The Black Cat Apothecary
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The Black Cat Apothecary, is an organic range of botanical plants designed to entertain your cat and enrich their life. created by me, Dr Jo Lewis MRCVS, The Cat Vet.
The Aromatic Botanicals In each little tin of my herbal blends you'll find the finest quality ingredients such as super-potent catnip, the purest valerian and an exotic, wild-grown silvervine from the Far East. I was tired of all the boring, faded catnip that your cat has probably sniffed before, so created my own expertly formulated botanical collection - it's the purrfect fusion of nature & science. Every ingredient has been personally sourced and hand-blended by yours truly right here in Berkshire, UK. It's designed to enrich your cat's life & has so many benefits for their physical, emotional & mental health that you probably didn't know about. The Edible Botanicals Verdent meadows of feline grass |
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"Potion No. 9" is my signature blend that has been brewing in the cauldrons of The Cat Vet HQ for some time.
It's a very special ingredient in my recipe for ensuring your cats live healthier, happier lives ... all nine of them! |
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Dr Jo Lewis MRCVS
Award-winning feline vet, author & cat lover
Award-winning feline vet, author & cat lover
I've helped tens of thousands of cats and people the world over have a better life together and I'm keen to share all the amazing ways that aromatic botanicals can help with that. You'll know doubt have some questions about the botanical collection so take a peek below for answers to the most commonly asked ones...
Frequently asked questions
Botanical basics
What are CAT botanicals?
The organic botanicals used in all the products I sell, are a carefully selected range of cat-safe plant species that are reputed for their ability to both attract cats and enrich their lives.
My aromatic botanicals are reputed for emitting a potent scent that felines find alluring - they include:
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Cat mint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Silvervine 'Matatabi' aka the Japanese catnip (Actinidia polygama)
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Cat 'Thyme' (Teucrium marum) *COMING SOON*
Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) *COMING SOON*
You'll can find out more about each plant ingredient here.
My delectable range of edible botanicals offers all sorts of cat-friendly, easy to grow grasses for your cat to graze on whether in your home or garden.
My aromatic botanicals are reputed for emitting a potent scent that felines find alluring - they include:
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Cat mint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Silvervine 'Matatabi' aka the Japanese catnip (Actinidia polygama)
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Cat 'Thyme' (Teucrium marum) *COMING SOON*
Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica) *COMING SOON*
You'll can find out more about each plant ingredient here.
My delectable range of edible botanicals offers all sorts of cat-friendly, easy to grow grasses for your cat to graze on whether in your home or garden.
What makes your signature botanical blend for cats, Potion No. 9, so special?
The beauty of my Potion No. 9, is that it not only contains premium, potent, oil-rich parts of the catnip plant, but it also contains two other powerful plant ingredients that cats respond independently to. So basically what I mean is, that if your cat happens to be in the one third of cats that isn't genetically able to respond to catnip, then it doesn't mean they won't respond to either of the other two ingredients I've included in the potion. In fact, the odds of your cat responding to the combination of botanicals I've blended in Potion No. 9 is actually 94%. That equates to an investment worth trying in most people's books! ;-)
WhAT MAKES The Black Cat Apothecary botanicalS THE BEST?
I am not just a vet, I'm a trained biologist and purrfectionist. I analyse, ponder and question everything in great detail to be sure it's the right choice for my own family and also in my work as a vet. I have strong values and high standards which I kept in mind when I formulated my botanical range:
Premium quality - I have sourced the most high quality, oil-rich plants to use in my special potions and I haven't stopped there. Oil distribution in plants varies in potency from root to stem, and leaf to flower. I only select the best parts of the plant that contain the most oil for that given species and never bulk up the formula with the cheap woody stems.
Organic & Vegan - as part of my commitment to our planet and its ecosystems, I only use suppliers that grow their plants organically and some are even grown that way myself.
Cat & Bee Friendly - Being pesticide free is something I feel passionately about. Bees are naturally attracted to these plants when in bloom so it'd be cruel and very eco-unfriendly to cover them in deadly chemicals. Cats are also particularly susceptible to poisons owing to their petite size and the fact that they are naturally deficient in certain liver enzymes that break down the insecticides.
Unique formula - there are currently no other products on the market that harness the combined power of catnip, silvervine and valerian in one easy to use formula.
Hand blended to order - the raw materials are blended to a secret recipe by hand by me personally, at the point of sale, so you know that each tin is of optimal potency and quality.
