June is Adopt a [Shelter] Cat Month and every blog post in June will focus on some aspect of our furry feline friends. Today’s topic is catnip and other plants cat families can use to enrich their cat’s home environment.

Catnip
Those of us who have had more than a few cats in their lifetime know not all cats react to the herb Nepeta cataria, colloquially known as catnip. Passion for catnip depends on a cat’s age and genes. Kittens less than about 8 weeks of age do not respond to catnip. In the population of cats at large, 25% of cats are not genetically programmed to respond to neptalactone, the substance in catnip that induces a kitty high – rolling, rubbing, sniffing, and chewing. Since not all cats enjoy a catnip high, a recent article in BMC Veterinary Research provides some suggestions of other plants which your cat may safely enjoy.

Silver Vine (Actinidia polygama)

This plant, also known as cat plant, is native to China and Japan. The plant can grow to a height of six feet and has pretty white flowers. Nearly 80% of cats responded positively to sliver vine. I found several products on pet websites containing silver vine, including sticks and dried leaves. In case you have a green thumb, you can also purchase seed packets to be used in a do-it-yourself cat garden.

Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica)

You might find this Siberian import in your yard or nearby woods as it is considered a noxious and invasive species. Tatarian honeysuckle is a bush with pretty pink flowers found in hardy to Zone 3 areas. Some feline-centric websites offer honeysuckle sticks for your cat. Fifty percent of cats appear to enjoy the olfactory stimulation provided by honeysuckle.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian-based products can easily be found in health food stores because the plant has a long history as an herbal therapy for promoting sleep. About half of cats given valerian root have a positive response. Directions on how to grow Valerian in your garden and prepare the roots for your cat can be found here. Both you and your cat will enjoy this plant since the flowers are dramatic balls of white flowers which will be lovely in a vase on your table.
Catnip, silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle and valerian all provide safe olfactory entertainment for your cat, but not every houseplant or flower is feline-friendly. Check this list of plants toxic to cats and avoid having them in your home.