Catnip or catnip is a truly favorite treat for pussies. It not only affects the brain receptors, but also allows you to adjust the behavioral characteristics of the animal.
Catnip (Nepetia Cataria) - what is this plant
This species has several common names: catnip, catnip, lemongrass. It is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family of Labret.
Common cattleman
In the wild, this grass can be found in almost all regions of Russia. She is like a weed, lives everywhere: in forests, fields and meadows. The grass is endowed with an easily perceptible pleasant aroma, consisting of a bouquet of smells of roses and lemon.
Short description of what it looks like
Many do not know: catnip - what is it? The species refers to simple perennials. It grows literally on any soil. Externally presented in the form of an upright stiff stalk with a small edge. Egg-shaped leaf plates are surrounded by dense inflorescences that look like a semi-umbrella. The flowers are painted in a pale blue color.
Catnip inflorescences
The root system is very powerful and has a branched structure. The flowering period is short - from June to the end of July. The following substances are contained in large quantities in the plant:
- non-petalactone;
- glycoside;
- saponin;
- tannins;
- vitamin C.
Essential oils are found only in leaves, the concentration in the stems is close to zero.
On a note! Often, inexperienced gardeners confuse catnip with mellis. Both species have similarities and similar aromas. But still, cats, unlike humans, have a sharper scent and will never confuse them.
What is the difference from ordinary mint
It is easy enough to outwardly mix up ordinary peppermint and lemongrass. Although the views will look the same, but still they are completely different in structure and composition of the species. The main difference is that in ordinary mint, the main active ingredient is menthol, and in feline - non-ketalactone.
Peppermint
Despite the external similarity, the plants will differ in smell. Catnip has a tart smell of lemon, and mint has a menthol specific aroma.
Another difference between cultures - the cat-like aroma attracts all kinds of garden insects, but mosquitoes and cockroaches cannot tolerate it.
Catnip
Mint is not endowed with such features.
Useful properties of catnip
Before giving catnip to your pet, you need to familiarize yourself with its beneficial and harmful qualities.
With the help of catnip, breeders often make adjustments to the behavior of pets. With aggressive behavior, the use of this drug helps to calm the cat quickly. To accelerate the process, special sprays are used, the main active substance of which is non-ketalactone.
When the animal is depressed, using catnip you can "wake up" the activity. The cat will instantly become fun and friendly. The effect of this herb on the nervous system of a cat depends on the individual characteristics of the body of a particular pet.
On a note! Often the "cat delicacy" is used not only to adjust the behavior of the animal, but also to teach the pet useful and so necessary skills.
Also, the flower has an excellent antibacterial effect. When eaten, peppermint not only cleanses the intestines of all kinds of bacteria, but also improves the peristalsis. Catnip is also an excellent anthelmintic.
Breeders recommend using this particular weed in the following situations:
- for treating cats from such dangerous parasites;
- to reduce the effects of any stressful situation;
- to increase hunger and improve appetite;
- as an assistant to teach the animal to a tray or place to sleep.
But like any potent drug, mint can not only help, but also harm the cat. Experts categorically do not advise catnip to treat pregnant or lactating cats. Overexcitation can lead to unknowingly harming offspring. It is important to carefully monitor the behavior of the pet under the influence of non-detalactone. At the slightest deviation from the norm, veterinarians recommend abandoning the use of catnip.
Why do cats like the smell of this plant?
It is scientifically proven that it is the smell of lemon that has a magnetic effect on the cat. The essential components of the plant, when it enters the sinuses of the cat, give a lightning-fast signal to the hypothalamus of the brain and form the most diverse behavior of the animal.
Pet Magic
The principle of exposure to the cat
The smell of catnip leads to a real euphoric reaction. The pet begins to spin and ride on the floor, accompanying all the strongest purrs. When exposed to the brain of this smell in an animal, hallucinations very often occur. Veterinarians compare this reaction to intoxication. There are many possible individual reactions:
- loud rumbling;
- too active washing;
- unnatural jumps;
- climbing the curtains;
- sleep in an unnatural pose.
In most cases, hyperactive behavior lasts for 10-12 minutes. After this, the cat usually falls asleep.
Cat's reaction to a favorite treat
A break in the euphoric reaction can last from 30 to 60 minutes and with repeated inhalation all the symptoms will recur.
Is catnip harmful for cats when you don’t need to use it
Even the pet’s huge interest in catnip does not allow him to eat more than the required amount. The animal has an internal barrier that does not allow you to eat "euphoric weed" continuously.
On a note! Even if this suddenly happened, then cleansing the body after an excess of catnip occurs naturally: through diarrhea or vomiting. This situation does not require the involvement of a veterinarian and the use of any medications.
The only restriction in the use of catnip applies to pregnant representatives of the species. Females can become overexcited and the shaky nervous system will negatively react to stress.
It is important to remember that cats have a natural feature to feel which plants they need and which not. Therefore, it makes no sense to limit the animal in street conditions.
Cat lemongrass
Why the cat does not respond to catnip
There is a hereditary feature of some cats, which consists in the lack of interest and body reaction to catnip.
