How to Dry Catnip

A Friskies focus group proved what cat owners already knew; our feline friends crave variety and excitement. For most cats over 6 months, catnip is the cat's meow. If you're a slave to your cat's happiness, knowing how to dry catnip is an easy, low cost way to expand your entertainment arsenal.

Finding Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta Cataria) can be found growing wild in 48 of the 50 states (sorry, Hawaii and Florida). Many gardeners use catnip as an ornamental plant and don't mind sharing. Cat owners grow their own catnip either potted or in their yards. Always avoid plants found along roadsides or in areas that may have been treated with pesticides or herbicides.

Harvesting at the peak of bloom maximizes the nepetalactonein that cats love so much. The ideal time to collect cuttings is just after the morning dew has dried. Using sharp sheers cut the stems 4-6 inches above the ground. Shake off any insects and remove dead leaves before bringing your cuttings home.

Drying Catnip

I dry my catnip in Kraft paper bags from the grocery store.

Rinse the catnip in cool water and gently pat dry with paper towels. Cut the stems to pieces no longer than the paper bag's height.

Fold the first inch of the paper bag down onto itself to strengthen the top of the bag. Cut holes around the bottom and near to top to allow airflow.

Create five bunches of 2 to 3 stems each. Remove the leaves from the lowest two inches and tie the stems together with an old ribbon.

Now, attach the bunches to the top of the bag so the ends are 2 inches above the top and they are staggered across the entire width. Working on the side of the bag closest to you; staple a bunch in each corner and one in the middle. Working on the side away from you, staple the last two bunches staggered between the first three. Close the top of the bag with a couple clothespins.

You now have the world's most enticing cat toy; a crinkly sounding bag wafting pungent catnip, don't sit it on the floor or leave it unattended.

Place the bag (or bags) in a warm dry place that will stay around 90 to 100 degrees (room temperature will just take longer). In my home, the hot water tank closet is the perfect place. I stack all my bags on the shelf above the tank, being careful not to crush them. They take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks to dry. When the leaves crumble easily, they're ready.

Storing Catnip

Collect the blooms and leaves, unbroken, into a clean, dry airtight container. Only crush them when you're ready to use them. Protect them from heat and light, as these will age them faster. Freezing will keep them longer.

If your cats enjoy store bought catnip, once you learn how to dry catnip yourself, take care introducing it. The higher quality can elicit a much stronger reaction.

Happy tripping!