Feral Cat Responses to Silver Vine: Implications for Feral Cat Management

Lures are an important tool used for pest management of invasive and feral species. The euphoric 'catnip' response in the domestic cat (Felis catus) is triggered by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by several plants. These compounds elicit sniffing, licking, chewing, and rubbing responses in cats, which could increase the efficacy of various management tools for feral cats. We examined feral cat behavioural responses to four commercial plant products that are purported to elicit the 'catnip' response-Fishmint (a mix of five plant species) and three silver vine (Actinidia polygama) products. The behavioural responses of 12 feral cats, individually exposed to each of the products in a controlled environmental setting, were recorded. There were significant differences in the amount of time cats spent interacting with the plant materials, with marked differences in intensity of their interactions. Chemical analysis of the plant products using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry were carried out using headspace and solvent extraction. The silver vine plant material that they appeared most strongly interested in had the highest concentration of actinidine present, but nepetalactone, isodihydronepetalactone (and isomers), and iridomyrmecin were also evident in all the silver vine samples. Silver vine products elicited behavioural responses from feral cats, indicating their potential as effective lures. Such lures could enhance detection and monitoring in feral cat management programs. We report chemical differences in plant lure compounds, which likely reflect the plant part used, and/or processing and handling of plant material, and raise considerations for manufacture and presentation of cat lures.