresh catnip is particularly enticing.

A great deal of cats sass to this by rolling around, pawing, meowing, licking, biting, scratching and even becoming aggressive or euphoric. Interestingly this same chemical works to repel cockroaches and termites, so getting kitty a snack is useful for the whole house.

In the Genes?: It is suspected that catnip response is genetic as there are some cat breeds that do not sass to catnip, most notably Australian and Southeast Asian breeds. Cats whose breeds are from areas where catnip does not grow are more likely to be immune to responding along with kittens who are not yet sexually mature.

Availability: Catnip is available distilled into a spray, as a pure oil, fresh, dried leaves or dried or fresh buds( the tip of the plant where the flowers are, this contains the top concentration). Catnip can be sewn into the linings of cat beds and toys or sprayed directly on.

A few handling notes: Catnip potency can be affected if it is kept in sunlight. Otherwise catnip has an very long shelf life. Crush dried leaves to issue the chemical.

How Catnip Affects Cats

Funny cat reaction to catnip

Funny cat reaction to catnip Tube. Duration : 0.68 Mins.

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Mazzy's First Catnip Plant

Mazzy's First Catnip Plant Tube. Duration : 1.98 Mins.

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Rocky loving a piece of catnip

Rocky loving a piece of catnip Tube. Duration : 0.52 Mins.

Rocky with an actual catnip plant.

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Catnip Herb type where tea

Catnip Herb type where tea Video Clips. Duration : 0.43 Mins.

Catnip Herb Dot Com is the web site that provides details about Catnip Herb or various herbs. Catnip Herb and use of various herbs or effectively. To regular...

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Cat Getting Leisurely Stoned on a Fresh Catnip Plant

Cat Getting Leisurely Stoned on a Fresh Catnip Plant Tube. Duration : 1.65 Mins.

Our cat, Dog, enjoying her first fresh catnip plant. Silly animal. Those teeth aren't for eating vegetation.

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Kitties and the catnip plant

Kitties and the catnip plant Video Clips. Duration : 1.95 Mins.

My cats love catnip...so I bought the plant and will harvest it for them all the time. When I brought it home I called them and they all cam running except f...

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Crazy Cats on a Catnip Overdose. A must see!

Crazy Cats on a Catnip Overdose. A must see! Video Clips. Duration : 3.08 Mins.

The Grey Cat in the video gave birth to two adorable baby kittens. Please see them at: http://youtu.be/3slPHkik8hM http://youtu.be/-0MMHbjdX-4 http://youtu.b...

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Thai catnip?

Thai catnip? Tube. Duration : 1.63 Mins.

Help us caption and translate this video on Amara.org: http://www.amara.org/en/v/BjZN/ The cats love to eat the root and they seem to get high from it. Any i...

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Anomaly the Cat catnips live

Anomaly the Cat catnips live Video Clips. Duration : 2.52 Mins.

Anomaly the Cat eats catnip plant. She smelled it just after a set of new plants arrived home for spring planting.

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Cat Things - Plant Catnip to Make Toys For Cats

I have grown different varieties of cat mint before but the one that cats prefer is Nepeta Cataria also known as catnip.

You can buy packets of seeds but a couple of year ago I got seeds for free in a packet of dried catnip that I bought for my cats. It took a while to sort them out from the leafy matter but with patience I collected many of the little dark grains.

Catnip Plants

It is very easy to grow, just keep it away from the cats for a while to give it a chance. In early spring sow the seeds in a seed tray with good compost, sprinkle a thin layer of compost over them and water. Cover over with glass or clingfilm until they germinate. Now place the tray in good light, but not in full sun. When the seedlings are big enough you can either re-pot or plant out in the garden.

If your seedlings were grown indoors you may need to harden off before planting outdoors, don't plant out if there is risk of a frost. Plant about 12 to 18 inches apart and always plant more than you think you need (hide a few). Planting them activates the smell that cats love and it won't take them long to find them.

They are not really the prettiest of plants, looking like a cross between mint and nettles; I think some of the more compact varieties are better looking. But as I grow them for my cats I am not too concerned by their appearance.

By early summer they should start to have spikes of tiny pale lavender flowers. Later on as they get to the end of the season and the flowers start to drop, cut off the top half of the stems tie them into a paper bag and hang them to dry. By tying them in a paper bag you can collect any seeds that drop ready for next year's planting. Once they have thoroughly dried give the bag a good shake to get as much seed as you can. I usually store the seed in a labeled envelope ready for the next spring. Any stems that are too woody should be discarded the rest of the dried catnip is ready to give to your cats, or to use t make your own catnip toys.

