Question From My Cat

[bednobs]

my cat got a grow your own catnip kit for Xmas, but has asked for my help, as he's having a little trouble understanding the instructions (plus he can't read)
the instructions start off thus: Prepare the peat pellet. AFTER 7 DAYS OF COLD STRATIFICATION, PLACE IN A TRAY.
What does that mean?

[ubasses]

Have a read of this Bednobs
http://www.datreestore.com/cost.html

[wolf63]

My cat doesn't know so he checked http://www.amazon.com/The-Catnip-Kit-Mini/product-reviews/0762412488 and he still doesn't know

[bednobs]

thanks ubasses - i am still none the wiser
and thanks to frankie? for trying

[Frank97]

Cold stratification means put it in a fridge or somewhere suitably cold, sometimes freezing is required.

[Frank97]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stratification_(botany)

[Peaspeculiars]

bednobs, my 3 cats assure me that in order to get your cat's own catnip seeds to grow, you need to 'scare' them into action first with a litlle cold snap.

Mine historically have tried throwing the cat-nip seeds through the cat flap into the snow to see if they would sprout, and dunked them into the birdbath for a fortnight - but after little success, they have conversed and believe that the only straightforward option is to place the seeds in wet/ moistened peat in a sandwich bag and pop into the bottom of the fridge for 7 days. after which time, they would place them (with the peat) into a small pot on the windowsill with plenty of light and sharpen their claws whilst they await the catnip to grow.

[bednobs]

ok so i have seeds and a peat pelllet about the diameter if a £2 coin but 4 times as thick.
The instructions read as follows
Prepare the pellet, After 7 days of cold stratification, place it in a tray and slowly pour on1000mls warm water. When it has expanded drain excess water from the tray then gently press the catnip into the pellet. So what EXACTLY does my cat have to do? just put the pellet and seeds (in their bag) in the fridge?

[Peaspeculiars]

bednobs, one's cat must stick one's apron on, ensure a quick escape route is planned should any plant pots crash to the ground, and read the following link's step-by-step instructions carefully:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2317546_cold-stratify-seeds.html

Then, ones cat should ignore the above instructions, bung both the seeds and the peat disc/ pellet into the bag with enough water to make the peat expand and go soft, chuck a peg on t'bag and whack it into the back of one's owners fridge for a week.
Then, said cat may remove apron, saunter off to a nice warm corner and dream of the days when there will be fields and fields of catnip to roam in...
;-)
good luck!

[bednobs]

thanks, so seeds still in their own bag? Those instructions don't seem to be saying you should expand the peat first. I want to get it right, because he's very very excited about rolling round in his own personal catnip supply

[Peaspeculiars]

hiya, it really is just the seeds that need to be refrigerated to get them to 'activate' once planted in the peat afterwards. The peat would just help to keep them moist. But if the kit doesn't mention putting the peat in with them, just moisten the seeds in their bag and place in the fridge, that should work no problem :-)

[bednobs]

i really do appreciate your answers

[Slapshot]

Peas.... your guys any good at psychology... like telling my three that dad is not a climbing frame when he's sleeping between night shifts.....

[Peaspeculiars]

^^ Ha! Happy new year Slappy xx
Unfortunately nope, if they were psychologically adept, I would however ask them to have a word with your three Re the climbing frame scenario ;-)

[Slapshot]

loz... happy new year flower xxx

[Peaspeculiars]

:-) Perhaps you need to include some of these climbing frames into your renovations to tire them out before bedtime...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2565117/Now-thats-purr-fect-paradise-Man-18-cats-spends-35-000-turn-home-pet-playground.html

off to bed now Slappy, have a good'un and speak soon xx

[Peaspeculiars]

Sorry bednobs, I missed your reply - no probs, always good to see another cat lover about :-) night, night x

[Slapshot]

a demain flower xx