Cats & Mint Plants

If you've never seen a typically aloof cat act like a kitten around catnip, you've missed out on a delightful experience. What you might not know is that catnip is a member of the mint family.

  1. Catnip

    • This plant has long been used in cat toys and sold at pet stores. The herb contains the chemical nepetalactone, which can affect cats of all sizes--from your house cat to tigers.

    Other Mint

    • Spearmint and peppermint are also favorites with some cats. Consider snipping off a few spears and placing them in a cloth bag as a treat for your cat.

    Inherited

    • Some cats don't react to the nepetalactone in mint plants with kittenish zeal. If your cat doesn't like its catnip toy, blame its parents.

    Garden Mint

    • There is such a thing as too much love. Cats may rub against and bite at your mint plant until it's damaged. Never fear, mint is tough. Cut it back, make sure it gets plenty of sun and it should come back strong.

    Alternatives

    • Although they don't contain nepetalactone, kiwi vine, cat thyme and honeysuckle have a similar chemical that can affect your cat.

    Caution

    • Although catnip is not a drug, if your cat eats too much, it may adversely affect digestion. Use with care.