A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2007 Cat goes crazy for this, whatever it is?

Every once in a while when coming in from the garden, my cat goes absolutely bonkers. (She's actually tried to crawl up the leg of my shorts). I'm pretty sure it's this mystery plant that's causing her sudden interest.

(from earlier in the year, before blooming)


(half flopped over because of the wind last week)


Thanks again for your help.

Malica, the second picture looks like Catnip and, of course, that would drive most any cat crazy. The two pictures really don't appear to be the same plants...is that due to the difference is sunlight maybe?

It's catmint, not sure if it's different than catnip, but I've got some and they call it catmint. My cats love it too! My daughter made a little fabric sachet and filled it with this catmint and the kittens love that little ball.

You could cut some, hang it in bunches upside down to dry, then you'll have treats through the winter! Very entertaining!

That's funny, Sandy, I do hang it and dry it , the only problem is the cats climb the walls trying to get at it!

Here's a pic of my catmint which is getting huge!



(Your post was edited because your picture exceeded the 640x480 size limit)

That looks like catnip to me...

My cats used to sleep in the plants,
and roll around and look at you with those dreamy eyes!!!
*I miss my kitties*

Well aren't I just a silly goose! I thought catnip was a grass (probably confusing it with catgrass), so I didn't even bother to look up pictures for it.

Yes, it is catnip. The picutres were taken at different times of the day and about a month apart -- that's why they look so different.

There will be no more blurry pictures from now on. I just bought a new camera which can focus as close as 2.8".

Good point, Mel!!! Maybe hanging it from your garage rafters AWAY from kitties would be a good idea!

And yes, the cat mint will get huge. Very pretty, though.

Nepeta x faassenii = catmint
Nepeta cateria = catnip