Catnip, catmint, catwort, catswort, botanically known as Nepeta cataria is a perennial, herbaceous plant valued for herbal teas as its relaxant and sedative properties. However, sometimes, the word catmint may refer to all members of the genus Nepeta.
Nepeta cataria is a member of the family Lamiaceae, commonly known as the mint, sage, or deadnettle family native to the Middle East, Central Asia, eastern and southern Europe, as well as some parts of China.
Rabbits can eat catmint or catnip, whose name comes from the fact that this plant two-thirds of cats, thanks to the nepetalactone, a feline attractant that may make them roll, paw, or frisk. Leaves, branches, and flowers are safe to bunnies.
However, like most of the other aromatic herbs, rabbits don’t like its mild scent and will tend to avoid it. It is one of the rabbit-resistant plants that even wild rabbits hardly touch.
If your bunny loves catmint when giving it to your cat, keep the amounts small, just like you do to other herbs. Chop and sprinkle it on their vegetable mix.
Catnip will boost mood while bringing down restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety. Also, it has some nutrients that are beneficial to bunnies.