Cats are smart. Heck…we all knew that. But they are smarter than even we thought they were. Here’s the proof:

West Nile Virus Hitting North America

The West Nile Virus, a viral disease of the brain, is transported by birds but transmitted to humans and other mammals by the common mosquito or skeeter if you live in the south.

It has hit various parts of the U.S. and Canada over the last three years. That’s the bad news…but the good news is that a plant that many people grow in their gardens can help in the deterring of these deadly pests. What is it?

Catnip, of course!!! We are finding out what our felines have known all along, that catnip is more than just a feline form of wacky tobaccy. Now why didn’t we think of this before.

Ubergato let it slip in the chatroom one nite about his culinary and gardening expertise with the herb. Never one to let such an opportunity slip, I have spent the last few days researching the properties of "Nepeta Cataria".

It is basically a nondescript looking plant, sometimes with blooms of white, yellow, or purple flowers. People who have grown these plants say the neighborhood cats love it so much that they flop down on the plant and roll their bodies in it. It sounds like they are applying insect repellent, doesn’t it.

Well, since we humans don’t usually roll around in our gardens, we have to come up with another way to apply the repellent. Ubie has graciously supplied me with his old family recipe for "Skeeter Beater", which they used for vacations when there was no catnip patch readily available.

Fill a quart jar or pot with some catnip, spearmint & pennyroyal leaves and cover with apple cider vinegar. Shake the container a couple times a day for about 2 weeks. Strain the concoction and put in a spray bottle. Spray on body as needed. (Phew�?I think I would smell like a minty french fry with this stuff!)

Here is Ubie’s favorite recipe for Catnip tea. It sends him off to LaLa land very quickly. I don’t think he needs much help in that regard though. But here goes: 1 teaspoon of dried catnip steeped with 1 cup of boiling water. Don’t boil it; just strain and serve it sweetened with some honey.

This can be enjoyed up to three times a day. (Not for pregnant women tho)

So don’t be afraid to venture in the great outdoors for the rest of the summer, just take the cue from Ubie and his compatriots �?Catnip Rules!!!

(I can see there is going to be a rush to the garden centers for catnip plants now�?)

A Public Service Announcement by Bubbles

©08-31-01