Value for money - I only select the best ingredients for my botanical potions, the result is a more potent and longer-lasting formula. The end result is better results and you don't need to use nearly as much, so each small tin is great value for money.
Family-run UK business Each purchase is followed up with exceptional customer service. By supporting a small and friendly UK home-based business, but you are also helping me to continue to offer free educational content on my website and social media to help people and cats who may have limited access to veterinary care.
Eco-friendly packaging. As part of my commitment to our natural world the packaging of all products (including postal packing) is fully recyclable or compostable. You can either hold onto your little tin and purchase a refill or recycle it in your household recycling bin.
Premium quality - I have sourced the most high quality, oil-rich plants to use in my special potions and I haven't stopped there. Oil distribution in plants varies in potency from root to stem, and leaf to flower. I only select the best parts of the plant that contain the most oil for that given species and never bulk up the formula with the cheap woody stems.
Organic & Vegan - as part of my commitment to our planet and its ecosystems, I only use suppliers that grow their plants organically and some are even grown that way myself.
Cat & Bee Friendly - Being pesticide free is something I feel passionately about. Bees are naturally attracted to these plants when in bloom so it'd be cruel and very eco-unfriendly to cover them in deadly chemicals. Cats are also particularly susceptible to poisons owing to their petite size and the fact that they are naturally deficient in certain liver enzymes that break down the insecticides.
Unique formula - there are currently no other products on the market that harness the combined power of catnip, silvervine and valerian in one easy to use formula.
Hand blended to order - the raw materials are blended to a secret recipe by hand by me personally, at the point of sale, so you know that each tin is of optimal potency and quality.
Value for money - I only select the best ingredients for my botanical potions, the result is a more potent and longer-lasting formula. The end result is better results and you don't need to use nearly as much, so each small tin is great value for money.
Family-run UK business Each purchase is followed up with exceptional customer service. By supporting a small and friendly UK home-based business, but you are also helping me to continue to offer free educational content on my website and social media to help people and cats who may have limited access to veterinary care.
Eco-friendly packaging. As part of my commitment to our natural world the packaging of all products (including postal packing) is fully recyclable or compostable. You can either hold onto your little tin and purchase a refill or recycle it in your household recycling bin.
My cat hasn't responded to catnip in the past - will they still benefit from Potion No. 9?
Potion No. 9 not only contains premium, potent, oil-rich parts of the Nepeta cataria plants it comes from, it also contains two other powerful ingredients that cats respond independently to. So basically, if a cat isn't genetically able to respond to catnip it doesn't mean they won't respond to either of the other two ingredients I've included. In fact, the odds of your cat responding to the combination of botanicals I've blended in Potion No. 9 is actually 94%. That equates to an investment worth trying in most people's books! ;-)
Of course, each individual cat as you well know, is unique and as such how much they feel the effects of any of the ingredients will vary from cat to cat based on their temperament, mood and what's going on around them at the time. Sometimes cats seem to be rather uninterested and then low and behold, as the sun downs, up pops their inner wildcat and the toys get a pummelling. So what I'm saying is, don't be hasty in removing the botanicals - allow your cat plenty of time over a period of a week or two, before deciding they're uninterested.
Of course, each individual cat as you well know, is unique and as such how much they feel the effects of any of the ingredients will vary from cat to cat based on their temperament, mood and what's going on around them at the time. Sometimes cats seem to be rather uninterested and then low and behold, as the sun downs, up pops their inner wildcat and the toys get a pummelling. So what I'm saying is, don't be hasty in removing the botanicals - allow your cat plenty of time over a period of a week or two, before deciding they're uninterested.
What factors affect whether or not my cat will respond to aromatic botanicals?
Genetics & age
It's true that when it comes to catnip at least, we know that some cats are complete non-responders to experiencing it's pleasurable effects. Studies show that around a third of cats simply don't carry the necessary genes to react to the chemicals in catnip. That means that just over two thirds of cats do have the potential to respond, but that the ability to react doesn't seem to be fully developed until 6 months of age.
Quality and Storage
If your cat does have the genetics to respond, then their apathy for catnip may come down to what's on offer - you've probably been buying cheap, mass-produced catnip (ie the boring, weakly scented chaff that most pet stores sell). This sort of poor quality mainstream catnip uses the parts of the catnip that have less aromatic oil. This means they bulk it up with all the abundant woody stems, rather than the relatively more oil-rich parts such as the leaves and the most potent and expensive part, the flower buds. Another possibility is that the catnip is old or hasn't been stored incorrectly by you or the supplier or has just been sitting on the shelf for too long (see FAQ on How to store catnip to keep it fresher for longer).
