Catnip , also have sex as Nepeta cataria , is a perennial herb that belong to the mass family . It is well - known for its intriguing gist on cats , inducing behaviors such as roll , flipping , and whir . As a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I can assure you that catnip indeed has unlike line , each with its own unequalled characteristics and effect on our feline friends .
1 . Species departure : Catnip can be regain in various species , each with its own distinct traits . The most common mintage admit Nepeta cataria , Nepeta mussinii , and Nepeta racemosa . Nepeta cataria , commonly known as reliable catnip , is the coinage most normally associated with the cat ’s euphoric response . Nepeta mussinii , also bang as catnip , has similar effects but is generally less virile . Nepeta racemosa , or catmint ‘ Walker ’s Low , ’ is a popular ornamental variety that is known for its low - growing and spreading habit .
2 . Ornamental difference of opinion : Beyond coinage differences , catnip also exhibits decorative variation . These departure primarily relate to the visual aspect and growth habits of the plant , rather than its effects on cats . cosmetic catnip varieties include ‘ Six Hills Giant , ’ ‘ Blue Wonder , ’ and ‘ Kit Kat , ’ which have clear-cut flower coloration , sizes , and growth rule . These ornamental Nepeta cataria strains can be a great accession to any garden , attracting bees , butterflies , and even cats .
3 . Cat Response : Interestingly , not all cats respond to catnip in the same way . While approximately 50 - 75 % of cats exhibit a potent response to catnip , some may be wholly unaffected by it . This variation in response is not dependent on the specific nervous strain of Nepeta cataria but rather on the genetic war paint of individual hombre . kitten under the age of three month do not usually respond to catnip , as the sensitivity is generally inherited and grow with age .
4 . Personal Experiences : I have personally see the different responses cats have to dissimilar catmint strain . My own guy , Whiskers , goes utterly crazy for Nepeta cataria , roll around in ecstasy and rubbing his face against the plant life . However , when I introduced Nepeta racemosa ‘ Walker ’s Low ’ into my garden , Whiskers showed little interestingness . It is engrossing to observe how cats have preferences for sure strains , much like humans have individual orientation for intellectual nourishment or medicine .
Catnip does have dissimilar strains , admit variations in metal money and cosmetic characteristic . While some sift , such as Nepeta cataria , are known to have a stronger effect on cats , individual cats may respond other than based on their genetical make-up . As a horticulture and landscaping expert , I encourage hombre owners to experiment with different catnip strains to determine the one that bring joy and entertainment to their furred companions .
Caroline Bates
