[Kate and her Ducks]

I sometimes have a bit of trouble getting to sleep so tend to use lavender oil to get me to drift off. I had read that valerian was also very good for this so bought some essential oil to give it a go. Smelt a bit odd but not offensive but no lavender and didn't think any more about it.

It however is terrible for a good night's sleep as I was woken a number of times in the middle of the night as my head was forced off the pillow by my cat trying to get to it to rub himself on it!

Have since discovered that cats love it in the way they love catnip. Has anyone else noticed this? Only 2 of the 5 cats seem in the slighted bit interested but very obviously so!

[mumofstig]

Next door's cats like the garden catnip and the valerian, rolling and laying among it - but Lucycat doesn't bother with either, so I think they either like it or don't notice it.
Lucy never took much notice of the mouse stuffed with catnip, I bought her, so I gave it to next door's cats and they shredded it 

So, you've been unlucky with your cat

[Kate and her Ducks]

Well I much prefer the lavender so I guess that's for me and will keep the valerian for Ollie 

[mumofstig]

That sounds like a good compromise, and maybe a good night's sleep 

[Val H]

Valerian was the original component of valium - Diazepam

[Val H]

ps: our cats are mad about it! Tried growing some last year but it was totally demolished

[spottymint]

Yep have heard of the valarian thing with cats.

Someone I used to work with, she would use diluted bleach on her kitchen floor, one of her cats reacted to it like catnip. 

[sunshineband]

I use valerian in tablet form, and I have to keep the packets well away from our Effie, and swallow it before I clean my teeth, not after, otherwise I am smothered by her rubbing at me in bed.

And have to wash my hands well as ths smell is easily transferred.

On the plus side, I do sleep well most nights