Catnip is a perennial unpretentious plant that has been known since ancient times for its unusual effect on feline pets. It is also used in folk medicine, because it has numerous healing properties. We will talk in detail about the scope of this plant, its benefits and harms in our article.
Catnip: Description
It is a perennial plant, which is widespread in almost all corners of our land. Mint has a pleasant lemon scent with floral notes. In nature, this plant reaches a height of about one meter and is a hard stem with triangular pubescent leaves located on it. At the top of the stem are white, purple or pink flowers, which are collected in a brush.
Above is a photo of catnip, the description and properties of which we will consider in more detail below.
Currently, botanists distinguish a great many species of mint. All of them have similar properties and species characteristics. The plant begins to bloom in early summer.
What attracts pets?
In ancient times, in Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals, and in order to appease them, priests laid out inflorescences and mint leaves in temples. Nowadays, it is reliably known that this plant contains essential oils in its composition, the main component of which is such an organic compound as non-petalactone. It is this substance that acts on all individuals of the cat family, imitating the effect of the so-called pheromones.
It is worth noting that the effect of catnip is individual for each pet. For example, some cats in contact with the plant fall into real ecstasy, namely, they begin to roll on the floor, invitingly meow and rub their muzzle on the plant. Other individuals, on the contrary, become more calm and relaxed. Some pets lack a special gene, which is responsible for the perception of the smell of mint. Also indifferent to her are individuals who have not reached puberty.
According to statistics, the number of cats that are indifferent to this plant reaches forty percent. In any case, the effect of mint does not last more than ten minutes, after which the pets cease to smell the plant for several hours. This mint is not toxic, it is not addictive in animals, that is, you should not worry about the unusual behavior of your cat. All you need to do is to observe the reaction of your furry pet to this type of plant and draw the appropriate conclusions.
Catnip: what is it for?
This plant has a whole range of useful properties and is used by many cat owners in order to adjust the behavior of pets. For example, if your pet is hyperactive, you can give him peppermint to calm him down. The same goes for too lazy pets, who after using the plants become more playful. If your cat has experienced severe stress, you can use mint to help the animal relax and calm down. Still catnip has a bactericidal effect, it can help relieve stomach cramps in your pets.
It is worth a separate comment that this plant has useful properties for humans. For example, herbal peppermint decoction is effective for colds, viral and allergic diseases. It has sedative properties, improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and is used by many women to relieve menstrual cramps.
How to use the plant?
How to use catnip? In this part we will answer this question. For example, many cat owners use mint in order to quickly accustom their pet to the tray. To do this, under the base of the tray you need to put a small bunch of plants. You can also update a boring toy, namely, gently spread it and sew a little mint into it. If you have to move, you can put a little catnip in the carrying, and your pet will react to this event much more calmly. If your pet has parasites or has problems with the gastrointestinal tract, you should give him a small bundle of grass to chew, then these problems will disappear.
Currently, many enterprising manufacturers of toys and other cat paraphernalia add a little mint to their products to interest your pet. Here is the answer to the main question: "Why do you need catnip for cats?"
We also already mentioned in the previous part that this plant has many beneficial properties for humans. Therefore, for the proper use of herbal mint decoction, you need to do the following: boil half a glass of water and add one teaspoon of this plant there, and then let it brew for twenty minutes. You need to take the resulting broth warm, you can with honey. It will help improve sleep, relieve the condition with colds and viral diseases. Peppermint drink will help with spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce menstrual pain. Compresses from this herbal decoction can be applied to the eyes to relieve swelling, massage for arthritis and joint pain.
The harm and benefits of the plant
The use of this plant for your pet is obvious. In particular, it is not addictive in the animal, with its help it is easy to adjust the behavior of the pet, including relieve stress in difficult situations, for example, during a flight. The bactericidal properties of peppermint and the positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract are also widely known.
It should be noted separately that if an animal reacts too violently to this grass, for example, begins to show aggression or rush around the apartment, then experts do not recommend its use. This also applies to individuals of the cat family, who carry or feed offspring. In other cases, there are no contraindications to the use of mint.
Where to get?
You can buy catnip in any pet store in your city. It is sold both in the form of grass and as a spray.
Many cat owners prefer a spray that is easy to use. For example, you can sprinkle a claw-tip on them so that your pet does not spoil the furniture. The same can be done with bored toys. But give the cat a spray is not worth it. For this, grass (catnip) is suitable. It is securely packaged by the manufacturer in a vacuum bag. It is worth noting that it is better to choose the packaging of mint, where more inflorescences and leaves of grass are collected, because it is they that have the desired effect on the pets.
You also need to remember that when you open the package of grass, its smell quickly disappears and no longer produces such an effect on animals. Therefore, it is recommended to store peppermint in vacuum bags or containers.
How to grow peppermint at home?
Catnip is a very unpretentious plant and, if desired, you can grow it yourself. To do this, you need to purchase seeds in the nearest store in your city, which sells goods for the garden. Plant the seeds either in a pot or in the soil in the garden. They emerge in about two weeks.
It is worth noting that this plant does not require frequent watering, as well as special care and soil conditions. After the mint blooms, it must be collected, chopped and dried. So that the mint does not lose its smell, it must be removed in a vacuum bag or container.