Any plants still in the garden will need to be cut low at the the end of the growing season. The old stems get woody, new stems will usually grow the following spring.

To make a basic cat toy you just need a small rectangle of cloth folded in half, sew the three seams, leaving a small opening on one side. Turn so the seams are inside, fill with catnip and stitch up the opening. Or you could be more ambitious making mice or rats. If you're not into stitching put catnip onto a cloth gather it up into a ball and tie string around it.

And now comes the best part, watching your cat play!

Cat Things - Plant Catnip to Make Toys For Cats

Growing Organic Catnip

If you want to make your cat happy, you are in the right place! What could be better than homegrown, natural catnip? Growing organic catnip is a wonderful gift you can give to your cat.

Although catnip is still widely associated with cats, it is also believed to have a calming affect among humans. Catnip tea is hugely popular. Whatever your reasons are for growing catnip, you will be happy to know that it is a fairly easy plant to grow.

Catnip Plants

You will need catnip seeds and a sunny spot to plant them. When choosing your location in the garden, keep in mind that your catnip plants will need 6-8 hours of sun every day. Not only will the sun help your plant to grow, but it will also allow the plant to release it's scent.

Once you have your soil prepared, the hard part will be over. So, let's get started! Here is what you need to do:

1. Mark off the area that you will be using for your catnip.
2. Turn over the soil.
3. Remove all of the weeds, rocks, and debris.
4. Mix in organic compost.

Catnip plants need a nice, rich soil and this should be perfect!

You can purchase your catnip seeds from your local nursery, a seed catalog or online. Do you have your seeds ready? Let's start planting! Growing organic catnip is a fairly easy process.

Your catnip seeds can be planted directly into the ground. There is no need to start them indoors if you have 6-8 hours of sun outdoors. But you can start your plants indoors if you would like to. Just be sure to keep them in a spot that receives plenty of sun. If you are planting your seeds directly into the garden, sow your seeds about 1/8" deep.

Keep your soil moist. But do not over water your plants. Do not allow for standing water. When your catnip is 6"-8" tall, you can harvest it. Be sure to cut a little lower on the stem than you think you will need. Catnip does tend to shrivel up a bit when drying.

If you encounter any type of garden pest during the growing process, be sure to use a natural or organic means of pest control. Stay away from pesticides or chemicals. This will ensure you are truly growing organic catnip.

Growing Organic Catnip

Catnip - What's All the Frenzy About?

The herb Nepeta Cataria, commonly known as Catnip or Catmint, has long been used by humans for restorative purposes. In teas, tinctures and other preparations, it has been used as a remedy for everything from insomnia to respiratory infections, indigestion, and headaches. Applied topically, it has also been used to treat burns and cuts due to its germ-free properties and the tannins it contains which may promote medical of skin tissues.

[b]Catmint[/b]

However, catnip is probably best known as that intoxicating herb that drives cats wild. So, just what is this mysterious herb, and are you encouraging substance abuse by giving it to your cat?

A perenniel herb, catnip is a member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. And though it seems to drive some cats into a frenzy, it is easily quite safe to them. High in iron, selenium, potassium, manganese, vitamins A and C, it may even have some health benefits if ingested. For indoor cats that are energized by it, it could also motivate them to get more exercise and help prevent boredom. Ingesting it also provides some of the fiber that outdoor and wild cats get from the greens they consume outdoors.

The effective ingredient in catnip is nepatalactone which is similar to a chemical present in the urine of female cats. Because of this, unneutered males may react more strongly to it than females or neutered males. Kittens under 3 months of age tend not to have any interest in it at all.

The vomeronasal organ is what gives cats a extra genetic habit to catnip. Placed above a cat's palate, it is the receptor for the nepatalactone. Therefore, it seems catnip must be inhaled for the nepatalactone to reach their receptors. Crushing, bruising or chewing catnip releases more of the nepatalactone which makes the herb even more challenging to the cats that are affected by it. For them, it can temporarily alter their behavior and mood, though the supervene varies from one cat to another. Some may become highly active, even aggressive, while "under the influence", while others may become mellow and "dreamy" or euphoric. Still others don't seem to react to it at all. The herb seems to work on about half to two-thirds of all domestic cats. It's believed that large wild cats such as lions and tigers also react to catnip.

