Cats and The Art of Plant Preservation

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Cats and The Art of Plant Preservation

Gardeners have problems with cats. A major one is their conviction that any nicely tilled, soft, dry seedbed has been provided by kindly humans for them as a latrine. Next is their inability to grasp the concept that “wildlife garden” is not synonymous with “hunting park”. And then there’s the intense attachment some cats display for certain plants, using them as beds, food or playthings.

I’ve heard of cats becoming obsessed with all sorts of plants. My cat, Celeritas (who can move with the speed of light but is not exactly an example of Einsteinian genius), enjoys chewing my winter floral arrangement of dry seed heads – especially dock – then chasing them over the carpet. He also finds Busy Lizzies irresistible, and will graze them to pot level, appearing to enjoy the meal.

Catmint (Nepeta cataria) is famed for its ability to reduce cats to a state of intoxicated euphoria. Like me, many gardeners love their cats too, and buy catmint regularly, knowing that it will be rolled on, pawed at and chewed to shreds. I only hope the gardeners in question get a few cups of delicious catmint tea out of it before decimation takes place. If enough can be preserved, it’s worth planting in the vegetable garden, as it repels aphids, cabbage flies and many other pests. There is a lemon-scented variety which is particularly delicious (and just as popular with cats). I get mixed messages about Blue Catmint (Nepeta mussinii). It contains less actinidine, the attractive substance, but I occasionally see cats munching on it and many customers report the same. Perhaps they go for it if there is none of the genuine article. It’s a very pretty plant, and if the cats aren’t so keen, bees certainly are.

Actinidine is also found in Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), but as it is mostly concentrated in the roots, cats are unlikely to swarm over it until you start digging. Then watch them go! The smell of valerian roots (made into preparations for insomnia, anxiety and migraine) is strong, unmistakeable and not particularly pleasant – unless you’re a cat or rat. Extracts are used as bait to catch rats and feral cats – reminding us the Pied Piper tale may have a botanical basis! The properties which excite cats can lead to addiction and mental incapacity if used excessively by humans – Hitler was a striking example of a Valerian addict.

If you want a plant to keep cats away, try Rue (Ruta graveolens). It is said (and I have been personally assured) that cats refrain from digging near Rue, however crumbly and inviting. Celeritas thinks the greenhouse is his personal sun lounge from which he supervises my work in the nursery; now every space is full of seed trays, I should try squeezing in some rue to stop him lying on the seedlings!

As for maintaining the balance between cat ownership and wildlife gardening, I find good feeding and the addition of a large, loud bell on his collar a great help! (But then, as you can see, he’s inclined to idleness.)

www.plantswithpurpose.co.uk