Cat Herb Growing Kit

The Cat Herb Growing Kit by Radis et Capucine brings fresh, safe greenery for your cat straight to your windowsill. The set contains everything you need: a sturdy terracotta bowl, coconut soil discs and two seed varieties – catnip (Nepeta cataria) and cat grass (barley). Within days, the first shoots appear and your feline friend can nibble to their heart's content.

What's in the Kit?

• 1 terracotta bowl (cat-friendly shape, tip-resistant)
• 4 coconut soil discs (rehydrate with water)
• 1 packet of catnip seeds (Nepeta cataria)
• 1 packet of cat grass seeds (barley / Hordeum vulgare)
• Dimensions: 10 × 17 × 16 cm
• Hand-assembled in France (Anjou)

Why Catnip? The Science Behind It

Catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that triggers a euphoric response in cats. Roughly two thirds of all cats react: they roll, rub their faces on the plant, purr loudly and become playful. The effect lasts 10–15 minutes and is completely harmless.

Whether your cat responds is genetically determined – multiple genes are involved (polygenic inheritance). Kittens under 3–6 months show no reaction yet. Even big cats like lions and leopards respond to nepetalactone!

Why Cat Grass? More Than Just a Snack

• Hairball relief: Fibres help cats naturally expel swallowed hair
• Folic acid: Grass provides vitamin B9, which is lacking in meat
• Digestion: The fibre stimulates healthy digestion
• Houseplant protection: Cats with their own grass are less likely to chew on houseplants – many of which are toxic (lilies, ivy, poinsettia!)

Growing Guide: Step by Step

1. Place the 4 coconut discs in the bowl and pour lukewarm water over them. After 5 minutes, the soil is expanded and ready.

2. Scatter barley seeds evenly and press gently (0.5 cm deep). Catnip seeds go on top – they need light to germinate, do not cover.

3. Moisten with a spray bottle. Bright location, no direct midday sun. 18–22 °C.

4. Barley sprouts in 3–5 days. Catnip takes longer: 10–14 days to germinate, 6–8 weeks to full size.

5. Once grass reaches 8–10 cm, your cat can start enjoying it.

Compact Kit vs. 12-Plant Set

This compact kit (CHF 12.95) features 2 varieties and is perfect as a gift or first-time grow. The 12 Plants for My Cat Set (CHF 19.95) offers the full range: 12 different herbs and grasses including valerian, thyme, mint and lemon balm for a complete cat herb garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is catnip safe for my cat?
Absolutely. Catnip is completely non-toxic. The euphoric effect wears off naturally after 10–15 minutes. There is no risk of addiction or overdose.

Will my cat react to catnip?
About 60–70% of cats respond to nepetalactone. It's genetic. Kittens under 6 months typically don't react yet.

How often do I need to re-sow?
Cat grass gets nibbled down after 2–3 weeks. Plan to re-sow every 2–3 weeks. Catnip grows bushier and lasts longer.

Does it work on a windowsill?
Perfectly! A bright east- or west-facing window is ideal. No garden needed.