So remember, if your cat has previously turned their nose up at your last catnip offering, then it may say more about the quality of the catnip than the quality of your cat's DNA!
It's true that when it comes to catnip at least, we know that some cats are complete non-responders to experiencing it's pleasurable effects. Studies show that around a third of cats simply don't carry the necessary genes to react to the chemicals in catnip. That means that just over two thirds of cats do have the potential to respond, but that the ability to react doesn't seem to be fully developed until 6 months of age.
Quality and Storage
If your cat does have the genetics to respond, then their apathy for catnip may come down to what's on offer - you've probably been buying cheap, mass-produced catnip (ie the boring, weakly scented chaff that most pet stores sell). This sort of poor quality mainstream catnip uses the parts of the catnip that have less aromatic oil. This means they bulk it up with all the abundant woody stems, rather than the relatively more oil-rich parts such as the leaves and the most potent and expensive part, the flower buds. Another possibility is that the catnip is old or hasn't been stored incorrectly by you or the supplier or has just been sitting on the shelf for too long (see FAQ on How to store catnip to keep it fresher for longer).
So remember, if your cat has previously turned their nose up at your last catnip offering, then it may say more about the quality of the catnip than the quality of your cat's DNA!
What should I expect to see if my cat is responding to the botanicals?
The response to the potent aromatic oils released from the catnip, silvervine and valerian will vary. Some cats definitely respond very enthusiastically and others just seem more chilled out with it and a small number of cats (about 6 in every 100) will show no signs of interest whatsoever.
The classic response is becoming very amorous with wherever or on whatever you put the potion. Behaviour ranges from hyper-playful hunting manoeuvres to sexual ones - cue unashamed rubbing and rolling, licking, salivating, meowing, chirruping and back leg "bunny" kicks.
All that energy release, usually ends with dreamy eyes and purring after about 10 minutes. A repeat purrformance doesn't seem to be achievable for around 30 minutes, sort of like a relative immunity to the chemicals, but after that time they seem to be able to repeat the experience.
It's really important not to try and interact with your cat while they are in their hyperactive or aroused state or you might be fair game! Some cats may get carried away in the moment with all that predatory/sexual energy flying around and misdirect their claws and teeth at your body parts!
The classic response is becoming very amorous with wherever or on whatever you put the potion. Behaviour ranges from hyper-playful hunting manoeuvres to sexual ones - cue unashamed rubbing and rolling, licking, salivating, meowing, chirruping and back leg "bunny" kicks.
All that energy release, usually ends with dreamy eyes and purring after about 10 minutes. A repeat purrformance doesn't seem to be achievable for around 30 minutes, sort of like a relative immunity to the chemicals, but after that time they seem to be able to repeat the experience.
It's really important not to try and interact with your cat while they are in their hyperactive or aroused state or you might be fair game! Some cats may get carried away in the moment with all that predatory/sexual energy flying around and misdirect their claws and teeth at your body parts!
What are the benefits for cats of using herbs like catnip, silvervine or valerian?
Answer to question 6
Is it safe & ethical to offer my cat botanicals like catnip?
Are there any risks or precautions I need to take when considering using botanicals?
There is no evidence that cats suffer any untoward effects from botanicals like catnip if you use them correctly - it seems to be safe and non-addictive.
If large amounts of catnip are swallowed rather than sniffed, then it has potential to cause drowsiness or tummy upset. To avoid less pleasurable responses like these, I have provided plenty of information & guidance for you to follow on how to safely offer your cat botanicals as well as what NOT to do!
If your cat accidentally busts into their stash of botanicals, overindulges and show these symptoms then here's the best plan:
If large amounts of catnip are swallowed rather than sniffed, then it has potential to cause drowsiness or tummy upset. To avoid less pleasurable responses like these, I have provided plenty of information & guidance for you to follow on how to safely offer your cat botanicals as well as what NOT to do!
If your cat accidentally busts into their stash of botanicals, overindulges and show these symptoms then here's the best plan:
- Remove access to prevent further indulgence
- Make sure they don't have any powdery residue caught on their face, especially around their eyes and nose - gently dust it off if it's safe to do so (ie make sure your cat's not feeling frisky still from the botanicals before doing this)
- Keep your cat indoors in a safe environment away from items that they could jump up onto and fall off if they become drowsy
- Offer bland, easy to digest food such as Hills i/d, Royal Canin Sensitivity Control (both available from your vet) or steamed plain fillets of white fish or chicken.
