La Nepeta Qatari, better known as cat grass, is a plant that in addition to being beautiful has properties that cats tend to love. In fact, it is sometimes called a cat drug, as many seem to adore it.
But apart from that, it is a very interesting species to grow in gardens and balconies. Its appearance is similar to that of peppermint or mint, and the care you need to be healthy is very easy too.
Origin and characteristics of Nepeta Qatari
Image - Wikimedia / Holger Casselmann
It is a perennial plant, that is, that lives for several years, popularly called catmint, cat basil, catnip, catnip, catnip, catnip or cat grass native to Europe, where we will find it in vacant lots, slopes , embankments, and among the ruins of old and abandoned houses. It has also become feral in Western Asia, as well as in North America.
Reaches a height of between 20 and 90 centimeters, with grayish branched stems, from which opposite leaves sprout, petiolate, with serrated and hairy edges on the underside. The entire plant is hairy and aromatic, giving off a mild citrus scent. The flowers appear grouped in pedunculated spikes and are yellowish and pink with purple spots.
Why do you attract cats?
The Internet is full of videos and photos of cats that seem to go 'crazy' with the Nepeta Qatari. That's right: its active principle is nepetalactone, a substance that is chemically similar to that of a compound found in the urine of these animals. Even so, you have to know that not everyone is attracted to the same way, and even many are not even attracted to it (like mine, for example).
This is probably due to environmental, genetic and gender factors (females are thought to be more attracted to than males). But if your cat has contact with her in a calm and relaxed situation, she might respond to it.
How does it affect them?
Image - Flickr / »T» eresa
If you get him to react to it, you will see that he nibbles or even eats its leaves, smells it, rubs on its leaves ... and begins to hunt imaginary mice, roll over on himself and, in short, to behave in a curious way, as if in ecstasy.
Cat grass care
If you want to have a copy, either to decorate your garden or balcony, for the cat to enjoy ... or for both reasons, we recommend that you provide the following care:
Location
It is a plant that must be abroad, in a place where it is in direct sunlight if possible throughout the day or at least 4 hours.
Earth
- Flower pot: you can fill it with universal substrate.
- Garden: grows in all types of soils, including limestone, provided they have good drainage.
Irrigation
Image - Wikimedia / Puusterke
Moderate to low. You have to let the soil dry a little before re-moistening it, which is why if it is kept in a pot it is not advisable to put a plate under it or place it inside a pot without holes.
In principle, and depending on the climate, you have to water 2-3 times a week in summer, and somewhat less the rest of the year.
Subscriber
It is interesting to pay to the Nepeta Qatari with organic and therefore natural fertilizers, such as guano, mulch, compost, herbivorous animal manure, from early spring to late summer.
Multiplication
Catnip multiplies by seeds in spring, following these steps:
- First, you must choose the seedbed: pots, seedling trays, peat tablets, yogurt or milk containers ... Anything that has or can be made of holes and is made of a waterproof material will do for you.
- Then fill it with substrate if applicable and water. If you are using peat pellets, put them in a bowl of water until they are fully hydrated.
- Next, sow the seeds trying to put 2 or 3, no more, in the same alveolus / pill / pot, burying them a little.
- Finally, water again (except if you use peat tablets), and place the seedbed outside, in full sun.
If all goes well, you will see that they will germinate in about 10 days.
Rusticity
It resists frosts of up to -7ºC.
Uses of cat grass
It has several:
Ornamental
It is a quite beautiful plant, which also gives off a very pleasant aroma. As it does not grow much, it is perfect for growing in pots, being able to have it on a balcony, terrace or patio.
Properties of the Nepeta Qatari
Without a doubt, if it is popular, apart from being attractive to cats, it is also because it is medicinal. In fact, it is used as a diaphoretic in case of fever, since it stimulates sweating and is carminative. Also against coughs, colds, flu and chronic bronchitis. Also, it is mildly sedating.
Although if this seems little to you, you should know that, although there are no scientific studies to prove it, these other properties are attributed to it:
- Aphrodisiac
- Digestive
- Soft Drink
- Tonic
- pectoral
- Soporific
Where to buy?
You can buy it from here:
Very interesting. A biological note on cats: "gender" is not "sex". Sex is female/male. "Gender" is the masculine/feminine, the things of man and femininity... that is, gender is a social construct, an invention of the human being, which has nothing to do with biological gender. 🙂