Approximately 30-35% of cats have completely no receptors responsible for the reaction to this grass. This may be due to age-related characteristics, but more often, if the reaction did not appear in the young kitten, then it will not affect an adult cat either.
Growing catnip in a personal plot
Why grow catnip if it can be purchased at any veterinary pharmacy. The answer to this question is simple: a natural product does not have any chemical impurities and its use in no way can harm your beloved pet. Another reason to engage in self-cultivation of the species is its decorative qualities and a very pleasant aroma.
Catnip in the infield
Planting can be carried out in two ways:
- Direct landing in the ground.
- Seedling method.
If you plant the seed directly in the soil, it is important to understand that the first sprouts will appear no earlier than after 14-20 days. Sowing seeds in open ground can be carried out throughout the spring and even in autumn.
On a note!The seed germination directly depends on weather conditions.
If you follow the rules of care, then an extremely unpretentious plant this year will please the pet and decorate any garden.
Sowing in the soil should be carried out in a light, drained substrate. Location - sunny side, in extreme cases - partial shade.
Watering plantings is a mandatory procedure. Despite the fact that the plant tolerates drought, it certainly will not refuse timely watering.
Important! It is necessary to moisten the soil after the first cut to stimulate the restoration of the aerial part.
Organic and mineral fertilizers, such as humus or manure, as well as any superphosphate preparations, have proven themselves well as catnip in open ground. We must not forget about the timely cultivation after each watering and weeding of all harmful weeds.
If possible, you should not resort to cutting catnip sprouts in the first year of life. This will form a stronger and stronger plant.
To achieve flowering already this season, seedlings should be used as planting material. Seeds for seedlings are sown at the very beginning of March. Transplantation into the ground is carried out in May, after the formation of the first true leaves.
By the summer, the bush will grow rapidly and if you do not carry out decorative pruning, in the fall he will conduct an independent and as much as possible self-sowing.
How to grow catnip at home
At home, the best way to grow catnip seed seed.
To do this, you need to take a seedling box or any suitable container. This kind of "will like" the most nutritious soil. Although self-prepared soil mix and purchased universal substrate will vary in composition.
You can take: 1 part of peat, 1 part of turf land, 2 parts of nutrient soil and 1 part of charcoal. Best of all, catnip will grow in a pre-sanitized soil. This can be done by ordinary calcination or by moistening the soil with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.
Step-by-step instruction for growing in a pot
To improve germination, a preliminary soaking of the seed material should be carried out.
On a note! Soaking seeds can be combined with their simultaneous processing. If for 10-15 minutes to lower the seed in manganese, this will not only sanitize them, but also significantly increase germination.
The sequence of actions should be as follows:
- before planting, the soil is moistened;
- the seeds are laid in the soil no deeper than 1 cm. At this stage, it is important to observe the sowing pattern in order to avoid thickened plantings. The distance between the seedlings should not be less than 5 cm;
- the next step is re-wetting the soil. Best for these purposes is spraying with a spray gun;
- An important condition for good germination is the creation of a “greenhouse effect”. To do this, you can put a transparent bag on the container or cover it with any transparent material;
- when the first shoots appear, the cover must be removed;
- after the formation of these leaves, the picking of landings is carried out;
- transplanting young seedlings into individual pots should be accompanied by pinching of the roots. Thanks to this procedure, the plant will grow in a horizontal rather than vertical direction;
- moving in larger containers is carried out as catnip grows.
It is important to remember that for plant health it is important not only to observe the rules of planting, but also timely and high-quality care of seedlings.
In order to prevent drying out of the soil, a pan is installed under the pot, which is filled with water as needed. It is advisable to conduct timely plant formation. When removing lateral shoots and leaves, the flower will more actively begin to develop upward.
Catnip cultivation at home
Important! The procedure of pinching and pruning should be carried out only after the flowering process is completed.
We must not forget about the necessary top dressing. For these purposes, any natural mineral preparations are suitable. The first time the fertilizer is applied to the soil at the time the first seedlings appear. The second - before the formation of inflorescences, the third - during active budding and the appearance of the first flowers.
If you do not timely fertilize the soil, the roots of the flower will be exhausted, and the catnip will not be able to develop.
Where catnip grows in nature
This culture can be found in many countries of the world. The view feels great in temperate climates. In a forested area, on mountain slopes, near rivers and ponds. For example, in the Far East, catnip is perfectly adapted even to fairly cool weather. Almost all areas of southern Europe are also flooded with subspecies of catnip. And in Africa, for example, there are more than 100 varieties of plants. About 80 species were found in India.
Schisandra in the landscape of the plot
Not many people know that lemon catnip can be used not only as the best treat for pets, but also as a medicinal plant, endowed with a lot of useful properties.
In folk medicine, catnip is added to a wide variety of teas. They increase immunity, have excellent anti-inflammatory properties. In pharmaceuticals, a flower is added to painkillers. When brewing grass and taking it instead of tea, you get a wonderful expectorant.
The essential oils contained in catnip also have an antimicrobial effect.
In recent years, landscape designers began to use catnip to decorate the garden. With the help of this plant, with minimal care, you can achieve a wonderful decorative effect and transform almost any personal plot.
