Herbs aren’t just for people. Cats love herbs too. Ever watch a cat playing with a catnip mouse or rolling around purring under a catnip bush? Do you know that cats love to eat grass, seeking out the green stuff naturally when their body is craving vitamins or they are sick? And for pet owners looking for a natural way to repeal fleas, the herb pennyroyal is the perfect solution. Here are my three favorite herbs for cats; how to grow and how to use them.
Catnip, nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint family. There is an old proverb that goes; “If you set it, cats will eat it, If you sow it, cats won’t know it”. According to this if one plants catnip from seed, cats won’t be attracted to the plant. I have cats and I have both catnip started from division and catnip planted from seed. I haven’t seen any difference in the way the cats that love catnip react to the herbs. The difference comes with the cat and their genetic make up. Some cats love catnip while others can take it or leave it.
Catnip grows between 1 and 3 feet tall with heart shaped leaves and white flowers. The herb is a hardy perennial and prefers full to partial sun and good drainage. Harvest the leaves when the plant is in bloom and dry in a dark, well ventilated location. I use the dry leaves to stuff into pieces of felt cut into the shape of a mouse.
Any cat lover that has had their feline friends eat their houseplants knows how frustrating it can be. Cats instinctively know when their bodies are in need of vitamins and minerals and will go for the houseplants if no other source of green grass is around.
Many stores from pet shops to grocery stores have started selling cat grass for this reason. What is labeled cat grass is usually sprouted hard shell wheat berries. It’s full of chlorophyll, enzymes, anti oxidants, vitamins and minerals. Cats love it and along with being full of good things, it will help in the removal of hair balls and add roughage to their diet. To save money purchase the seeds from a garden center and grow your own.
Looking for a natural flea repellent for your pet? Look no further then pennyroyal. Pennyroyal is a member of the mint family and has been used since the earliest of times as an insect repellant. Rub fresh leaves on the cat’s coat, or make a pet collar from dry leaves. A spray can be made by pouring boiling water over leaves , fresh or dried, and allowing the leaves to steep for 15 minutes. Use the infusion as a spray for fleas or other insects.
European pennyroyal is a perennial and grown from cuttings or transplanted. American pennyroyal is an annual and can be planted from seeds. Either one will leave your cat smelling minty fresh or flea free.
Source; Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs 1987 Rodale Press