The nepatalactone in catnip has also been found to repel insects along with mosquitoes, flies, and even cockroaches. Studies in the lab have shown that oil distilled from catnip is about 10x more effective at repelling mosquitoes than Deet, though it has not been found to be as effective when used directly on skin.

Nepatalactone also has properties similar to those found in valerian root which has a mild sedative supervene in humans. Valerian is often used in teas and treatments for insomnia in people. Catnip seems to have a microscopic sedative supervene in humans as well. And valerian root may also work on some cats like catnip!

Buying Catnip:

When selecting catnip products for your cat, we strongly recommend going organic. Your cat will be inhaling and ingesting some of the herb, so you want to avoid products that have been treated with pesticides and other chemicals.

The buds or blossoms are the most potent part of the catnip plant, followed by the leaves. The cheaper and most common catnip products sold for cats typically contain leaves with the stems included for bulk. Some even have a bit of hay added as filler, so a bag filled with stems and hay that your cat won't appreciate is not a good value. Unfortunately, many pre-filled toys contain this low potential catnip. So, if your catnip-loving pet doesn't seem to rejoinder to these toys, try refilling them, if possible, with more potent catnip and see if your cat becomes more concerned in them.

Storing Catnip:

Nepatalactone is Uv sensitive and can lose some of its potency if exposed to light, so store catnip in a covered container that blocks out light. Frozen will also help sustain freshness. (This is best for dried catnip, as all moisture should have been removed before freezing.)

Catnip - What's All the Frenzy About?

Catnip Buds - curing

Catnip Buds - curing Tube. Duration : 0.23 Mins.

Kooky Kat Catnip buds picked, sorted and set to cure on lines - potent stuff !

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Henri After Catnip

Henri After Catnip Video Clips. Duration : 2.28 Mins.

Henri (Mousey Turner) having a little trip after eating his catnip plant in the garden! You can find more Mousey Madness on www.facebook.com/mouseyturner.

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Is Catnip Good For Your Cat?

Giving catnip to your cats is an easy way to help keep them entertained and to keep you entertained as well. But have you ever wondered if the catnip you are giving to your cats is authentically a potential health hazard or not? Well first, we must frame out what catnip is.

[b]Catmint[/b]

Catnip is an herb that comes from the mint house and is often times referred to as catmint. It is fairly easy to grow and common in the wild. The plants leaves can be eaten by most cats without any side effects and the smell of the plant is what affects most cats.

From what scientists have found, catnip does not have any negative effects on cats. Most people believe that catnip gives your cat a legal high, but in reality, it is just something that makes them extremely happy. Similar to a wee kid who authentically likes ice cream. It provides them smiles for a few minutes and then it is back to life as normal. Just like ice cream does not do whatever negative to your child's health, catnip does not do whatever negative to your cat's health either.

The catnip will make them run colse to for a wee bit, roll around, and just act crazy which is a great way to get your cat some rehearsal and keep them in good shape. In addition, it is a great way to stimulate your cat's brain and an easy way to make them happy!

However, not all cats like catnip. Only about 50% to 70% of cats will be affected. This is all considered by genetics and there is nothing you can do to sway it. This means that you could have one cat in your house that authentically loves the catnip, while other may not like it at all.

One other use that catnip is good for is training your cat. If you have a new scratching post or something you would like your cat to play with or use instead of what they are currently using, you can spray catnip on it and this is a pretty sufficient way of helping to train your cat.

So catnip turns out to be something that is not bad for your cat at all, but rather something that can be very confident and can help to give your cat a few minutes of delight throughout the day. Go give your cat some catnip now and see how they like it!

Is Catnip Good For Your Cat?

Catnip plant got a visitor.

Catnip plant got a visitor. Video Clips. Duration : 1.02 Mins.

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Catnip in the House

Catnip in the House Tube. Duration : 8.78 Mins.

A friend gave me a catnip plant to put out in the yard. Before that happened, though, I let Kitten Thunder play with it. And over it. And around it.

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Kooky Kat Catnip - drying racks for catnip buds

Kooky Kat Catnip - drying racks for catnip buds Video Clips. Duration : 0.62 Mins.

