Comments on: Catnip: a new use for a food dehydrator

By: Colorado Transplant

Colorado Transplant — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:17:44 +0000

My cat alights on top of the stove, microwave, etc. so I decided against a dehydrator which might be another hazard for her.

I am growing grass from a package a bought from Petco. Both cats love to eat the grass and it takes less than a week to pop up from the package. Very simple to grow.

The catnip will have to be bought dry from the pet store or—in the warmer weather—eaten raw.

By: Liz Palika

Liz Palika — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:01:21 +0000

You can also find dehydrators at camping supply stores.

And yes, when I tried to do it in the house, the dehydrator was watched carefully by Xena so I moved it to the garage.

When I get a chance I’ll share some dog treat recipes for the dehydrator - it’s easy to make them.

By: Moira

Moira — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 20:33:04 +0000

I have a friend who makes catnip toys from baby socks…stuffed with cotton and catnip, sewn closed at the top with feathers. Here’s a link to my aby rescue girl going nuts with her sock last year. http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/photo.php?id=374971

By: rheather

rheather — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:28:13 +0000

I never thought of playing hide the catnip! That’s going to be fun.

I keep wornout knotted socks steeping in a container of catnip. That’s good for grab-and-kick or rub-and-drool depending on the cat.

By: Martha M.

Martha M. — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:28:44 +0000

About 1977 my favorite aunt mailed me a package from Pennsylvania which contained, among other things, a couple of Baggies full of dried catnip. She included a note in each, stating: “Postmaster, this is catnip. Really.”

By: Janeen

Janeen — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:05:54 +0000

Dehydrators are also great for making dog treats. If your dogs like those spendy sweet potato chews it’s a lot cheaper to buy - or better yet grow - some squash or pumpkins, and make your own.

Slice the veggies (technically speaking they’re fruits, but you get my drift) into 1/2” to 1” thick slabs and dry until they’re about the consistency of rawhides. If you can handle the stink (or do it outside) you can make liver treats in one too.

I made a batch of cranberry, orange, mango fruit leather in mine last week for people treats. Nom!

By: H. Houlahan

H. Houlahan — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:43:53 +0000

Do the cats not assault the food dryer while it is in action?

Colorado Transplant, you can get an American Harvest or a knock-off at many stores that stock kitchen appliances. Cheap this time of year.

I’ve been using my American Harvest for nearly 20 years. It’s fantastic.

http://www.thekitchenstore.com/neamhasndean.html

By: Colorado Transplant

Colorado Transplant — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:48:20 +0000

Thanks, Pat. Once I know what it looks like on e-bay or Craigslist, I might get lucky at a yard sale or flea market.

By: Average Jane

Average Jane — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:35:49 +0000

All my cats enjoy dried catnip to some degree, but I’ve never offered them the fresh herb.

(Oh, and I also have a Xena!)

By: The OTHER Pat

The OTHER Pat — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:38:38 +0000

I got mine on ebay. But I bet you’d also have good luck on craigslist.

Another way to preserve fresh herbs is to freeze them - in water. You basically submerge the cut herb in water and freeze it that way. Once thawed, it’s almost like using the fresh-cut herb again. And for some uses (adding to a stew, for example), you can just toss in the entire “herb-sicle” without needing to thaw it first.

As for catnip - I somehow have ended up with three cats - none of whom respond to it. Cry for me! (G!)