Hunting at Roadside V #6

Catmint, also known as catnip (Nepeta cataria), is very popular with our pets. It contains a substance called nepetalactone. Nepetalactone is probably used by the plant as a natural defense against insects and pests. This substance is very similar to the natural sex pheremones of cats. This would also explain why male cats in particular are so fond of catmint.

Cats can safely nibble and eat catmint leaves, stems and flowers – indeed many cat toys are stuffed with dried catmint leaves. Some cats love it so much they roll around and sleep on the plants.