Here is a simple and effective way to dry catnip buds using ambient heat energy. Wooden flats with 5mm screen base.

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Catnip, More Than Just For Cats? Of Course!

Catnip is the tasteless name for a perennial herb of the mint family. Catnip is native to Europe and is imported into the United States. In North America it is a tasteless and unabridged weed.

[b]Catnip[/b]

Catnip is most popular with cats and the reaction that it causes in them when they receive some dried nip from their owner.

They roll nearby in it in all of their glory. The fact is that humans do not smell what cats smell when it comes to catnip so humans do not react the same way that cats do.

It is known that the chemical nepetalactone in catnip is the thing that triggers the response. Apparently, it somehow kicks off a stereotypical pattern in cats that are sensitive to the chemical. Catnip contains evaporative oils, sterols, acids, and tannins.

Catnip has been used for decorative and culinary purposes and as a domestic folk-medicine remedy. Catnip, in mixture with Eugenia caryophyllata, and Sassafras bidum, has been used as poultice for aching teeth in the American Ozark Mountains. Catnip is known in scientific nomenclature as "Nepeta cataria".

Catnip buds are the most potent form of catnip, next to the principal oil itself. Catnip prefers to grow in dry, semi arid places, and can be found along hedge rows and fence lines. Catnip is a perennial herb found growing wild throughout North America and Europe where it is belief to have originated.

Catnip has a long history of use in alternative medicine, being employed especially in treating disorders of the digestive principles and, as it stimulates sweating, it is beneficial in reducing fevers. One cannot seek catnip's fine and sudden, if transient, ensue on cat behavior without suspecting that something chemical is afoot.

As for catnip use in humans several ailments are treated with the use of catnip, including the treatment of colic, headache, colds, and spasms, as well as antibacterial properties that it also has. Many English cooks also seasoned meats with this herb, while the 15th century the herb was also used in salads for a pinch of seasoning.

In many areas catnip is the favorite tea over Chinese tea. It induces sleep in many habitancy but does just the opposite in others. It can also be used as a very efficient roach repellant.

Catnip plants enjoy sun and are drought-tolerant, manufacture them good candidates for sunny, dry areas where many other flowers would struggle. Catnip plants are not just for cats: like so many herbs, they also have culinary and remedial uses, either used fresh or dried. .

When harvesting catnip for cats, all parts of the plant are utilized. Although catnip is best known for its intoxicating affect on cats, humans also make use of its biological properties. Very young and senior cats do not talk as much, or at all, to catnip. Other cats appear to become very sedate after exposure.

Women who are breastfeeding should not use catnip to avoid maybe passing it to the infant in breast milk. Older children should be watched considered for signs of side effects if they take catnip by mouth. When applied to the skin, catnip may cause allergic reactions--especially for individuals who are sensitive to it or to other plants in the mint family.

Catnip, More Than Just For Cats? Of Course!

Catnip Buds - purple, white, and light green variety

Catnip Buds - purple, white, and light green variety Video Clips. Duration : 0.32 Mins.

Catnip Buds from the Kooky Kat Catnip Company. Here are purple, white and green color varieties. Very potent catnip buds grown in British Columbia, Canada.

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Cat Nip

Cat Nip Tube. Duration : 0.52 Mins.

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Growing catnip! Diy!

Growing catnip! Diy! Video Clips. Duration : 15.33 Mins.

This video was uploaded from an Android phone.

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Gardening - Combining Colors and Textures

Gardening allows us to express ourselves straight through plants and flowers. Your garden tells a lot about you. Neat and tidy pastel flowers give a separate impression than wildly mixed flowers. Following are tips for combining colors and textures to create an spicy garden.

[b]Catmint[/b]

Color Combinations

Gardens look spicy because of the way the plants are mixed together. View your garden section by section to learn how each area flows into the next. Keep in mind that plants are generally forgiving if relocated to other section.

Certain color combinations are simply easy on the eyes. Examples of complimentary colors comprise orange and purple, yellow and blue, red and green. To create a color-themed garden, choose plants with similar colors. For a dramatic appearance, use a splash of burgundy, orange and purple flowers mixed with foliage, or variegated foliage with white, pale yellow and blue flowers. In shade, think separate shades of green.

