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

15 Things You Can Do When Your Cat Dies

You have had a cherished relationship with your cat which has been a vital part of your life. So when you lose this special bond, you are reaching out for someone who has always been there but is no longer. Consequently, you may suffer nearly overwhelming grief, pain, and loss. Recovery takes time, finally getting you to a point where you can enjoy the fondest memories of your cat without having to continue to suffer. You discover that it is okay for you to still feel sad and want to talk about your pet.

What makes grieving so hard is that there are obstacles to expressing your grief and loss. Our western society tends to trivialize pet loss and the deep relationship it represents. Too often you hear others say dismissively, "It was only a cat." Or, "You can always get another one." Not everyone values non-human beings. Moreover, even people who care frequently find speaking about grief and loss to be awkward.

Catnip Plants

The result is you are left in emotional isolation with few ways to share your intense feelings of shock and disbelief, denial, anger, guilt, or despair. Sometimes you may feel you have to hide or deny your grief because others consider it unacceptable. But doing so prolongs your pain and the healing process. At this time you need an understanding and empathetic ear, support, and guidance. But since professional pet-loss resources may be hard to find, there are other things you can do to say a loving "good-bye" and process your grief.

You can:

1. Collect photographs of your cat for a scrapbook and/or framed montage picture to hang on the wall to recall the good times.

2. Push aside the last sad moments to remember the fun you shared over the years.

3. Write a gratitude letter to your cat and read it aloud at burial, cremation, or other situation.

4. If you choose burial, construct a coffin and decorate it with all the things that you and your friend enjoyed: catnip, brush, collar, toy, tags, and photographs.

5. Have a ceremony and plant your cat's favorite plant at the grave site.

6. If you choose cremation, have a ceremony and sprinkle the ashes someplace meaningful.

7. Put the urn of ashes where you can remember your cat's love with a smile.

8. Share stories of your cat's antics with animal-loving friends.

9. Find a pet-loss support group to help you move through the grief process.

10. Put your cat's tags on your key chain.

11. Make a wristlet of your cat's collar.

12. Volunteer at an animal rescue group or shelter to give attention to animals who desperately need it.

13. Consider having another cat when you feel ready.

14. Accept that your new companion will have its own identity, personality, and behaviors.

15. Know you can create a new bond of happiness that does not discount your last cat's relationship.

As long as you keep positive memories alive, you will never totally lose your beloved former cat companion.

15 Things You Can Do When Your Cat Dies

All the things Cosma said...

All the things Cosma said... Tube. Duration : 3.48 Mins.

Amy is so cruel...but I guess I love her, I always at mean to my family member in whatever anime/show. I just noticed 5 mins after I finished, that this was the opening to "The Recolor" ^^" Sorryz 'bout that, but I really thought the song fitted Cosma, even if she is a clumsy, nut! But she's so cute, and I like her ALOT more than Cosmo...and I don't even like Cosmo, I like SEEDRINS, but not her... Cosmo lovers don't hate me, I just think she stole Cream's man is all...like how Shadow steals Rouge at times from Knuckles. Yeah, plants and animals don't mix. Why do you think I don't give my cat, catnip...oh yeah it's her birthday (day we got her) tomorrow, she'll be 7.

Keywords: Cosma, Contest, Entry