CATNIP FAQS
Ever wondered what catnip is and why your cat is acting so strange when it comes into contact with it? Most cats, with the exception of some kittens and older cats, show some form of interest in catnip. Cats that do have a reaction may lick, sniff, rub and roll around in the loose catnip or will do the same with a catnip toy, like our Big Fatty! The effects vary for each cat. Some owners report that their cat will race around the house, while others seem to be in a euphoric state, preferring love and affection.
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Tea for Two, for Kitty and You!
The fresh, as well as dried leaves of catnip may also be used to prepare a tasty and calming herbal tea which can help treat insomnia and migraines. It is also a natural antacid plus can help with diarrhea, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps and gas! Catnip tea contains vitamins A, B and C, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and sodium. 
You can prepare an herbal catnip tea by adding three teaspoons of the leaves to one cup of boiling water and allowing them to steep for some time. Otherwise, you could combine dried catnip leaves with dried lemon balm or dried mint and add them to your preferred black tea. Flavor with honey or lemon if you like also!
Because of its gentle, soothing and calming properties, catnip tea is often recommended for infants and children (but, please always consult your pediatrician first). Modify the strength of the tea depending on the child's age: * For children less than 1 year old, use 5 percent of an adult dose. * Children 1-3 years old, use 10 percent. * Children 4-6 years old, use 20 percent. |
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As well as entertaining your kitty, catnip has a variety of other uses. Until the 13th century, catnip was a very common herb in the kitchen gardens in England.
There was a time when the leaves of this herb were used to rub meats prior to cooking them. 
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In addition, catnip leaves were also sliced finely and sprinkled on salads. Try cutting a few catnip leaves and adding them to your salads and experience their delightful flavor. You may also add freshly chopped or even dried out leaves of this herb to stews and soups and sauces.
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Believe it or not, catnip is a natural pest repellent! According to some studies, catnip might be more effective at repelling insects than DEET (the powerful ingredient commonly found in insect repellents).
Take a few leaves of catnip, roll them around and press them onto the skin and bugs won't want to be anywhere near you!
Plus, plant catnip all around your garden to deter other pests such as:
flea beetles, aphids, Japanese beetles, squash bugs, as well as mice and rats!
Catnip can be a fun and rewarding treat for both pet and owner - and a great bonding opportunity, too. As well, catnip can be used as a training tool to encourage your kitty to use the new scratching post or cozy cat bed you just purchased! Just sprinkle a bit of catnip on the post and in their bed.
Catnip builds confidence for some shy cats and can help take the cat's mind off of the stressful ride to the vet - or at least help to bring on a catnip snooze so he/she doesn't care anymore.
Catnip can also offer a happy distraction during cat-to-cat introductions and help the kitties associate positive experiences with meeting new cats, especially a new addition to the family!
Native to Europe and Asia, catnip became naturalized in North America and Canada after being introduced by the colonists in the 1600's. The name Nepeta is believed to have come from the town of Nepete in Italy, and Cataria is thought to have come from the Latin word for cat.
Nepeta cataria is also known by the following names: cataria, catmint, catnep, catrup, cat's healall, cat's-play, true catnip, cat's wort, catswort, catwort, chi hsueh tsao, field balm, garden nep, herba cataria, herba catti, nebada, nep.
Nepeta cataria is also known by the following names: cataria, catmint, catnep, catrup, cat's healall, cat's-play, true catnip, cat's wort, catswort, catwort, chi hsueh tsao, field balm, garden nep, herba cataria, herba catti, nebada, nep.
