You’re standing in the nursery, staring at two fuzzy green plants that look identical. One is labeled Nepeta cataria. The other says Nepeta x faassenii. Your cat is waiting at home for a buzz, and you’re paralyzed. Is catnip and catmint the same? Honestly, it depends on who you ask, but if you ask a botanist or a picky feline, the answer is a hard "sorta, but no."
They are cousins. They’re both members of the Lamiaceae family—the mints. They both have those square stems that characterize the family. But one is a raggedy weed that makes cats lose their minds, while the other is a gorgeous, purple-flowered landscape staple that stays tidy in a flower bed.
If you buy the wrong one, your cat might just sniff it and walk away with a look of pure judgment.
The Chemistry of the High
The biggest differentiator is a little organic compound called nepetalactone. This is the stuff that binds to the olfactory receptors in a cat's nose. When it hits, it triggers a response in the amygdala and hypothalamus. It’s a literal chemical reaction.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the heavy hitter here. It contains significantly higher concentrations of nepetalactone. It’s the "whiskey" of the cat world. When a cat rubs against it, they’re breaking the microscopic bulbs on the leaves to release that oil.
Catmint (Nepeta mussinii or Nepeta x faassenii), on the other hand, is like a light beer. It has nepetalactone, but in much lower doses. Many cats will acknowledge it, maybe give it a polite lick, but it rarely produces the "zoomies" or the frantic rolling associated with the hard stuff.
Wait. Not all cats even care. It’s genetic. Roughly 30% of cats lack the autosomal dominant gene required to react to either plant. If your cat is a "non-responder," neither plant will do a thing for them. Kittens also don't care; the sensitivity usually doesn't kick in until they’re about six months old.
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How to Tell the Difference Without a Lab
If you’re looking at them in the wild or at a garden center, look at the flowers. This is the easiest giveaway.
Catnip is, frankly, a bit ugly. It’s a lanky, weedy-looking plant that grows about three feet tall. Its flowers are small, white, and spotted with tiny purple dots. They aren't "showy." You wouldn't put catnip in a bridal bouquet. It looks like something you’d find growing behind an abandoned shed.
Catmint is the overachiever. It’s bred for beauty. It grows in dense, mounding clumps. The flowers are a vibrant lavender-blue and they bloom for a long time—usually from late spring all the way into autumn if you shear them back once. If you see a beautiful purple border along a walkway, that's catmint.
The leaves tell a story too. Catnip leaves are heart-shaped with coarse, jagged edges. They’re a dusty green. Catmint leaves are usually smaller, more grayish-green or silver, and have a finer texture.
Growing Habits and Garden Drama
Catnip is a bit of a space hog. It reseeds itself aggressively. If you plant one catnip plant this year, you’ll have twenty next year. It’s a survivor.
Catmint is more "polite." Most popular varieties, like 'Walker’s Low' (which was actually the Perennial Plant Association’s Plant of the Year in 2007), are sterile. They won't take over your lawn. They just sit there looking pretty and attracting bees.
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Speaking of bees—pollinators love both. If you want to help the local bee population, either plant is a win. But if you have a neighborhood full of stray cats, planting Nepeta cataria in your front yard is basically opening a feline nightclub. You’ve been warned.
Culinary and Herbal Uses for Humans
Believe it or not, these aren't just for animals. Humans have been using catnip for centuries.
Catnip tea is an old-school remedy for insomnia and digestive issues. It has a mild sedative effect on humans—the opposite of what it does to cats. It tastes a bit like a mix of mint and grass. It’s not exactly Earl Grey, but it works in a pinch if you're feeling stressed.
Catmint isn't typically used in the kitchen as much, though it's perfectly safe. It’s mostly just for looking at. However, both plants are excellent at repelling certain pests. Research from Iowa State University has shown that the nepetalactone in these plants is actually more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET. The catch? It doesn't last as long on the skin. But having it in your garden can definitely help keep the bug population down.
Which One Should You Buy?
It depends on your goal.
If you want to treat your cat to a psychedelic afternoon, buy Catnip. Look for Nepeta cataria. Be prepared for it to look a little messy in the garden. You might even want to grow it in a pot so you can move it out of reach if the neighborhood cats start brawling over it.
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If you want a plant that looks stunning, smells like a dream, and survives a drought, buy Catmint. Specifically, look for 'Junior Walker' or 'Purrsian Blue'. These are the rockstars of the landscaping world. They’re tough as nails and deer-resistant.
The "Cat Effect" Breakdown
Not all cat reactions are the same. When a cat eats catnip, it usually acts as a sedative. They’ll get sleepy and mellow. When they smell it, they go wild. This is because the scent triggers the predatory and sexual centers of the brain.
If you notice your cat getting aggressive or "cranky" after catnip, they might be one of the few who get overstimulated. For those cats, catmint is actually the better choice. Its lower potency provides a "micro-dose" experience that's less likely to result in a scratched arm for you.
Practical Steps for Your Nepeta Journey
- Check the Label: Don't just trust the "Cat" prefix. Look for the Latin name. Cataria for cats, Faassenii for flowers.
- Location Matters: Plant catnip in a spot where you don't mind a little chaos. Cats will literally roll on top of the plant and crush it. If you have a prize-winning rose bush, don't plant catnip next to it.
- Harvesting: If you're growing catnip for your pet, harvest the leaves when the plant is flowering. That's when the oil concentration is at its peak. Dry them in a dark, well-ventilated area to preserve the potency.
- Pruning: For catmint, cut the whole plant back by half after the first round of purple flowers fades. It’ll reward you with a second flush of color a few weeks later.
Both plants deserve a spot in the yard. They’re hardy, easy to grow, and offer something for everyone. Just don't expect your cat to appreciate the aesthetic value of your 'Walker’s Low' when there’s a stinky weed next door that smells like a feline party.
To keep your plants thriving, ensure they have well-draining soil. Neither plant likes "wet feet," and they will quickly develop root rot if left in standing water. Once established, they are incredibly drought-tolerant, making them a perfect choice for low-maintenance landscapes or "lazy" gardeners. If you're dealing with heavy clay soil, consider planting them in raised beds or amending the soil with grit or compost to improve drainage.