If you live in an area that is prone to drought, try drought-adaptable pastels. An easy blend includes the gold variegated Iris pallida (Aurea Variegata), Yarrow (Moonshine), Catmint (Walker's Low), Helianthemum (Wisley Pink), Columbine (Denver Gold), Delphinium (Summer Skies) and Rose (Flower rug White). This is a fragrant seasonal mix requiring frequent watering at first but one which can be weaned to more of a droughty diet over time.

To create a bolder appearance, try Crocosmia (Lucifer), Dahlia (Bishop of Llandalf), orange Sneezeweed, purple Sedum (Atropurpureum), Whirled Loosestrife, textured Bronze Fennel, scarlet Helianthemum, Yarrow (Paprika), self-seeding Poppies mixed with airy Knautia macedonica. Soft blue, lime and silver contrasts well with this combination.

Textures

Add texture to your garden in a shady spot by combining lacy Lady Fern, Golden Sedge, rounded Red-Leaved Bergenia, darkly-variegated Foamflower, Hosta (Halcyon or Patriot) and delicate Golden Licorice plant. This textured combination will create a low tapestry of plants rather than a tall border.

A tip for the thrifty gardener: Buy mixed flats. Most nurseries offer mixed flats fluctuating from 10 to 32 plants per tray.

Always begin your gardening scheme by visualizing the way the plants and flowers will work together. Learning the art of plant combinations helps ensure that each season of color will look its best.

Gardening - Combining Colors and Textures

Gel and Baba "My Catnip!!!---NO, MINE!"

Gel and Baba "My Catnip!!!---NO, MINE!" Tube. Duration : 10.00 Mins.

Gel and Baba mix it up--enjoying the new catnip plants I bought and intend to plant!

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Emmakin hovers o'er her fav'rite plant (it's not catnip!)

Emmakin hovers o'er her fav'rite plant (it's not catnip!) Video Clips. Duration : 0.65 Mins.

My precious Russian Blue, Emmakin, on a little adventure in my garden, June 2012. An indoor cat, now nearly 20 years old, she doesn't quite know what to make...

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CAT GOES CRAZY on home grown CATNIP

CAT GOES CRAZY on home grown CATNIP Tube. Duration : 1.62 Mins.

this is too Funny. Please subscribe and like.

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Weird Nature- Cats love getting high on catnip plant + drunken bees and Monkeys (part 1)

Weird Nature- Cats love getting high on catnip plant + drunken bees and Monkeys (part 1) Video Clips. Duration : 5.35 Mins.

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Potent Homegrown Catnip, Do It Yourself

Potent Homegrown Catnip, Do It Yourself Video Clips. Duration : 3.90 Mins.

It is very easy to grow your own potent organic catnip that will drive your cats crazy. I harvested all of the catnip plants in the fall just before they blo...

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Catnip - Great for Cats and Humans Too

A Mysterious Product That Drives Cats Batty

What's your idea of having a great time? A night down at the local with your friends; an exotic holiday in the sun; some retail therapy, or simply a dish of real Italian ice cream. But whatever enjoyment you derive from these experiences, it's nothing compared with the reaction most cats have to their beloved catnip.

Catnip Plants

For cats it's the ultimate experience. So if you're a cat lover, here are some things you really should know about this mysterious product that drives cats batty.

Catnip is a plant native to the Mediterranean region but over time, has been naturalized in US and Canada. It's actually a member of the mint family, Nepeta cataria L. (aka catnip) of which there are approximately 250 species and this figure doesn't include hybrid species.

It's a really pretty plant with small flowers and jagged, heart-shaped leaves that smell faintly of mint and being a herb, it is capable of growing to about 3 feet high.

It has light green foliage and its flowers are a lovely shade of blue green. The stems are square in shape and hollow in the middle. One of the best things about this fascinating, herbaceous plant is that it is drought resistant and therefore requires very little attention. Catnip plant grows very happily under full sun or even in partial shades such as your patio.

Catnip is usually fairly easy to grow: whether you're a keen gardeners or a forgetful plant owner and you should be able to purchase the plant from your local garden centre. It likes light sandy soil, and grows best in full sun.

Cat lovers who possess a green thumb can grow catnip from seed after the last hard frost of the season. As a perennial, this herbaceous flowering plant will return each year with proper care. Keep in mind that catnip requires plenty of room to grow and flourish, much like most felines. Once it grows, you will have the most popular house in the neighbourhood - at least among the local moggy population.

Here's something interesting to remember from The Gardener's Dictionary by Philip Miller.

