Add more sticks as the catnip plant grows larger.
Is your cat literally loving the catnip to death? The urge to lie on top of catnip and wallow in it is irresistible to some felines. It won’t take much of this pounding to destroy your planting. However, a few bamboo sticks to discourage kitty from lying down will save your plant and still leave plenty to enjoy. Most cats will rub against the leaves (and often the sticks, so use smooth ones) without smashing the entire planting. You can use bamboo sticks or thin dowels cut into 1- to 2-foot lengths and stuck into the ground 2 to 3 inches apart within the plant canopy. What makes some cats go cuckoo over catnip while others ignore it? It’s genetic. Those that react to it are thought to have a genetic sensitivity to nepetalactone, the active ingredient in the leaves.
Another way to keep the catnip from catastrophy (pun intended) is to turn a wire basket upside down over the plant forming a protective cage that allow the cat(s) access to the leaves that grow through the mesh. I used an old freezer basket, works great!
Hi Dennis,
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Kelly, Bonnie Plants
I have two cats. One is literally goo goo for catnip! He acts wacky after rubbing and rolling in it. It is quite the hilarious spectacle. I have placed a large wire basket over the main plant, & it has kept it bushy and safe from his attentions. The plant’s outer edges look well-loved. His kitty companion cares nothing for it, but is always in attendance for the show. She thinks he’s nuts!