- Keep a watchful eye on their progress.
- If you're concerned or your cat has any underlying medical problems, is on medication, has severe symptoms or they persist beyond a few hours, then please do contact your vet.
Are the botanicals safe to use if my cat is off colour, has been diagnosed with a medical condition or is on medication?
When used in line with my recommendations (see other FAQs on how to use), the botanicals themselves should not be a concern to a fit, healthy cat or one that is stable on medication. I will say, however, that the stereotypical excitement and physical activity that catnip sniffing can cause is something that has the potential to exacerbate certain pre-existing conditions - in a similar way as we would expect with a human, if they had an undiagnosed heart problem and they suddenly became overexcited or started racing around the room out of the blue.
That said, you can buy herbal supplements online or from your pet shop with no health warning whatsoever, so being a vet, I'm probably at risk of being too cautious. Never hurts to err on the side of caution though.
So if in doubt, please do talk to your own vet - especially if your cat is already off-colour - you should get them checked over regardless.
Perhaps check with your vet if your cat is known to have any of the following conditions:
That said, you can buy herbal supplements online or from your pet shop with no health warning whatsoever, so being a vet, I'm probably at risk of being too cautious. Never hurts to err on the side of caution though.
So if in doubt, please do talk to your own vet - especially if your cat is already off-colour - you should get them checked over regardless.
Perhaps check with your vet if your cat is known to have any of the following conditions:
- Allergies or asthma (If your cat happens to have a plant-based allergy, then inhaling botanicals might in theory trigger an allergic reaction)
- A serious neurological or heart problem (eg arrhythmia, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) or untreated hyperthyroidism (my logic being that you may not want to overexcite or challenge any known weaknesses or already fast heart rates)
- Also, use common sense, for instance, if you cat is recovering from a surgical procedure or injury don't offer them any botanicals - you don't want to delay or set back any progress with any of their overenthusiastic antics ending with wound/sutures opening up or damaging any unhealed bones or soft tissues.
- And lastly, if your cat hasn't seen a vet in the last 6 months, then please consult them before use, just to be on the absolute safe side.
Are these botanicals safe for humans?
Inhaling or touching the oils within some aromatic plants can cause unwanted side effects for people who may be pregnant or breastfeeding. For that reason, it's best not to sniff or handle the botanicals if this applies to you. Also, as advised on the product label, please keep the tin well out of sight and reach of small children to avoid accidental ingestion.
The botanical formula is natural and organic, with many of the ingredients even being of human food grade quality, but consumption is still not advisable. Taking herbal supplements can also interact with prescription medications you may be using or any underlying illnesses.
Oh, and a little note for anyone planning to smoke the catnip blend hoping for the same high that cats seem to get - sorry to disappoint, but it's been done before (not by me, I might add!!) and humans do not experience the same response as cats.
The botanical formula is natural and organic, with many of the ingredients even being of human food grade quality, but consumption is still not advisable. Taking herbal supplements can also interact with prescription medications you may be using or any underlying illnesses.
Oh, and a little note for anyone planning to smoke the catnip blend hoping for the same high that cats seem to get - sorry to disappoint, but it's been done before (not by me, I might add!!) and humans do not experience the same response as cats.
Isn't catnip really like giving cats a legal high & just about entertaining us humans?
Many cat people mistakenly think that catnip is all about giving cats a dose of recreational drugs, a kind of mewphoria for our own amusement. This is not helped by a range of catnip brand name puns like KittyKrack, Meowijuana, etc. Whether or not you find your cat's behaviour amusing is a personal thing, but that's not where it's value lies.
In reality, herbs like catnip contain completely natural plant-based attractant molecules that even wild cats in their natural setting indulge in. From wild lions roaming the African savannah & rubbing on naturally aromatic shrubs to offering them to their captive counterparts in zoos or pampered pedigreed house cats, either way, plant aromas are really powerful tools for enriching a cat's life, big or small. And with a more enriched life comes better health and happiness. You can read all about how exactly catnip benefits cats here.
We know that when plants containing cat-attractant aromatic oils are damaged, they release these fragrant chemicals into the air. When inhaled by our cats, these potent scents can activate certain stimulatory nerve pathways in the brain. It would be wrong to say what exactly these chemicals make our cats think and feel, but the positive behavioural responses we see are certainly very consistent with a pleasurable experience. See FAQ What should I expect to see if my cat is responding to the botanicals?
