HERB HERBERT

SPECIAL INTEREST HERBS

Is your cat's life dull and boring? Perhaps you might like to plant one or maybe all of the following herbs as a special treat for your pet!
NTRO
I n response to a crushed stem of Catnip or Catmint being placed in front of them your pet will begin rubbing their head and cheeks against the plant, perhaps rolling about and becoming in cr ea si ng ly in to xi ca te d un ti l seemingly out of control. A few minutes later they will get up and walk away, totally uninterested. Apparently young cats and approximately onethird of adult cats do not respond to catnip. What is it about Catnip and Catmint that can send some cats into a state of euphoria for anything up to 20 minutes? It is said that 70 per cent of the essential oil in these plants is comprised of a chemical, Nepetalactone, which acts as a nerve stimulant in domestic cats (also lions, pum as, leo par ds and the like ). Sometimes they will nibble at the plant but this is just to release the oil, as the reaction occurs mainly through the nose, rather than ingestion. The state of euphoria that results can create a burst of energy, but it can also be relaxing. These plants are not addictive and have no after effects. Apparently cats will not respond to the plant again for at least one hour after an encounter. Many cat lovers make toy mice for their pets to play with by stuffing a fabric or leather mouse with dried leaves. The stuffing can be renewed from time to time to 'inject some new life into the old mouse'. These toys are reputedly beneficial for occupying or sedating the cat during transportation, or at the vet.

ESCRIPTION
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Catnip is an easy-togrow perennial, native to Europe, and best planted in spring or autumn. It likes a sunny spot with light soil, and grows to around 60 cm high with a width of one metre. The grey-green downy leaves have a minty ar om a an d ar e su sc ep ti bl e to ca te rp il la rs an d gra ss ho pp er s, particularly when the plants are young. Flowers are white with purple spots. Up to three harvests can be made from the plant if it is pinched back as soon as the first flowers appear. There is also a lemon-scented varietyCa tnip Lem on (Ne peta cataria 'Citriodora') Catmint (Nepeta faassenii, previously known as N. mussinii) Catmint is a smaller, more ornamental form than catnip which has spikes of purplish-blue flowers in summer with grey-white foliage. It grows to about 40 cm. It also attracts cats. Catgrass (Dactylis glomerata) The young green shoots of this freshly growing catgrass provide your cat with a ready supply of essential vitamins and minerals often missing from the diets of cats who spend much of their lives indoors. They

Instinctively seek out and eat it for its nutritional and medicinal properties and as a natural aid to hairball removal.

SES
Catnip is not just for cats though, it also attracts bees. It will, however, repel most garden pests which makes it a good border plant for the vegetable garden. Also said to keep away fleas and rats. Catmint has a dwarf, spreading habit which makes it good for ground cover or for use in rockeries and borders. Catgrass is ideal for dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits which all seem to need fresh grass to chew.

ULTIVATION
Freshly picked leaves are more potent as much of the essential oil content is lost when the leaves are dried. It is best to harvest leaves prior to flowering, when the oil is most abundant and in the morning after the dew has dried, as the oil is most concentrated. If you wish to dry the leaves, hang bundles upside down in a warm airy place away from direct sunlight. Catgrass can be grown all year round. The grass is ready to eat when 7-10 cm tall. Place the plant in good light but not full sun. Ensure it does Not dry out.

C HERB HERBERT P/L

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Any enquiries can be directed to:

HERB HERBERT P/L PO Box 24 Monbulk Victoria 3793 Australia E-mail: herb@herbherbert.com This Herb description is for informal use only; we cannot accept any liability for any harm or illness arising from the misuse of the plant described above