Catnip vs. Catmint — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 20, 2023
Catnip is a specific type of catmint, known scientifically as Nepeta cataria, which often induces playful behavior in cats, while catmint refers to plants within the Nepeta genus, valued for their ornamental use and not always affecting cats.
Difference Between Catnip and Catmint
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Catnip and catmint are both terms associated with the Nepeta genus of plants. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they represent distinct entities within the same botanical family. Catnip specifically refers to Nepeta cataria, a particular species that's well-known for its intoxicating effect on many cats.
Catmint, on the other hand, encompasses a wider range of species within the Nepeta genus. These plants are often cultivated for ornamental purposes in gardens due to their attractive, fragrant blue or lavender flowers. Unlike catnip, not all catmint species have the same effect on cats.
The active ingredient in catnip that causes reactions in cats is called nepetalactone. This compound stimulates sensory neurons in susceptible cats, leading to a range of reactions from rolling and purring to hyperactivity. While catnip possesses a high concentration of this compound, not all catmint varieties do.
Gardeners often prefer catmint over catnip for landscape designs because of its more attractive and resilient characteristics. While catnip tends to grow wild and can look somewhat unkempt, many catmint species, like Nepeta faassenii, have a tidier appearance.
In conclusion, while both catnip and catmint belong to the same botanical genus and share some similarities, their distinctions lie in their species, appearance, and the reactions they elicit in cats.
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Comparison Chart
Scientific Name
Nepeta cataria
Various species within the Nepeta genus
Effect on Cats
Often induces playful behavior
Not all species affect cats
Cultivation Purpose
Both for cat amusement and ornamental
Primarily ornamental
Appearance
Can appear wild and unkempt
Tidier, often used in landscape designs
Active Compound
Contains nepetalactone
Not all varieties contain high levels of nepetalactone
Compare with Definitions
Catnip
A specific plant of the Nepeta genus known for its effects on cats.
My cat goes crazy whenever I give her catnip.
Catmint
A perennial herb with fragrant blue or lavender flowers.
Catmint adds a lovely color contrast in our backyard.
Catnip
A perennial herb with heart-shaped leaves and white or light purple flowers.
The garden has a wild section filled with catnip.
Catmint
A plant from the Nepeta genus, valued for ornamental purposes.
The garden's border is adorned with beautiful catmint.
Catnip
A plant used to produce toys or treats for feline amusement.
I bought a catnip-stuffed toy for my kitten.
Catmint
A relative of the mint family, often used in landscape designs.
We replaced the rose bushes with catmint for a change.
Catnip
An herbaceous substance known to induce playful and sometimes erratic behavior in cats.
Some cats are immune to the effects of catnip.
Catmint
A broader term encompassing various species, including catnip.
Not all catmint varieties will make your cat playful.
Catnip
A member of the mint family, used traditionally for medicinal purposes.
Catnip tea can be soothing for some mild ailments.
Catmint
An ornamental plant with resilient characteristics suitable for various garden styles.
Catmint thrives well in both sunny and partially shaded areas.
Catnip
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae, native to southern and eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of China. It is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America.
Catmint
Catmint usually refers to:
Catnip
A hairy aromatic perennial herb (Nepeta cataria) in the mint family, native to Eurasia and containing an aromatic oil to which cats are strongly attracted.
Catmint
Any of various aromatic, ornamental plants of the genus Nepeta in the mint family, having variously colored flowers with two-lipped corollas.
Catnip
Any of various other mostly aromatic plants of the genus Nepeta, cultivated for their ornamental foliage and clusters of blue, lavender, or white flowers.
Catmint
Chiefly British Catnip.
Catnip
Any of the about 250 species of flowering plant of the genus Nepeta, family Lamiaceae, certain of which are said to have medicinal qualities.
Catmint
Synonym of catnip}} {{gloss
Catnip
Nepeta cataria and Nepeta grandiflora (and perhaps other species), which are well-known for causing an apparently harmless pheromone-based intoxication among certain cats.
Silver vine
Some cats go bonkers over catnip; others ignore it.
Catmint
Hairy aromatic perennial herb having whorls of small white purple-spotted flowers in a terminal spike; used in the past as a domestic remedy; strongly attractive to cats
Catnip
(figurative) Something that causes excitement or interest.
Catnip
A well-know plant of the genus Nepeta (Nepeta Cataria), somewhat like mint, having a string scent, and sometimes used in medicine. It is so called because cats have a peculiar fondness for it.
Catnip
Hairy aromatic perennial herb having whorls of small white purple-spotted flowers in a terminal spike; used in the past as a domestic remedy; strongly attractive to cats
Common Curiosities
Can you use catmint for landscaping?
Yes, catmint is popular in landscaping due to its ornamental appeal.
Why doesn't my cat react to catnip?
Some cats are genetically immune to the effects of catnip.
Are catnip and catmint the same?
No, catnip is a specific type of catmint, known as Nepeta cataria.
Which one affects cats more?
Catnip, due to its high concentration of nepetalactone, has a more pronounced effect on cats.
Is it safe for cats to consume catnip?
Yes, in moderation. However, overconsumption can lead to mild digestive upset.
Do all catmint plants have blue flowers?
Most catmint varieties have blue or lavender flowers, but there can be variations.
How often should I give my cat catnip?
It varies, but moderation is key. Too much can desensitize a cat to its effects.
Which is easier to grow in a garden?
Catmint is often preferred for its resilience and ornamental value.
Can both plants be used for medicinal purposes?
Traditionally, both have been used for various remedies, but catnip more so than catmint.
Can humans feel the effects of catnip like cats?
No, catnip doesn't have the same intoxicating effect on humans as it does on cats.
Is catmint also part of the mint family?
Yes, both catnip and catmint belong to the mint family.
Can I use catmint in cooking?
While catmint is not commonly used in cooking, some herbal teas might contain it.
Is catnip a type of catmint or vice versa?
Catnip is a specific type of catmint.
Are there synthetic alternatives to catnip?
Yes, there are synthetic sprays that mimic the effects of catnip.
How long does the effect of catnip last on cats?
Typically, the effects last about 10-15 minutes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
