Seeing a beloved neighborhood bird injured or killed by a cat can be heartbreaking. As cat owners, we have a responsibility to do what we can to prevent our furry friends from harming local wildlife. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help a bird that has been attacked by a cat.
If a cat brings a caught bird indoors, immediate action is necessary to save the bird’s life. The first step is to free the bird from the cat’s mouth or claws. After that, a quick assessment should be made to check for open or displaced fractures, wounds, and signs of acute bleeding. Bleeding wounds should be gently compressed with clean tissues or kitchen towels to stop the bleeding. It is crucial to provide antibiotic treatment to every cat-caught bird, as the saliva of cats contains bacteria that can cause severe infection. Injuries commonly seen in cat-attacked birds include open abdominal, pelvic, or chest injuries, as well as fractures of wings and legs. Proper first aid and stabilization is necessary before transporting the bird to a wildlife rescue or veterinary surgery.
Assess the Situation and Act Quickly
If you witness a cat attacking a bird, act quickly to intervene. Make loud noises like shouting or clapping to startle the cat away. Then, gently pick up the bird with a towel and bring it to a safe place.
Look for any visible injuries on the bird. Check if it appears to have trouble breathing, walking, or holding its head up. Birds go into shock easily, so handle it as little as possible.
If the bird has minor scratches or seems alert, it may recover on its own. Place it in a cardboard box lined with a towel in a warm, quiet, and dark place. Don’t try to give it food or water.
However, if the injuries look serious, seek veterinary care right away. Severe wounds, bleeding, or impaired mobility are signs the bird needs professional treatment.
Provide Emergency First Aid
While on the way to the vet, you can provide some basic first aid to stabilize the bird and potentially save its life:
- Stop any bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean towel or gauze pad. Don’t remove any embedded objects.
- If the bird is having trouble breathing, clear any obstruction or fluid from its mouth using a cotton swab.
- Prevent shock by keeping the bird warm. Place a heating pad or hot water bottle under one side of the box.
- Limit handling and keep the bird calm and quiet. Covering the box may help.
- Do not attempt to give food, water, medication or home remedies. This should only be done by a veterinarian.
Get Veterinary Care to Help a Bird Attacked by a Cat
Seek professional veterinary assistance to help the injured bird as soon as possible. Call ahead so they can prepare for your arrival.
Wild bird vets have specialized training, but any vet clinic can provide emergency treatment to stabilize the bird. Explain how and when the attack occurred, and any first aid you administered.
The vet will assess and treat the bird’s injuries, which may include:
- Lacerations or puncture wounds – Cleaning and suturing deep cuts, prescribing antibiotics.
- Broken bones – Stabilizing with splints, bandages, or casting.
- Internal bleeding – Surgery, transfusions, medications.
- Eye injuries – Medications, flushing, eye coverings.
- Concussion – Monitoring, anti-inflammatories, rest.
- Infections – Draining abscesses, antibiotics, antifungals.
- Shock – Fluids, warmth, oxygen therapy, medication.
Birds’ bones are thin and fragile. Even minor bites can cause fractures or limb paralysis. Cats’ teeth and claws contain bacteria that can cause lethal infections. Prompt vet care gives the injured bird the best chance of survival and recovery.
Provide Aftercare to Injured Birds at Home
If the vet determines the bird has a good chance of healing, you may be able to provide aftercare yourself at home:
- Set up a small recovery cage in a warm, quiet room. Line it with soft bedding and place food and water within easy reach.
- Give all prescribed medications as directed. Common prescriptions include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and pain relievers.
- Gently clean wounds with antiseptic solution and apply antibiotic ointment if directed. Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus.
- Limit handling to reduce stress. Wear thick gloves if the bird is likely to bite. Check on it several times a day.
- Let the bird rest and recover. Talk or sing softly to avoid frightening it. Slowly introduce favorite foods after a few days.
- Monitor appetite, energy levels, and waste. Notify the vet if the bird stops eating, seems lethargic, or has unusual droppings.
- Return for follow up vet exams so they can check healing, change bandages, and ensure the bird is medically stable.
With attentive at-home nursing care, many injured birds fully recover and can be released back to the wild. Call your local wildlife rehabilitation center for guidance on when and how to release the bird once healed.
Prevent Future Attacks of Cats on Birds
The best way to help birds is to prevent feline attacks in the first place. Here are some tips for cat owners:
- Put bells on your cat’s collar to warn birds of its approach.
- Keep your cat indoors – this protects local birds as well as your cat.
- Install screened cat patios or outdoor cat enclosures so your pet can enjoy the fresh air safely.
- Provide enrichment toys and activities indoors so your cat doesn’t get bored.
- Keep your cat well-fed on a consistent schedule. Well-nourished cats are less likely to hunt.
- Never intentionally let your cat roam free outside. Supervise walks on a leash and harness.
- Deter birds from nesting or feeding too close to your home. Block access to potential bird habitats.
- Spay/neuter your cat – this reduces roaming and hunting instincts.
- Discourage stalking behavior right away with a firm “no.” Redirect to appropriate toys instead.
- Use pheromone diffusers and calming treats to decrease stress and aggressive tendencies.
With vigilance and common-sense precautions, you can allow your cat its natural instincts while also being a good friend to your local bird population. Following these tips will promote a safe, harmonious neighborhood for all species.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to witness the sad scene of a cherished backyard bird injured at the paws of a pet cat. However, cat owners can take steps to intervene, provide emergency care, and get proper veterinary treatment to give the bird a fighting chance. With some basic knowledge of first aid, finding an experienced wildlife vet, attentive at-home aftercare, and preventing future attacks, an injured bird can make a full recovery. Doing our part to protect both birds and cats will create an environment where all species can thrive.
FAQ
What should I do if a cat attacks a bird?
If a cat attacks a bird, immediate action is necessary to save the bird’s life. The first step is to free the bird from the cat’s mouth or claws. After that, assess the bird for injuries and stop any bleeding. It is crucial to provide antibiotic treatment to every cat-caught bird, as cat saliva contains bacteria that can cause severe infection. Proper first aid and stabilization is necessary before transporting the bird for further care.
Why do cat-caught birds require antibiotic treatment?
Cat saliva contains bacteria that can cause severe infection in birds. Even if there are no visible injuries, tiny puncture wounds may be missed, and the bird’s plumage could be contaminated with saliva, leading to ingestion of deadly bacteria. Prompt antibiotic treatment is necessary to prevent deadly infections and improve the bird’s chances of survival.
What are the common injuries in cat-attacked birds?
Cat attacks on birds can result in a range of injuries. Common injuries include open abdominal, pelvic, or chest injuries, as well as fractures of wings and legs. Piercing nails can damage internal organs, and poking nails may cause exposure. It is important to consult experienced rehabbers or avian vets for proper assessment and treatment of the injuries.
What should I do to provide first aid and stabilize a cat-attacked bird?
After freeing the bird from the cat’s grip, place it in a well-padded and ventilated cardboard box or secure animal carrier. The container should be covered, and the bird should be placed in a quiet and warm room with temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius. Additional heat, such as a heat pad or hot water bottle, can be used to counteract the shock situation, but caution must be taken not to burn the bird. Avoid excessive handling and stress during this period to minimize further harm.
Why is immediate action important when a bird is attacked by a cat?
Being caught by a cat is a traumatic event for a bird, leading to severe physical injuries and immediate distress. The bird may be in severe pain and extreme psychological distress. Freeing the bird and stopping any life-threatening bleeding is crucial for its survival. Delaying or neglecting these steps can result in severe infections and the eventual death of the bird.