My garden writer friend, Larry Hodgson, over at the Laidback Gardener blog (https://laidbackgardener.blog/) posted this q-and-a on a topic I had never heard of before -- some cats love weigela. I grow many kinds of weigela shrubs in my garden and have not seen any of my cats or other cats interacting with it, but I am going to keep an eye out for it now.
Here is Larry's blog post about it:
Question: My 7-year-old cat has discovered my weigela bush. During
flowering, he climbs into the shrub to grab the flowers, rolls around in it and
meows happily. Honestly, he seems to be high! I have many other plants, but he
leaves them alone. It’s really very funny. Do you know why this happens? ~ H. Filteau
Answer: You’ve hit upon a
situation that is fairly well known to cat-lovers, but one that has not yet, to
my knowledge, been studied. Some cats (a small minority) do indeed seem to
adore weigelas, but others are completely indifferent to these shrubs.
Valerian appears to affect many species (including people); its roots are the source of calming herb teas in Europe. It attracts dogs and makes them high. When I thinned my patch, my young dog walked up and began rolling in the rooted thinnings and laying on his back to rub it in. Later, an outdoor cat frequented the valerian bed, preferring it to the catmint nearby. Reportedly valerian was used by the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which celebrates June 26 as rat-catcher's day
We had a cat who loved cantaloupe. When she begged for it the first time I figured she just wanted whatever we were eating (she was a food beggar in general) but when I offered a bit to her she ate it enthusiastically. From then on, whenever we had cantaloupe I gave her a bit and she always loved it. None of our other cats have ever had any interest, even when offered, but I've heard from other cat owners whose cats like cantaloupe--so it's unusual but not unknown.
Ah yes, cats and cantaloupe are an unexpected, but popular connection. My theory is that these little carnivores enjoy the flesh-like texture. A few of my kitties have also liked pumpkin, squash, and melons.
Valerian appears to affect many species (including people); its roots are the source of calming herb teas in Europe. It attracts dogs and makes them high. When I thinned my patch, my young dog walked up and began rolling in the rooted thinnings and laying on his back to rub it in. Later, an outdoor cat frequented the valerian bed, preferring it to the catmint nearby.
ReplyDeleteReportedly valerian was used by the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which celebrates June 26 as rat-catcher's day
Thanks for sharing! I have seen Valerian in both the natural pet and human herbal aisles - sounds like a good way to take the edge off.
DeleteWe had a cat who loved cantaloupe. When she begged for it the first time I figured she just wanted whatever we were eating (she was a food beggar in general) but when I offered a bit to her she ate it enthusiastically. From then on, whenever we had cantaloupe I gave her a bit and she always loved it. None of our other cats have ever had any interest, even when offered, but I've heard from other cat owners whose cats like cantaloupe--so it's unusual but not unknown.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, cats and cantaloupe are an unexpected, but popular connection. My theory is that these little carnivores enjoy the flesh-like texture. A few of my kitties have also liked pumpkin, squash, and melons.
Delete