In reality, herbs like catnip contain completely natural plant-based attractant molecules that even wild cats in their natural setting indulge in. From wild lions roaming the African savannah & rubbing on naturally aromatic shrubs to offering them to their captive counterparts in zoos or pampered pedigreed house cats, either way, plant aromas are really powerful tools for enriching a cat's life, big or small. And with a more enriched life comes better health and happiness. You can read all about how exactly catnip benefits cats here.
We know that when plants containing cat-attractant aromatic oils are damaged, they release these fragrant chemicals into the air. When inhaled by our cats, these potent scents can activate certain stimulatory nerve pathways in the brain. It would be wrong to say what exactly these chemicals make our cats think and feel, but the positive behavioural responses we see are certainly very consistent with a pleasurable experience. See FAQ What should I expect to see if my cat is responding to the botanicals?
How To...
IntroduCING YOUR CAT TO botanicals
Video on first introductions... sniffing closed tin ...
STORING botanicals FOR freshNESS & potenCY
A bit like the dried kitchen herbs you may use in your own cooking, to get the best effects from your cat's botanicals, it's really important to protect them from all the things that naturally cause the aromatic oils within the plant material to deteriorate.
For maximum freshness and potency, be sure to:
For maximum freshness and potency, be sure to:
- Protect from light by keeping the tin firmly closed and storing in a dark cupboard
- Protect from air by sealing the tin and storing it within an airtight contain or resealable bag. Be sure to seal it properly after each use - if your overenthusiastic cat accidentally sinks their teeth into the bag it's no longer airtight ;-)
- Protect from extremes of temperature & moisture by storing your botanicals in a cool, dry place at around room temperature.
- Use within 2 years of purchase or before if your cat's response indicates the potency is waning.
MAXIMISING THE BENEFITS of botanicals
What is silvervine?
You may have already heard about and offered catnip to your cats, but you may not know of silvervine, a lesser known, more exotic botanical that has a role to play in helping cats lives a more enriched life. It's especially useful in cats that don't carry the gene that is needed to respond to catnip. It's also called Japanese catnip 'matatabi'. The catnip-like effects come from a chemical produced by the gall fruits that form on the plant in response to insect invasion.
Actinidia polygama, the silvervine plant, is related to the kiwi fruit vine but only grows in the mountainous wilds of East Asia. Silvervine fruit gall powder is expensive stuff as it's a nightmare to grind and although the plant could technically be farmed elsewhere, the chemical reaction that attracts cats, relies on a specific species of insect that is only found in that region. What a fascinating natural world we live in!
You may have already heard about and offered catnip to your cats, but you may not know of silvervine, a lesser known, more exotic botanical that has a role to play in helping cats lives a more enriched life. It's especially useful in cats that don't carry the gene that is needed to respond to catnip. It's also called Japanese catnip 'matatabi'. The catnip-like effects come from a chemical produced by the gall fruits that form on the plant in response to insect invasion.
Actinidia polygama, the silvervine plant, is related to the kiwi fruit vine but only grows in the mountainous wilds of East Asia. Silvervine fruit gall powder is expensive stuff as it's a nightmare to grind and although the plant could technically be farmed elsewhere, the chemical reaction that attracts cats, relies on a specific species of insect that is only found in that region. What a fascinating natural world we live in!
As a feline vet for over two decades I know how much difference the little things can make to our cats' lives.
You may have already heard about and offered catnip to your cats, but you may not know of some of the lesser known, more exotic botanicals that have a role to play in helping cats lives a more enriched life - especially in cats that don't carry the gene that is needed to respond to catnip.
From the moment you open the tin, you'll know that Snuff Fluff is nothing like all the boring old, faded 'stem & leaf' catnip that abounds on pet store shelves. This is not just catnip... this is organic, pesticide-free, cat-friendly, supercharged & hand-blended in the UK, catnip.
You may have already heard about and offered catnip to your cats, but you may not know of some of the lesser known, more exotic botanicals that have a role to play in helping cats lives a more enriched life - especially in cats that don't carry the gene that is needed to respond to catnip.
From the moment you open the tin, you'll know that Snuff Fluff is nothing like all the boring old, faded 'stem & leaf' catnip that abounds on pet store shelves. This is not just catnip... this is organic, pesticide-free, cat-friendly, supercharged & hand-blended in the UK, catnip.
Potion No.9 was formulated by me, cat expert vet & author, Dr Jo Lewis MRCVS. It's a unique fusion of nature & science - a potent blend of three purremium aromatic botanicals that I know cats just LOVE!