"If you set it, the cats will eat it. If you sow it, the cats don't know it."

Why do most cats love it? Catnip leaves and flowers can trigger chemicals in a cat's brain that lead to bouts of energetic euphoria or laid-back laziness. Some say the effects are similar to LSD, others say similar to marijuana.

For that reason, dried catnip and catnip-laced toys and treats make regular appearances on pet store shelves. If you've grown your own plants sprinkle dried catnip leaves on scratching posts where you don't mind cats scratching; this really does avoid damage to furniture. You can even use it as a potty training tool.

If you use fresh leaves, pinch them first to release essential oils, and remember; a little goes a long way. You can use your home grown plants to refresh old toys. Just place them in a sealed jar along with some leave from your catnip plant. It's a great way to jump-start a fat cat's exercise regimen and you can save yourself a lot of money too.

So why do cats like this stuff so much? It's because of the presence of Neptalactone, an active ingredient that makes the cats go bonkers.

Most cats are known to exhibit very out of the ordinary behaviour such as jumping, rolling, sniffing and head shaking just with the smell of a catnip plant. The cats behave like this for about 5 to 15 minutes and most cat owners love to see their cats enjoy this way.

Reactions to catnip can be diverse; when sniffed, catnip will stimulate a cat, however when eaten it will act as a sedative. I have seen cats become very hyperactive; totally laid back and dreamy, whilst others can become aggressive and picks fights with the other cats. But kittens younger than 8 weeks old aren't able to enjoy its effects. In fact, they show an aversion to it.

It is also interesting to note that some cats may not react to the catnip plant at all.

Your cat might like to bite or chew on the catnip plant or even just rub against it. Some cats like them fresh and some like them dried out. So, you can harvest the catnip plant the way your cat prefers it. The best time to harvest catnip plant is just before flowering or during flowering. To dry fresh catnip, hang upside down in a dry, ventilated area, away from the sun.

The response to catnip appears to be inherited genetically, and it's not just domesticated cats that enjoy the effects of catnip, many wild species also enjoy it. It's an amazing fact that cats can smell 1 part in a billion in the air.

Males and females, entire or de-sexed; there appears to be no one group who is more readily affected by catnip than another. You'll be glad to know that despite these reactions, catnip is not harmful to your cat. They won't overdose on it. Most cats know when they've had enough & will refuse any further offers.

Interestingly, researchers say that nepetalactone is about ten times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET, which is the active ingredient in most insect repellents. It was also discovered that catnip repels cockroaches too. Rats & mice are also believed to have a strong dislike of catnip and will avoid places where it grows.

One cautionary note; once cats get a whiff of catnip, it's best to leave them alone until they've lost that loving feeling.

Catnip also can cause excessive drooling, so you may want to retrieve those cat toys after use. No one wants to step on a soaking wet cat toy. It may be a good idea also to store catnip and catnip-laced toys in an airtight container or a cat-proof area.

Catnip is enjoyed by humans too. Apart from being a favourite plant for the cats, a catnip plant possesses excellent medicinal values for people too.

It can be used for a relaxing herbal tea. The presence of the chemical nepetalactone produces sedative-like affects in humans, making catnip a popular home remedy for headaches as well as insomnia.To make catnip tea, add one teaspoon of dried catnip leaves or three to four teaspoons of fresh catnip leaves to a mug of boiling water and let it steep.

Catnip plant can be used as a cough relief agent and alleviate cold, flu and fever. Its leaves can be prepared as tea and drunk to relax stressed nerves. It is also useful for settling an upset stomach. It has also been used to treat headaches, scarlet fever, coughing, insomnia and smallpox.

Catnip can also be used for cuts. Studies show it has a natural healing quality. Crush fresh catnip leaves, damp them & apply to your cut.

Some other medicinal uses for catnip are: Anaesthetic, antibiotic, anti rheumatic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, muscular aches and pains, rheumatism, chills, cold in the joints, haemorrhoids, toothache.

K'Eogh, in his Irish Herbal (1735) wrote of catnip,

"It provokes urination and menstruation: it expels the stillborn child; it opens obstructions of the lungs and the womb, and is good for internal bruises and shortness of breath. Drunk with salt and honey, it expels worms from the body."

Whether you believe that or not, it may be a sensible precaution for Pregnant women to avoid catnip.

Catnip - Great for Cats and Humans Too