Do you have a cat at home and want to know if you can grow catnip in your house? You’re not alone. Many pet owners are curious about providing their feline friends with the same benefits of fresh, homegrown catnip.
The answer is yes. Growing catnip indoors is possible, and it will be incredibly rewarding for both you and your kitty. Not only does it provide entertainment, but it also has a variety of health benefits.
Catnip is an herbal remedy that’s been used for centuries. It can reduce anxiety, ease digestion, and even help with specific skin disorders. Plus, growing indoors is easy – all you need is soil, water, sunlight, and the right seeds or plants.
In this blog post I’ll cover the basics of growing catnip in your house as well as give tips on how to get started. We’ll also discuss the health benefits of giving your cat access to fresh catnip and how it can help with behavioral problems like furniture scratching or excessive meowing. Finally, I’ll give tips on how to save excess catnip if you decide to grow more than what your pet needs.
Ready to give your furry friend some extra love by growing homegrown catnip? Read on.
What is Catnip?
Catnip, also known as Nepeta cataria, is a type of herb that belongs to the mint family and is native to Europe, but now grown worldwide. It contains a chemical compound called nepetalactone which can trigger a mild euphoric response in cats when they inhale or consume it.
Not all cats are affected by catnip, but for those that do, it can induce playfulness, relaxation and a sense of wellbeing.
Growing catnip is relatively easy and can be done both indoors and outdoors. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow up to three feet tall. Catnip can be propagated from seed or by root division, and requires regular watering and light fertilization.
Not only does it provide endless entertainment for your feline friends, but it can also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies whilst repelling pests like mosquitoes and flies.
Catnip has many other uses aside from being popular with cats. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as insomnia, headaches and stomachaches; while in the kitchen it can be used to add flavor to soups, stews and salads.
Benefits of Growing Catnip Indoors
Here are some reasons why it’s worth considering.
Firstly, having a catnip plant indoors ensures that you will always have fresh catnip available. You won’t have to go out and buy it every time you run out – simply pick the leaves from your plant whenever needed. This will also help save money in the long run.
Secondly, catnip has a calming effect on many cats, so having it readily available can help soothe anxious felines. Plus, cats love to play with and explore their environment, so having a catnip plant indoors provides them with an exciting source of enrichment to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Thirdly, catnip plants are attractive and can add a touch of greenery to your indoor living space. They come in all shapes of containers, ranging from traditional pots to hanging baskets, making them versatile additions for any home.
Fourthly, playing with the plant can actually improve growth and keep it healthy – not only is it fun for your kitty, but it also helps ensure the plant’s longevity.
Lastly, harvesting the leaves and stems provides you with organic catnip that is free of chemicals or pesticides used in commercially raised varieties. So not only will your feline friend enjoy its benefits, but you can rest assured that it is safe for them to eat as well.
Where to Buy Catnip Plants
Not only will it provide them with nourishment, but it will also bring a touch of greenery to your home. And the best part? You can grow it yourself and be sure that your feline friend is getting organic, pesticide-free food that is safe for them to consume.
There are plenty of options available. Local nurseries or pet stores are great places to start. Make sure to check the label and ensure that the plant is free of any harmful chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides.
Mountain Rose Herbs is another excellent source – they offer organic and high-quality catnip plants. Amazon and Chewy also have a wide variety of catnip plants for different budgets and preferences.
Catnip seeds are easy to find in garden or nursery stores – just pop them in a pot indoors or outdoors and enjoy fresh catnip whenever you like. For something extra special, there are also blends with other herbs such as chamomile, roses, or lavender which add an additional pleasant scent.
How to Grow Catnip from Seed
Are you looking for a special treat for your furry friend? Why not plant your own fresh and organic catnip from seed? Growing catnip from seed is relatively easy and can be done both indoors and outdoors. With a little care and attention, you can give your cat the ultimate delight.
To get started, you’ll need to select the right location. For indoor planting, choose an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. If planting outdoors, wait until the last frost of spring before sowing the seeds in soil. Ensure that the soil remains moist as the seeds germinate and eventually grow into seedlings.
Once your catnip plants are about 6 inches tall, you may need to prune them to promote bushy growth. To do this, pinch off the leaves and stems at the top of the plant. Not only will this help it grow bushier, but it will also give off more scented oils for your kitty’s pleasure.
It’s important to note that cats can be overly enthusiastic when it comes to catnip. They may damage the plant by over-grooming or nibbling on it. If this becomes a concern, consider enclosing the plant in a wire cage or indoors to keep your furry friend away from its leaves.
So, growing catnip from seed is an enjoyable way to treat your cat with something special. You can enjoy fresh and organic catnip year round with just a little care and attention – similar to having your own personal kitty playground.
