Catnip is a plant from the mint family that contains a chemical called nepetalactone. This chemical triggers a response in cats that can cause them to act hyperactive, playful, affectionate, and even aggressive. But what effect, if any, does catnip have on birds?
Does catnip attract birds?
There is no evidence that catnip actually attracts birds. Birds do not have the same response to nepetalactone that cats do. Nepetalactone binds to receptors in cats’ noses, which triggers the characteristic catnip reaction. Birds lack these receptors entirely. As far as scientists can tell, the nepetalactone in catnip has no effect on birds whatsoever.
Birds may sometimes be seen resting on or near catnip plants, but this is likely coincidental. Catnip plants can provide good cover from predators or a place to perch. But the plant’s nepetalactone scent does not entice birds or stimulate any particular response.
Do birds eat catnip?
While catnip does not seem to attract birds, some birds may occasionally nibble on the plant. Catnip is not toxic to birds and mammals the way it is to insects and arachnids. So sampling the plant causes no harm.
However, most wild birds tend to avoid catnip. Part of the mint family, catnip has a very strong, distinctive scent from its high concentration of aromatic oils. Most birds find this odor off-putting and irritating. The oils can also upset some birds’ stomachs.
A few bird species do regularly eat catnip leaves or flowers. These include:
- Chickadees
- Tufted titmice
- House finches
- Goldfinches
These birds all have natural defenses against aromatic plant oils. Their bodies are able to metabolize the oils, allowing them to ingest moderate amounts without ill effects. But even these birds do not prefer catnip over other food sources.
Does catnip produce any effects in birds?
Because birds lack receptors affected by nepetalactone, catnip does not induce any behavioral effects in birds like it does in cats. Rolling in catnip, rubbing against it, or eating it will not make birds playful, amorous, or overexcited.
At most, ingesting catnip may mildly upset a bird’s stomach or digestive system. Some minor gastrointestinal effects could occur from consuming its strong oils. But the plant is not toxic to birds and does not cause intoxication.
Any bird behaviors that seem unusual after exposure to catnip are likely coincidental. Since catnip does not interact with birds’ physiology in any meaningful way, it does not alter birds’ behavior or psychology.
Effects of cats rolling in catnip on birds
While catnip has no direct effects on birds, it can sometimes impact them indirectly. Birds often cohabitate with outdoor cats in backyards and natural spaces. When cats roll in or rub against catnip plants, they transfer the crushed plant oils onto their fur and feathers.
Birds with strong senses of smell may detect this nepetalactone scent on cats and become stressed or frightened. Cats are predatory animals, so their smell alone can be alarming to birds. The addition of pungent catnip oils may make cats seem even more threatening.
Birds that do not react fearfully to cats normally would still be unlikely to approach a cat covered in catnip. The aromatic oils are irritating and nauseating to most avian species. Even if the cat poses no harm, its strong odor could deter birds from coming near it.
In this way, catnip could potentially function as an indirect bird repellent in areas frequented by cats. The plant makes the cat smell and seem more intimidating to local birds.
Using catnip to repel birds
Rubbing or spraying catnip oil in an area can effectively repel certain birds. Species that find the plant’s aroma irritating will avoid places where it has been applied. The smell makes the location uncomfortable and unappealing as habitat or food source.
Catnip’s use as a bird repellent depends on the species:
- Most songbirds dislike catnip’s smell and will avoid scented areas.
- Goose species are highly repelled by catnip oil and rarely linger where it is sprayed.
- Pigeons show mild avoidance of catnip-treated areas.
- Chickadees and other birds naturally tolerant of aromatic oils may be less affected.
For best results, the oil must be reapplied frequently. Rain, sunlight, and wind will dissipate the scent over time. Consistent reapplication is required to maintain the odor intensity that deters birds.
Catnip can be a very effective, non-toxic bird repellent for certain species. It provides an all-natural, humane deterrent using a plant oil most birds find noxious. When repelling birds from yards, gardens, or structures, catnip is one option to consider.
Catnip compared to other bird repellents
Repellent | Effectiveness | Odor strength | Safety |
---|---|---|---|
Catnip oil | Highly effective for geese, moderately effective for songbirds and pigeons | Strong, pungent aroma | Non-toxic and natural |
Methyl anthranilate | Moderately effective for most species | Fruity, grape-like scent | Non-toxic when used properly |
Motion-activated sprinklers | Highly effective for all species | No odor | Humane and non-toxic |
Predator decoys | Effective for many species but birds may adapt | No odor | Humane and non-toxic |
Catnip has advantages and disadvantages compared to other bird repellent options:
- Advantages
- All-natural plant oil product
- Non-toxic for birds and environment
- Degrades quickly without constant reapplication
- Disadvantages
- May attract cats to treated areas
- Scent dissipates rapidly outdoors
- Less effective for species tolerant of aromatic oils
For strongest results, catnip can be combined with other deterrents like sprinklers or decoys. Using multiple repellent strategies together provides the broadest coverage against many different bird species.
Conclusion
Catnip has no behavioral or physiological effects on birds when consumed. Unlike in cats, catnip does not cause intoxication, euphoria, or any altered states in avian species. However, most birds avoid the strong scent of catnip oil. Spraying catnip oil can repel many birds from treated areas.
When used properly, catnip provides a natural, non-toxic bird deterrent. It is best utilized alongside other humane repellent methods for maximum effectiveness against different species. With an integrated bird control strategy, catnip oil can be a useful tool in deterring birds from yards, gardens, buildings, and other areas.