nepeta and 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

Are you wondering about nepeta and cats, and why these plants are such a favourite among Kiwi gardeners and their feline friends? If you’ve ever noticed your cat rolling ecstatically in the garden, there’s a good chance nepeta—commonly called catmint—is involved. This easy-care perennial not only boasts dreamy blue-mauve flowers and aromatic foliage, but it also offers an irresistible allure for many cats. This page explores everything you need to know about nepeta and cats, how to choose the best nepeta cultivars, and how to grow a truly cat-friendly garden.

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.

Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through autumn, it produces masses of lavender blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies to NZ gardens.

Buy Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

From $17.87

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 25 cm

Spread: 25 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

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

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

Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

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Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ is a striking variegated ornamental grass that delivers elegant upright form and delicate texture to garden borders and landscaping. With green and creamy-white striped foliage and feathery plumes in summer, this clump-forming grass is both functional and decorative.

Buy Calamagrostis 'Overdam'

From $19.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 90 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn, Winter

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

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

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

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Calamagrostis, Cordyline, and Dactylis, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Grasses, and Indoor Plants.

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Why Do Cats Love Nepeta?

The magic of nepeta and cats starts with a compound called nepetalactone, found in the leaves and stems of the plant. When cats come into contact with nepeta, they often exhibit playful, euphoric behaviours such as sniffing, rolling, and even rubbing their chins on the foliage. It’s completely safe for your pets—in fact, growing nepeta can be a natural enrichment activity for indoor and outdoor cats alike.

Choosing the Right Nepeta for Your Garden (and Cat)

There are several popular varieties of nepeta to consider, each with their own charm. Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint) is treasured for its tidy, mounding habit and long-lasting purple blooms. If you prefer a shorter, bushier option with a sea of vibrant blue flowers, Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint) is a stunning choice. For gardeners with more space and a love of lush, sprawling perennials, Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint) can create a dramatic, wildlife-friendly border.

Another reliable favourite is Nepeta faassenii, a sterile hybrid that flowers prolifically through summer and autumn. It’s adored not just by cats, but by bees and butterflies too.

Growing Nepeta for Cat Enrichment

Nepeta is incredibly easy to grow, which makes it an ideal addition to New Zealand gardens. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, and consider mass planting nepeta along a border, pathway, or around seating areas where your cats love to lounge. Most nepeta varieties are drought-resistant and tolerate a range of soil conditions. They pair beautifully with ornamental grasses such as Calamagrostis 'Overdam', adding movement and texture to your cat-friendly planting schemes.

Tips for a Cat-Safe Garden

While nepeta is safe for cats, remember to provide a variety of plants and sensory experiences in your garden. Always avoid using garden chemicals, especially near plants you know your pets enjoy. It’s also a good idea to plant nepeta where you don’t mind a bit of playful wear and tear, as excited cats can flatten the occasional stem.

Nepeta and Cats: A Purrfect Match

Whether you’re looking to give your kitty a treat or simply want a beautiful, low-maintenance perennial, nepeta and cats make a perfect pair in the Kiwi garden. Browse our range of nepeta, including Nepeta 'Walkers Low' (Catmint), Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint), Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint), and Nepeta faassenii to get started. Your garden—and your feline companion—will thank you.

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.