Catnip (Nepeta cataria), also known as catmint, is the most popular cat-pleasing plant, because about 80 percent of cats react with glee to contact with nepetalactone, found in catnip leaves and stems.
Cats mainly like spider plants because they are mildly hallucinogenic. Yes, it's true. Similar in nature to the effects of catnip, spider plants produce chemicals that induce your cat's obsessive behavior and fascination.
There are some alternatives--plants such as silver vine, honeysuckle, and valerian have all been used to satisfy the feline sense of smell. Surprisingly, silver vine is the most effective of these plants, as more cats respond to its smell than even catnip.
Nepeta cataria
The names catnip and catmint are derived from the intense attraction about two-thirds of cats have toward it (alternative plants exist). In addition to its uses with cats, catnip is an ingredient in some herbal teas (or tisanes), and is valued for its sedative and relaxant properties.
Nepetalactone, an essential oil found in the catnip plant, stimulates cats in ways that are similar to how cannabis affects humans, according to MyPetNaturally.com. When cats ingest or rub themselves with catnip, nepetalactone triggers a euphoric reaction, which makes cats feel good, according to Purina.
According to experts, approximately one in two cats are sensitive to catnip. Fun fact: Did you know that most Australian cats are usually not affected by catnip because they lack the gene that stimulates the sense of euphoria?
Popular options for calming herbs for cats with cat anxiety are catnip, chamomile, hops, valerian root, lemon balm, skullcap, and California poppy (don't worry: it doesn't have any opiates).
Wild felines regularly ingest plants, and it seems to be a behavior that our domestic cats have inherited from their ancestors. Many cats eat plants because they enjoy the taste. Others consume plants because they are bored, stressed, or attracted by the movement of the plants.
Catnip and More.
Many herbs we use in cooking are safe and fun for cats to sniff, and some are known to be feline favorites. Catnip, part of the mint family, affects many cats with a scent-induced kitty “high.” Silver vine has a similar effect. And valerian can energize cats.
Catnip can be grown in the garden proper or in containers, either inside or outside. Like mint, catnip can take over a garden area, so growing catnip in containers is a great option, plus it provides a year-round source of the herb to your feline friends.
Cats love catnip. And it's perfectly safe - there's nothing in it that can harm your cat. If by some chance your cat was to eat a large amount of catnip, it could cause a mild tummy upset, but that's not likely to happen.
Cats: Hardy Kiwi trunks have a catnip-like aroma which can cause cats to rub up against or dig up the plants. Burpee Recommends: Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels to repel cats. Cats also don't like the smell of coffee grounds, citronella, eucalyptus and lavender.
In terms of planting, strong-smelling plants like lavender is unpleasant to cats. Leaving orange or lemon peels out will also deter them as they dislike the smell of citrus.
While all of the plants listed above are toxic to cats, perhaps the most dangerous is the lily. Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats who come in contact with the flower's pollen, then ingest the pollen during grooming.
Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
Catnip, Silver Vine or Cat Thyme
Not only are catnip, silver vine, and cat thyme pet safe plants, but they're also healthy for your kitty. Each of these cat friendly plants acts as a stimulant for your cat, which can dramatically lower stress levels and boost mood.
Many, many common houseplants and garden plants are toxic to cats. If you have houseplants, it's safest to keep them away from where your cats can get to them.
If your cat has started urinating in your house plants, and your vet has confirmed there's no underlying medical condition, it's likely that they've developed a substrate preference for soil. In other words, they just like going to the bathroom with the feeling of dirt under their feet.
Ingesting catnip is the easiest method to make your cat drowsy while sniffing it will make your cat cheerful first and then tired. Your cat's reaction may be changed by the kind of catnip you use. Catnip is a non-addictive herb.
While it is not deadly, lavender is toxic for cats. Lavender contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which cats cannot process in their livers. This means that consuming too much lavender can lead to liver damage.
Doggijuana is a non-addictive catnip. There are no added ingredients that are harmful for your pet.
Researchers suspect that the herb targets feline "happy" receptors in the brain. When eaten, however, it tends to have the opposite effect and your cat mellows out. Most cats react to catnip by rolling, flipping, rubbing, and eventually zoning out. They may meow or growl at the same time.
Cats can ingest catnip, and it may even be helpful for their digestive tract. The catnip plant has actually been used in people for its antidiarrheal properties. With this said, it is important to prevent your cat from ingesting large amounts of catnip, as this can cause digestive upset.