How to Care for the Plant Outdoors
If you’re a cat lover, then you know that catnip is a favorite treat of cats everywhere. But did you know that you can grow your own catnip outdoors? With a little bit of love and care, you can enjoy an endless supply of fresh and potent catnip for your feline friends.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow and harvest catnip outdoors.
Selecting a Location
When it comes to selecting the perfect location for your catnip plants, it’s important to ensure that they receive adequate sunlight and well-draining soil.
Ideally, catnip should be grown in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, but it can tolerate partial shade as well. Make sure the soil is well-draining, as catnip does not like to sit in water.
Plant Spacing Requirements
To prevent overcrowding, space your plants at least 18 to 24 inches apart when planting. This will help ensure that each plant has enough room to grow properly without competing with its neighbors for resources.
Watering Requirements
Regular watering is essential for keeping your catnip plants healthy and happy. Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged – you can test the moisture level by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Pruning Plants
Pruning your plants regularly will help encourage bushy growth and keep them from becoming too tall and leggy. This also helps promote the production of new leaves and stems.
Pest Control
Catnip plants are susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and other common garden pests that can damage or kill the plant. Consider using natural pest control methods such as introducing beneficial insects or using insecticidal soaps if needed.
Harvesting Your Catnip
When it comes time to harvesting your catnip plants, wait until they reach a height of about 12 to 18 inches before chopping them back. Cut above a set of leaves leaving about 1/3 of the plant intact – this will help ensure that there is enough plant material left for the plant to resprout and regrow next season.
Can You Grow Catnip Indoors with Cats?
The answer is a resounding “yes.” Growing catnip indoors can be a great way to provide your kitty with an all-natural treat, and it’s surprisingly easy to do.
First, make sure you find the right spot for your catnip plant. It should be near a window that receives plenty of natural light. Then, ensure that the soil is well-draining and water it regularly.
Once your plant has matured, you can harvest some of its leaves and stems for your cat’s enjoyment. Just remember to keep an eye on them when they’re around the plant – some cats may become overly excited or aggressive around catnip plants.
Overall, growing catnip indoors is an excellent way to give your furry friend something special while still providing yourself with an endless supply of fresh and organic catnip year after year.
Will Cats Destroy the Plant?
The answer is yes. Catnip is generally safe for cats and they are unlikely to destroy the plant unless they are bored or need to satisfy their hunting instincts.
Catnip plants are also quite resilient and can handle some rough play from cats. If your cat shows too much interest in the plant, you can try spraying it with a cat repellent. However, it’s important to make sure that your kitty does not eat the entire plant as this could lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
When grown indoors, catnip makes for a great treat for your furry friend that is both fun and healthy. Just remember to find a sunny spot, use well-draining soil, and monitor your cat’s behavior when they’re around the garden.
How to Give Your Cat Home Grown Catnip
To give your cat homegrown catnip, cut fresh leaves from the plant or create a toy out of dried leaves by stuffing them into a small fabric pouch or toy for your cat to play with. Always monitor your cats’ reactions to ensure they do not consume too much of it, as overindulging can result in digestive problems or other health issues.
Homegrown Catnip
For cat owners looking to provide their feline friends with a natural and healthy way to reduce stress and anxiety, make them more playful, and even improve their digestion, homegrown catnip is the perfect solution.
Growing Catnip Indoors
Growing catnip indoors is relatively easy and requires planting seeds in a pot with well-draining soil and full sun. Alternatively, you can purchase catnip plants from a local nursery or online store and transplant them into pots.
Growing Catnip Outdoors
If you prefer to grow your catnip outdoors, choose a spot in your garden with well-drained soil and full sun. Sow the seeds in the ground or transplant existing plants, water them adequately for bushy growth up to 3 feet in height, if left wild.
Conclusion
Not only does it provide entertainment, but it also offers a variety of health benefits such as reducing anxiety, aiding digestion, and even helping with specific skin disorders. All you need is soil, water, sun and the right seeds or plants – local nurseries or pet stores are great starting points.
Mountain Rose Herbs is another excellent source for organic and high-quality catnip plants. Amazon and Chewy both have a wide selection of plants for various budgets and tastes. Or why not get creative and grow your own from seed?
When harvesting your homegrown catnip, wait until the plants reach about 12 to 18 inches in height before cutting them back. Cut above a row of leaves, leaving about 1/3 of the plant intact; this will ensure that there is enough material for the plant to regrow next season.
To make your kitty’s catnip toy, remove fresh leaves from the plant or stuff dried leaves into a small fabric pouch or toy for your cat to play with.
Growing catnip indoors can be an enjoyable way to pamper both you and your beloved feline companion while still providing yourself with some amazing health benefits.
