Fresh vs. Dried Catnip: What Your Cat is Missing
Freshly grown catnip is far superior to the bland dried varieties you often find in stores, according to Orange County veterinarian Dori Slater. If your cat hasn’t tried fresh catnip yet, he may be missing out on something special.
Fragrant and potent when fresh, catnip has the power to send many cats into an enjoyable tailspin, offering them a burst of excitement or a relaxed, mellow state.
How Cats React to Catnip
Not all cats react the same way to catnip. According to Mary Lou Heard of Heard’s Country Garden, some cats become incredibly excited and playful, while others become more lethargic and relaxed. This variation in behavior adds to the charm of offering fresh catnip to your furry friend.
How to Dry Fresh Catnip for Later Use
Since catnip is a vigorous grower, you may want to preserve its freshness for future use. Drying catnip is simple and allows you to enjoy its potency even after it’s out of season.
- Lay the catnip on a cookie sheet and place it in a 150-degree oven with the door slightly open.
- Let it cook until it is dry and crisp. For convenience, you can leave it in overnight and it will be ready by morning.
Alternatively, you can dry catnip in the microwave, though the oven method retains more of its fragrance.
Storing Dried Catnip
Once dried, store your catnip in tightly sealed plastic bags and keep it in a dry place to preserve its potency.
Winter Fun with Catnip
During the winter months when it’s cold and rainy outside, you can still perk up your cat’s spirits by placing dried catnip inside the toe of a sock. This simple trick will provide a burst of excitement to keep your cat entertained indoors.
