catmint for cats

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

If you’re a cat lover and a keen gardener, growing catmint for cats is a natural way to delight your feline friends and add beauty to your outdoor spaces. Catmint (Nepeta) is a hardy perennial herb known for its aromatic foliage and clusters of blue-purple flowers. While it resembles catnip, catmint is generally more often grown for its ornamental value but is still enjoyed by many cats for its enticing scent and gentle effects. Choosing catmint for cats can bring playful moments and pollinator-friendly vibes to your garden, all in one easy-to-grow package.

Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

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Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as a dense clump and typically grows to 40 cm tall and 60 cm wide. Dactylis glomerata is commonly planted alongside water features such as ponds and streams, mass planted either as a groundcover or on a bank, included in borders, used in rock gardens, or maintained in a container. A mass planting gives an outstanding display and is one of the best ways to showcase this plant.

Buy Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

From $21.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 40 cm

Spread: 60 cm

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Rose 'Desiree'

Rose 'Desiree' is a beautifully refined rose known for soft pastel blooms, gentle fragrance and repeat flowering through the warmer months in New Zealand gardens. This lovely cultivar produces full classic roses on strong stems ideal for cutting and display. With healthy growth glossy foliage and long seasonal performance, Rose 'Desiree' brings romance and timeless floral charm to borders cottage gardens and outdoor living spaces.

Buy Rose 'Desiree'

From $63.38

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Rose Plants

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cordyline, Dactylis, Dolichandra Rose and Trachelospermum, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grasses Bush Roses and Evergreen Trees.

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What Makes Catmint Appealing to Cats?

Catmint contains the compound nepetalactone, which affects about half of domestic cats, triggering joyful behaviour such as rolling, rubbing, and playfulness. Each variety offers slightly different scents and appearances, but all are safe for cats and non-toxic when nibbled in moderation. Growing catmint for cats is an excellent way to enrich your pet’s environment, especially for indoor-outdoor cats who love to explore sensory delights in the backyard.

Best Varieties of Catmint for Cats

Not all catmint varieties are created equal when it comes to attracting felines. To get the most enjoyment for your pets and your garden, explore some of these tried-and-true cultivars:

Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint): Known for its lush mounds and long flowering season, Walkers Low is adored by cats and gardeners alike.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint): With its compact growth and striking blue blooms, Blue Wonder fits well in containers and borders.
Nepeta mussinii (Catmint): Mussinii is a classic species with aromatic foliage that’s especially irresistible to cats.
Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint): For those desiring a statement plant, Six Hills Giant produces billowing, cat-tempting growth perfect for a cottage garden border.

Planting and Caring for Catmint for Your Cats

Catmint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance addition to most New Zealand gardens. Plant these perennials in free-draining spots where cats have safe access, ensuring they can enjoy brushing or rolling against the aromatic stems. Deadheading spent blossoms encourages further blooms, offering months of pollinator activity and ongoing entertainment for your pets. If your garden is home to both cats and pollinators, consider planting alongside salvia varieties such as Salvia 'Blue Hill' for a harmonious, bee-friendly habitat.

Is Catmint Safe for Cats?

Yes, catmint is completely safe for cats and is often chosen by animal lovers who want to avoid potentially harmful ornamental plants. Eating, rubbing, or rolling in catmint will not harm your furry friend but moderation is key, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach. Always keep an eye on how your pet responds to new plants and consult your vet if you have any concerns.

Enhance Your Garden and Delight Your Cat

Bringing catmint for cats into your landscape is a wonderful way to add a sensory-rich element to your garden while keeping your pets happy and active. With beautiful varieties like Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint), Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint), Nepeta mussinii (Catmint), and Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint), you can create a vibrant space that’s as appealing to your family as it is to your cats.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.