A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 what exactally is the difference

all,
iths may fall under the catagory of "dim witted questions" but.... what is the difference between cat nip & cat mint? i was just wondering because both are such a nice looking plant. i've grown catnip for my cat. i didn't know if catmint is good for cats as well??
spanx to all

Phoenix-
From what I can make out they are the same plant Nepeta cataria. I wish I hadn't looked up now though.

Donna

I might have said they were cousins???
Not sure though,
I googled info too... and it did put the info
as both names..

But I've ground cat nip... and the flowers are white.
For the cat mint, the flowers are blue *or a purple*???
Cat nip and cat mint care

Not sure??

Anyone????


Weezie

Hey Weezie-
I found another name to Nepeta nervosa. This one has the purple-blue flowers.

Donna

Years ago, I bought what I thought was a catnip plant, but turned out to be catmint - does have blue flowers. Interestingly... my indoor and feral outdoor cats are not in the least bit interested in the catmint. They do, however, love cat nip toys, etc. I haven't seen fresh catnip plants for sale around here - only the catmint.

thank you all for your replies.
i think i will keep the cat nip seperate from the cat mint and only give my cat the catnip.
see if the outdoor cats in the neighborhood like the catmint??

From what I've read and researched (I have a cat so I figured I'd look it up sooner rather than later) Cat Nip and Cat Mint are cousins and It reacts wierd with cats. Some cats won't touch cat nip and loooove the mint. It just works different for different cats. My cat loves the nip but I haven't been able to find the mint to try it on her
Oh I almost forgot! I bought catnip from walmart the seedling not the seeds. I'll check and see if they have mint, I usually forget to look Hope this helps you!

thanx plantfaerie,
i just didn't want to take the chance that it would harm my kitten if i gave her cat-mint i know of a few places where i can purchase some of both

You are most welcome! I can't remember where I read that or I'd send it to you. My cat, Bastet, Bast for short, will eat most things but when it comes to plants she's very picky. She goes gaga for fresh cat nip, wants to eat my geraniums' flowers, sleep in my peppermint (but not eat it) and pretty much steers clear of everything else. :rolleyes: Cats are just wierd like that! lol!